I am an active duty Soldier in the US Army. When my enlistment is up I intend to re-enlist, mostly because my school transcripts prevent me from getting into a college Id like to attend (at this point anyways) and I dont want to be thrust back into the civilian world at 25 with no degree. Im really interested in the Avionics field but going to school, or going to campus rather, is impossible for me being an active duty soldier. Im trying to find a school that offers online degree programs or certifcations, or one that can at least get me started in the right direction. Im looking for the following answers
- What colleges / tradeschools should I look to apply to?
- Is it neccessary to have a degree vs. certifications or do they go hand in hand?
- If you have experience in Avionics or a related field, maybe you can reccomend a career path?
Any help on any of these questions would be greatly appreciated, Im trying to put my life back together, lots of catching up to do…
Thank you.
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#1 by phil m at October 30th, 2009
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I saved a lot of time & money staying close to home to get my degree, you can find degree program in your area here on Monster Learning.
#2 by tequila_ at October 30th, 2009
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My dad was an Air Force crew chief on F-106’s way back in the day. His training that he received from the Air Force in the Avionics systems and electricity were some of the best. After retiring from the Air Force, he was able to get a job on with Boeing working on 727’s (when they were still making them), 737’s, and 757’s. His experience and training kept him ahead of the game. But at his time, having work experience was a key, not having certificates and licenses. But as things went on and times changed, he realized that if others wanted to go into this field, they would have to change too.
When I was at the age where I understood what career opportunities were available, I looked at what my dad did and thought this was cool stuff. Working with airplanes, avionics and navigation systems. That is what I wanted to do. As things went, my dad gave me some career paths that one, included a military background and getting into the Avionics field this way, or going to a vocational school and learning from them. I am hoping that you were in the Avionics field in the Army working on helicopters and the like. But you don’t mention that fact.
The things that I have found with vocational schools is the fact that most of your training is all GA, or general aviation. There is a little that is done to incorporate heavy aircraft but unless you work for an airline or a repair facitlity that does heavy aircraft maintenace, you will be limited to small aircraft.
Your best bet of getting a degree in the Avionics field or aircraft in general may be through Embry Riddle. They offer online classes and depending on where you live, there maybe a campus near you. See the link.
As for my career path, I ended up getting my vocational certificate as an Aviation Electrician. I learned the same systems that are onboard current airplanes, both commercial and general. Even though there are the glass flightdecks, the theory is the same for both types of airplanes. Then I went to Airframe and Powerplant school. Most A&P schools offer a Associates Degree if you complete the A&P and 45-90 additional credits. The A&P mechanic name is being replaced by the AMT or Aircraft Maintenace Technician program. Which I think sums it up better. Not only are you a mechanic, you do electrical, run engines, do repairs and the like. I regret not completing my AA after getting my A&P license, though I am still young (42) and may still do this any way. Depending on your military training, you might be able to show current work history, military in your case to allow you to take your A&P tests. If you don’t qualify for this you need to log the hours, 1050 for airframe, and 1080 for powerplant. I might have these hours incorrect but if you do the two year program at an acredited voc-school, you will get the required training to be able to take the three tests, General, Airframe, and Powerplant, as well as the oral and practical exams. If you complete all these exams with passing grades, you will then be given your license.
I feel very fortunate that I got into this career field. I work for Boeing on the 737 program. I of course didn’t just end up as an flightline technician/avionics but started out routing wires on the 747 and worked my way to functional testing and then to the flightline where the planes are preflighted and then deliveried to the customers (this will be my 19th year at Boeing). But even as an Avionics tech, or AMT, the future of aviation is a bright one if you have the training. The new 787 has lots of new technologies. Your at an age where you might be working and fixing them.
There are lots of opportunities if you choose to pursue them. Below are a couple of links to get you started I got off of Google.
Email me if you have any more questions
tequila_mike@yahoo.com.