Question:
They don't typically have an A&P rating do they?
By what authority do they sign off repairs and
how do they get that authority? I haven't been
able to find anything specific to avionics in
FAR/AIM.
Answer:
The A&P is not needed, but most of them have it. Talking to
the director of the local A&P school, the only part required
is
the A (airframe). Then there's another "school" exclusively
for
avionics. I've discussed this with the avionics shop that
does
most of the work (as well as the pitot/static & transpoder
check)
for me. Dick has the A&P because it was just easier to do
the
entire program.
Avionics is under the jurisdiction of the FCC (Fed.
Communications)
So in order to do any mods to the aircraft, the person needs
a minimum of Airframe (FAA) and the Avionics (FCC).
That's why you don't find anything about avionics in 14CFR
(the FARs).
Here's more info from another Technical college that
describes
the process: (I'm not advocating this school, it's just the
first
one that appeared in Google search)
"The Avionics/Electronics Technology program offered at
Pulaski
Technical College is designed to provide the student with
the
knowledge and abilities to enter the aviation workforce as
an
Avionics Installer/Technician.
Much of the Avionics program is incorporated into the
Airframe Program.
As an Avionics student you would be required to take the
Aviation
General Course, specific courses within the airframe
curriculum
and Circuit Analysis I and II offered at the Main Campus.
After completing the Avionics/Electronic Technology program
requirements the student is eligible to take the Federal
Communications Commission Examination (FCC) and receive
their FCC License."
Then, the avionics person goes to work for a certified
repair
station, blessed under the FCC and FAA.
