Avionics Techs Can Now Pursue CAET Pedigree as Proof of Capability

The Aircraft Electronics Association started off the week announcing a new certification program to help define the skill levels, expertise, and capabilities of aviation technicians across the industry.

The Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) program is intended to become the “primary certification for technicians” across AEA members and, they hope, the wider avionics and electronics industry. Those who work their way up will go through stacking certifications, completing building blocks of more basic skill levels before tackling more in-depth challenges as they gain experience. In a familiar approach to anyone in the world of aviation, CAET certifications will begin with a written knowledge test issued through AEA partner USI. The Unmanned Safety Institute will proctor those tests online, providing the basic CAET certification to those who complete it. That’s just the first step, though, as technicians get a chance to really ramp up their qualifications from there. The next tier up is the CAET-Advanced, requiring “more in-depth knowledge and skill requirements and a practical test” in order to earn the stripes.

At the tippy-top lies CAET-Pro, the pinnacle of AEA certification, which is “designed for experienced technicians and avionics managers." CAET-Pro introduces an additional metric on top of the ability to diagnose, repair, install, and replace aircraft systems with the need for leadership, ensuring anyone at the top of the stack is ready to jump in and manage a team on day one. In a business where it's pretty common to work your way up to management, it's good to see someone's putting effort into honing leadership as a paramount skill.

“The AEA is committed to supporting the growth and development of the aircraft electronics industry by providing high-quality training and certification programs,” said Mike Adamson, AEA president and chief executive officer.

“The launch of the CAET program is a significant step toward addressing the workforce shortage and ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of business and general aviation. We expect avionics professionals will be able to take the initial certification exam in the second quarter of this year, and in the fall, we will launch the training and certification program in high schools and colleges through our partnership with USI.”

“Beginning this fall, CAET training and exams will be available to USI’s network of schools and colleges,” said Josh Olds, co-founder, president and CEO of USI. “We envision this certification both as a stand-alone career track as well as a maintenance skill enhancement for those in our UAS programs. We are excited to partner with the AEA and provide the avionics industry with a standards-based certification that is the ultimate resource for growing a skilled workforce.” 

FMI: www.aea.net