Coast Guard AET to Civilian: Your Complete Avionics Career Transition Guide (2024 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Coast Guard Avionics Electrical Technicians have highly specialized skills that translate directly to civilian aviation careers in commercial airlines, corporate flight departments, aerospace manufacturing, and defense contracting. Your expertise in aircraft electrical systems, avionics troubleshooting, and flight control components makes you a premium candidate. With an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, realistic first-year salaries range from $60,000-$80,000, with experienced avionics technicians at major airlines and aerospace firms hitting $85,000-$115,000+. Specialized avionics techs can exceed $118,000. You've worked on complex systems that most civilian techs never touch. That experience is valuable.

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every AET transitioning out asks: "Do I need special FAA certification for avionics work?"

Here's the answer: The FAA doesn't have an avionics-specific certification. Avionics technicians typically hold an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate and specialize in avionics, or they work under the supervision of an A&P holder.

What you did in the Coast Guard:

Inspected, troubleshot, and repaired aircraft avionics and electrical systems
Maintained power generation systems, batteries, flight controls, navigation equipment
Worked on communication systems, radar, autopilot, and electronic flight instruments
Used technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and test equipment to diagnose complex electrical faults
Documented all maintenance actions per Coast Guard and FAA-equivalent standards
Maintained HH-60, HH-65, HC-130, and HC-144 avionics systems

That's exactly what civilian avionics technicians do—but on commercial aircraft, business jets, or military contract aircraft.

Your Coast Guard experience qualifies you for FAA A&P certification through military experience, and your specialized avionics background makes you more valuable than general aircraft mechanics.

Best civilian career paths for Coast Guard AET

Let's get specific. Here are the industries and roles where AETs land the best civilian jobs.

Commercial airline avionics technician (highest pay)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Avionics systems specialist
Line avionics tech
Avionics shop technician
Lead avionics technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level airline avionics tech: $60,000-$75,000
Experienced tech (3-5 years): $80,000-$95,000
Major airline top scale: $95,000-$115,000
Lead avionics tech / specialist: $105,000-$125,000+

Major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska) pay top rates for avionics specialists. Median avionics tech salary in 2024 was $81,390, but airline techs with A&P certificates and specialized avionics training earn significantly more—often exceeding $100K with overtime and shift differentials.

What translates directly:

Troubleshooting complex avionics systems (autopilot, flight management, communications, navigation)
Reading and interpreting wiring diagrams and schematics
Using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and specialized test equipment
Installing and configuring avionics upgrades and modifications
Documenting maintenance per regulatory standards
Working on glass cockpit systems and digital flight controls

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (strongly preferred)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (required for radio/radar work)
Airline-specific avionics training (provided by employer)

Reality check: Airlines prefer A&P-certified avionics techs. While some hire techs without A&P to work under supervision, career advancement and pay top out without the certificate. Get your A&P.

Airline hiring is cyclical. Post-pandemic airline expansion has created high demand, but economic downturns slow hiring. Apply early, apply often.

Union contracts at major airlines provide job security, clear pay scales, seniority-based bidding for shifts and days off, and excellent benefits (flight privileges, retirement, healthcare).

Best for: AETs who want top pay, job stability, union benefits, and specialized avionics work at major airlines.

Corporate / business aviation avionics

Civilian job titles:

Corporate avionics technician
Business jet avionics specialist
Flight department electronics tech
Avionics installation technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level corporate avionics tech: $65,000-$80,000
Experienced business jet avionics tech: $85,000-$105,000
Avionics shop manager: $95,000-$120,000+

Corporate and business aviation operates Gulfstream, Bombardier, Cessna Citation, Embraer Phenom, and other high-end business jets. These aircraft have cutting-edge avionics—often newer and more advanced than airline fleets.

What translates directly:

Working on advanced glass cockpit systems (Garmin G5000, Honeywell Primus, Collins Pro Line)
Troubleshooting integrated avionics suites
Customer service and direct client interaction (owners, flight departments)
Managing avionics installations and upgrades

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (preferred)
Avionics-specific manufacturer training (Garmin, Honeywell, Collins—often employer-provided)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Reality check: Corporate aviation offers higher autonomy, smaller teams, and close relationships with pilots and owners. You'll often be the sole avionics expert for a flight department, responsible for everything from troubleshooting to vendor coordination.

Expect occasional travel to support aircraft at remote locations. Pay is competitive with airlines, and many corporate jobs offer performance bonuses and profit-sharing.

Best for: AETs who want variety, autonomy, cutting-edge avionics systems, and smaller team environments.

Avionics installation and repair shops

Civilian job titles:

Avionics installation technician
Bench repair technician
Avionics shop lead
Field service technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level shop tech: $55,000-$70,000
Experienced installation tech: $70,000-$90,000
Field service tech (travel): $75,000-$100,000
Shop manager / lead: $85,000-$110,000

Avionics shops install, repair, and upgrade aircraft electronics for general aviation, corporate, and airline customers. This includes installing new GPS, autopilots, radios, transponders, and ADS-B equipment.

What translates directly:

Installing and configuring avionics systems
Bench repair and component-level troubleshooting
Reading installation manuals and wiring diagrams
Working with FAA regulations (STC approvals, 337 forms, etc.)

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (required for independent work)
Avionics manufacturer training (Garmin, Aspen, Avidyne, etc.)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Reality check: Avionics shops are fast-paced. You'll work on diverse aircraft types—from small single-engine planes to business jets. Installation work requires precision, attention to FAA paperwork, and customer interaction.

Field service techs travel to customer sites (airports, FBOs) to perform installations and repairs. Travel can be 50-75% of the time, but pay is higher.

Best for: AETs who want hands-on installation work, variety of aircraft types, and don't mind occasional travel.

Aerospace and defense contractors

Civilian job titles:

Avionics integration engineer
Aircraft systems technician (defense contracts)
Flight test avionics technician
Avionics quality assurance specialist

Salary ranges:

Entry-level contractor tech: $65,000-$85,000
Experienced integration specialist: $90,000-$110,000
Flight test avionics tech: $95,000-$120,000
Senior engineer / QA specialist: $105,000-$130,000+

Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon) hire avionics technicians to support military aircraft programs, flight test operations, and production.

What translates directly:

Military aircraft systems knowledge
Working with classified avionics and communication systems
Technical documentation and configuration management
Flight test support and troubleshooting

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (often required)
Security clearance (Secret or Top Secret—easier to obtain with Coast Guard background)
Specialized avionics training (employer-provided)

Reality check: Defense contractor work often requires security clearances. Your Coast Guard background makes this easier.

Contractor jobs offer higher pay than airlines but less job security (contracts end, programs get canceled). However, experienced avionics techs with clearances are always in demand.

Some positions involve flight test support—flying on test aircraft to monitor avionics during developmental testing. High-stress, high-responsibility work with excellent pay.

Best for: AETs who want to work on cutting-edge military and aerospace systems, have or can obtain security clearance, and prefer project-based work.

FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Avionics)

Civilian job titles:

Aviation safety inspector (avionics)
Airworthiness inspector
Avionics certification specialist

Salary ranges:

FAA inspector (GS-11 to GS-12): $75,000-$95,000
Senior inspector (GS-13): $95,000-$120,000+

FAA inspectors ensure compliance with federal aviation regulations, conduct certification inspections, investigate accidents, and approve avionics installations and modifications.

What translates directly:

Deep knowledge of avionics systems and regulations
Attention to detail and regulatory compliance
Technical writing and investigative skills

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (required)
Significant hands-on avionics experience (5-7 years minimum)
Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Reality check: FAA inspector jobs are highly competitive. Veteran preference applies (5-10 points). The work involves frequent travel, audits, and regulatory enforcement.

You represent the federal government ensuring aviation safety. It's high-responsibility work with excellent job security, federal benefits, and clear GS pay progression.

Best for: Experienced AETs who want federal employment, regulatory work, and are willing to travel extensively.

General aviation and helicopter avionics

Civilian job titles:

General aviation avionics technician
Helicopter avionics specialist
Avionics upgrade specialist

Salary ranges:

GA avionics tech: $55,000-$75,000
Helicopter avionics specialist: $70,000-$90,000
Experienced GA shop tech: $75,000-$95,000

General aviation (small planes, helicopters, regional aircraft) needs avionics technicians for repairs, installations, and upgrades. If you specialized in Coast Guard helicopters, this is a natural fit.

What translates directly:

Helicopter avionics systems (if you worked HH-60s or HH-65s)
Small aircraft electrical systems
Customer interaction (GA owners are hands-on and detail-oriented)

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
Manufacturer-specific training (Bell, Airbus, Robinson, etc.)

Reality check: GA avionics work is more personal—you interact directly with aircraft owners. Pay is lower than airlines but still solid, and many GA techs enjoy the variety and close customer relationships.

Best for: AETs who prefer smaller aircraft, direct customer service, and variety in daily work.

Getting your FAA A&P certificate (critical step)

Most civilian avionics jobs require or strongly prefer FAA A&P certification. Here's how to get it:

Option 1: Military experience pathway (fastest)

The FAA accepts documented military aviation maintenance experience. You need 30 months of combined airframe and powerplant experience (or 18 months each).

Steps:

Gather documentation: Coast Guard training certificates, maintenance records, supervisor letters documenting airframe and powerplant work
Contact local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or use JSAMTCC program (Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council)
Submit FAA Form 8610-2 with documentation
FSDO authorizes you to test
Pass written, oral, and practical exams for Airframe and Powerplant

Cost: $300-$500 (exam fees)

Timeline: 2-6 months

Option 2: FAA-approved A&P school

If your military experience doesn't fully qualify, attend an FAA Part 147 A&P school.

Timeline: 18-24 months

Cost: $15,000-$40,000 (use GI Bill)

Many schools offer accelerated programs for veterans with prior maintenance experience.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Required for avionics techs working on aircraft radios and radar systems.

How to get it:

Study FCC exam materials (online resources available)
Schedule exam at FCC-approved testing center
Pass written exam (covers radio regulations and basic electronics)

Cost: $65 exam fee

Timeline: 1-2 weeks of study, same-day results

Difficulty: Moderate—your Coast Guard avionics background makes this straightforward

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Coast Guard AET" on your resume. Use civilian-friendly language:

Coast Guard Duty	Civilian Resume Translation
Inspected and repaired avionics and electrical systems on HH-60, HH-65 helicopters	Troubleshot and repaired complex aircraft avionics including communication, navigation, and flight control systems on turbine helicopters
Maintained power generation, battery systems, and flight control components	Performed scheduled and corrective maintenance on aircraft electrical power systems and flight control electronics
Used technical manuals and test equipment to diagnose electrical faults	Diagnosed electrical and avionics faults using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and aircraft-specific test equipment
Documented maintenance actions in official records	Maintained detailed logbook entries and work orders ensuring airworthiness and regulatory compliance
Installed and configured avionics upgrades	Performed avionics installations and modifications per technical data and FAA standards
Supervised avionics technicians on maintenance team	Led team of avionics specialists in executing scheduled inspections and system troubleshooting

Use active verbs: Troubleshot, Diagnosed, Repaired, Installed, Configured, Maintained, Supervised.

Use numbers: "Maintained avionics on fleet of 8 helicopters," "Completed 150+ avionics troubleshooting actions," "Zero unscheduled avionics failures over 3-year period."

Emphasize systems knowledge: Flight management systems (FMS), autopilot, communication/navigation radios, radar, transponders, electronic flight instruments.

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth pursuing:

Must-have:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate - Required for independent avionics work and career advancement. Cost: $300-$40K (depending on path). Value: Career-enabling.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License - Required for radio/radar work. Cost: $65. Timeline: 1-2 weeks. Value: Essential for avionics careers.

High value:

Manufacturer-specific avionics training - Garmin, Honeywell, Collins, Rockwell Collins. Often employer-provided, but having it on your resume helps. Cost: $2,000-$8,000 (if self-funded). Value: High for specialized roles.

Inspection Authorization (IA) - After 3 years with A&P, allows you to approve major avionics installations and annual inspections. Cost: $150 exam. Value: High for long-term career growth.

Medium value:

Bachelor's degree in Avionics, Electrical Engineering, or Aviation Maintenance - Opens engineering, management, and FAA inspector roles. Use GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Medium for entry-level, high for advancement.

NCATT (National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies) certifications - Industry-recognized credentials for avionics technicians. Cost: $200-$500. Value: Medium—helpful but not required.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Be realistic about differences between Coast Guard and civilian avionics:

FAA regulations: Coast Guard operates under military standards. Civilian avionics techs work under FAA Part 43, Part 91/135/121 regulations. You'll need to learn FARs, STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates), 337 forms, and airworthiness directive compliance.

Commercial avionics systems: Airlines and corporate jets use different avionics than Coast Guard aircraft. You'll need training on Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream, and Bombardier systems. Employers provide this, but expect a learning curve.

Customer service: Corporate and GA avionics work involves direct client interaction. Aircraft owners expect professionalism, clear communication, and detailed explanations. Your military discipline helps, but adjust your communication style.

Paperwork precision: Civilian avionics installations require meticulous documentation—STC approvals, 337 forms, logbook entries, configuration control. Mistakes = FAA violations.

Real Coast Guard AET success stories

David, 30, former AET → Delta Airlines avionics technician

David did 6 years maintaining HH-65 avionics at Air Station Cape Cod. Used JSAMTCC to get A&P authorization, passed exams on first attempt. Got hired by Delta in Atlanta starting at $68K. After 5 years, he's making $96K with flight benefits and union contract. "Best decision I ever made."

Maria, 28, former AET → Corporate avionics tech

Maria worked on HC-130 avionics for 5 years. Attended A&P school on GI Bill while working part-time at avionics shop. Got hired by corporate flight department managing Gulfstream G550 fleet. Makes $91K, loves working on cutting-edge avionics. "I get to see new technology before airlines do."

Kevin, 35, former AET → Defense contractor

Kevin spent 8 years as AET, specialized in communication and navigation systems. Transitioned to Lockheed Martin supporting C-130J avionics. Makes $108K with Secret clearance. Travels to bases worldwide supporting military aircraft. "It's like Coast Guard work with better pay and no sea duty."

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's your transition roadmap:

Months 6-12 before separation:

Apply to JSAMTCC program or contact local FSDO
Gather all Coast Guard training certificates, maintenance records, supervisor letters
Study for FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License exam
Research target employers (airlines, corporate aviation, avionics shops, contractors)
Update resume using civilian-friendly language

Month 1-2 after separation:

Complete JSAMTCC process or FSDO evaluation
Take FAA A&P written exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
Take FCC General Radiotelephone exam
Network with veteran avionics techs (LinkedIn, airport visits)
Apply to 10-15 jobs per week

Month 3-4:

Pass FAA Oral and Practical exams
Receive FAA A&P certificate and FCC license
Intensify job applications—airlines, corporate, contractors, avionics shops
Attend aviation job fairs and career events
Consider contract/temp work through aviation staffing agencies

Month 5-6:

Accept job offer
Complete employer-specific training
Start building civilian avionics career

Bottom line for Coast Guard AETs

Your Coast Guard avionics experience is highly specialized and in-demand in the civilian aviation market.

Avionics technicians are critical to aviation safety and operations. The industry faces technician shortages as baby boomers retire. Your skills are needed.

You've worked on complex systems—flight controls, navigation, communication, radar, autopilot—that most civilian techs only see in advanced training. That experience is valuable.

The FAA A&P certificate is your bridge from military to civilian aviation. Get it using your military experience documentation or GI Bill-funded A&P school.

First-year civilian salaries of $60K-$80K are realistic. Within 5-7 years at major airlines or aerospace contractors, $95K-$115K+ is standard.

Your biggest challenge isn't your skills—it's getting FAA and FCC certifications completed. Start that process now.

Ready to plan your avionics career transition? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your certification timeline, research employers, and track applications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every AET transitioning out asks: "Do I need special FAA certification for avionics work?"

What you did in the Coast Guard:

Inspected, troubleshot, and repaired aircraft avionics and electrical systems
Maintained power generation systems, batteries, flight controls, navigation equipment
Worked on communication systems, radar, autopilot, and electronic flight instruments
Used technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and test equipment to diagnose complex electrical faults
Documented all maintenance actions per Coast Guard and FAA-equivalent standards
Maintained HH-60, HH-65, HC-130, and HC-144 avionics systems

That's exactly what civilian avionics technicians do—but on commercial aircraft, business jets, or military contract aircraft.

Your Coast Guard experience qualifies you for FAA A&P certification through military experience, and your specialized avionics background makes you more valuable than general aircraft mechanics.

Best civilian career paths for Coast Guard AET

Let's get specific. Here are the industries and roles where AETs land the best civilian jobs.

Commercial airline avionics technician (highest pay)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Avionics systems specialist
Line avionics tech
Avionics shop technician
Lead avionics technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level airline avionics tech: $60,000-$75,000
Experienced tech (3-5 years): $80,000-$95,000
Major airline top scale: $95,000-$115,000
Lead avionics tech / specialist: $105,000-$125,000+

What translates directly:

Troubleshooting complex avionics systems (autopilot, flight management, communications, navigation)
Reading and interpreting wiring diagrams and schematics
Using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and specialized test equipment
Installing and configuring avionics upgrades and modifications
Documenting maintenance per regulatory standards
Working on glass cockpit systems and digital flight controls

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (strongly preferred)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (required for radio/radar work)
Airline-specific avionics training (provided by employer)

Reality check: Airlines prefer A&P-certified avionics techs. While some hire techs without A&P to work under supervision, career advancement and pay top out without the certificate. Get your A&P.

Airline hiring is cyclical. Post-pandemic airline expansion has created high demand, but economic downturns slow hiring. Apply early, apply often.

Union contracts at major airlines provide job security, clear pay scales, seniority-based bidding for shifts and days off, and excellent benefits (flight privileges, retirement, healthcare).

Best for: AETs who want top pay, job stability, union benefits, and specialized avionics work at major airlines.

Corporate / business aviation avionics

Civilian job titles:

Corporate avionics technician
Business jet avionics specialist
Flight department electronics tech
Avionics installation technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level corporate avionics tech: $65,000-$80,000
Experienced business jet avionics tech: $85,000-$105,000
Avionics shop manager: $95,000-$120,000+

What translates directly:

Working on advanced glass cockpit systems (Garmin G5000, Honeywell Primus, Collins Pro Line)
Troubleshooting integrated avionics suites
Customer service and direct client interaction (owners, flight departments)
Managing avionics installations and upgrades

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (preferred)
Avionics-specific manufacturer training (Garmin, Honeywell, Collins—often employer-provided)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Expect occasional travel to support aircraft at remote locations. Pay is competitive with airlines, and many corporate jobs offer performance bonuses and profit-sharing.

Best for: AETs who want variety, autonomy, cutting-edge avionics systems, and smaller team environments.

Avionics installation and repair shops

Civilian job titles:

Avionics installation technician
Bench repair technician
Avionics shop lead
Field service technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level shop tech: $55,000-$70,000
Experienced installation tech: $70,000-$90,000
Field service tech (travel): $75,000-$100,000
Shop manager / lead: $85,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

Installing and configuring avionics systems
Bench repair and component-level troubleshooting
Reading installation manuals and wiring diagrams
Working with FAA regulations (STC approvals, 337 forms, etc.)

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (required for independent work)
Avionics manufacturer training (Garmin, Aspen, Avidyne, etc.)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Field service techs travel to customer sites (airports, FBOs) to perform installations and repairs. Travel can be 50-75% of the time, but pay is higher.

Best for: AETs who want hands-on installation work, variety of aircraft types, and don't mind occasional travel.

Aerospace and defense contractors

Civilian job titles:

Avionics integration engineer
Aircraft systems technician (defense contracts)
Flight test avionics technician
Avionics quality assurance specialist

Salary ranges:

Entry-level contractor tech: $65,000-$85,000
Experienced integration specialist: $90,000-$110,000
Flight test avionics tech: $95,000-$120,000
Senior engineer / QA specialist: $105,000-$130,000+

Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon) hire avionics technicians to support military aircraft programs, flight test operations, and production.

What translates directly:

Military aircraft systems knowledge
Working with classified avionics and communication systems
Technical documentation and configuration management
Flight test support and troubleshooting

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (often required)
Security clearance (Secret or Top Secret—easier to obtain with Coast Guard background)
Specialized avionics training (employer-provided)

Reality check: Defense contractor work often requires security clearances. Your Coast Guard background makes this easier.

Contractor jobs offer higher pay than airlines but less job security (contracts end, programs get canceled). However, experienced avionics techs with clearances are always in demand.

Some positions involve flight test support—flying on test aircraft to monitor avionics during developmental testing. High-stress, high-responsibility work with excellent pay.

Best for: AETs who want to work on cutting-edge military and aerospace systems, have or can obtain security clearance, and prefer project-based work.

FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Avionics)

Civilian job titles:

Aviation safety inspector (avionics)
Airworthiness inspector
Avionics certification specialist

Salary ranges:

FAA inspector (GS-11 to GS-12): $75,000-$95,000
Senior inspector (GS-13): $95,000-$120,000+

FAA inspectors ensure compliance with federal aviation regulations, conduct certification inspections, investigate accidents, and approve avionics installations and modifications.

What translates directly:

Deep knowledge of avionics systems and regulations
Attention to detail and regulatory compliance
Technical writing and investigative skills

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate (required)
Significant hands-on avionics experience (5-7 years minimum)
Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Reality check: FAA inspector jobs are highly competitive. Veteran preference applies (5-10 points). The work involves frequent travel, audits, and regulatory enforcement.

You represent the federal government ensuring aviation safety. It's high-responsibility work with excellent job security, federal benefits, and clear GS pay progression.

Best for: Experienced AETs who want federal employment, regulatory work, and are willing to travel extensively.

General aviation and helicopter avionics

Civilian job titles:

General aviation avionics technician
Helicopter avionics specialist
Avionics upgrade specialist

Salary ranges:

GA avionics tech: $55,000-$75,000
Helicopter avionics specialist: $70,000-$90,000
Experienced GA shop tech: $75,000-$95,000

What translates directly:

Helicopter avionics systems (if you worked HH-60s or HH-65s)
Small aircraft electrical systems
Customer interaction (GA owners are hands-on and detail-oriented)

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P certificate
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
Manufacturer-specific training (Bell, Airbus, Robinson, etc.)

Best for: AETs who prefer smaller aircraft, direct customer service, and variety in daily work.

Getting your FAA A&P certificate (critical step)

Most civilian avionics jobs require or strongly prefer FAA A&P certification. Here's how to get it:

Option 1: Military experience pathway (fastest)

The FAA accepts documented military aviation maintenance experience. You need 30 months of combined airframe and powerplant experience (or 18 months each).

Steps:

Gather documentation: Coast Guard training certificates, maintenance records, supervisor letters documenting airframe and powerplant work
Contact local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or use JSAMTCC program (Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council)
Submit FAA Form 8610-2 with documentation
FSDO authorizes you to test
Pass written, oral, and practical exams for Airframe and Powerplant

Cost: $300-$500 (exam fees)

Timeline: 2-6 months

Option 2: FAA-approved A&P school

If your military experience doesn't fully qualify, attend an FAA Part 147 A&P school.

Timeline: 18-24 months

Cost: $15,000-$40,000 (use GI Bill)

Many schools offer accelerated programs for veterans with prior maintenance experience.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Required for avionics techs working on aircraft radios and radar systems.

How to get it:

Study FCC exam materials (online resources available)
Schedule exam at FCC-approved testing center
Pass written exam (covers radio regulations and basic electronics)

Cost: $65 exam fee

Timeline: 1-2 weeks of study, same-day results

Difficulty: Moderate—your Coast Guard avionics background makes this straightforward

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Coast Guard AET" on your resume. Use civilian-friendly language:

Coast Guard Duty	Civilian Resume Translation
Inspected and repaired avionics and electrical systems on HH-60, HH-65 helicopters	Troubleshot and repaired complex aircraft avionics including communication, navigation, and flight control systems on turbine helicopters
Maintained power generation, battery systems, and flight control components	Performed scheduled and corrective maintenance on aircraft electrical power systems and flight control electronics
Used technical manuals and test equipment to diagnose electrical faults	Diagnosed electrical and avionics faults using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and aircraft-specific test equipment
Documented maintenance actions in official records	Maintained detailed logbook entries and work orders ensuring airworthiness and regulatory compliance
Installed and configured avionics upgrades	Performed avionics installations and modifications per technical data and FAA standards
Supervised avionics technicians on maintenance team	Led team of avionics specialists in executing scheduled inspections and system troubleshooting

Use active verbs: Troubleshot, Diagnosed, Repaired, Installed, Configured, Maintained, Supervised.

Use numbers: "Maintained avionics on fleet of 8 helicopters," "Completed 150+ avionics troubleshooting actions," "Zero unscheduled avionics failures over 3-year period."

Emphasize systems knowledge: Flight management systems (FMS), autopilot, communication/navigation radios, radar, transponders, electronic flight instruments.

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth pursuing:

Must-have:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate - Required for independent avionics work and career advancement. Cost: $300-$40K (depending on path). Value: Career-enabling.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License - Required for radio/radar work. Cost: $65. Timeline: 1-2 weeks. Value: Essential for avionics careers.

High value:

Inspection Authorization (IA) - After 3 years with A&P, allows you to approve major avionics installations and annual inspections. Cost: $150 exam. Value: High for long-term career growth.

Medium value:

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Be realistic about differences between Coast Guard and civilian avionics:

Paperwork precision: Civilian avionics installations require meticulous documentation—STC approvals, 337 forms, logbook entries, configuration control. Mistakes = FAA violations.

Real Coast Guard AET success stories

David, 30, former AET → Delta Airlines avionics technician

Maria, 28, former AET → Corporate avionics tech

Kevin, 35, former AET → Defense contractor

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's your transition roadmap:

Months 6-12 before separation:

Apply to JSAMTCC program or contact local FSDO
Gather all Coast Guard training certificates, maintenance records, supervisor letters
Study for FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License exam
Research target employers (airlines, corporate aviation, avionics shops, contractors)
Update resume using civilian-friendly language

Month 1-2 after separation:

Complete JSAMTCC process or FSDO evaluation
Take FAA A&P written exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
Take FCC General Radiotelephone exam
Network with veteran avionics techs (LinkedIn, airport visits)
Apply to 10-15 jobs per week

Month 3-4:

Pass FAA Oral and Practical exams
Receive FAA A&P certificate and FCC license
Intensify job applications—airlines, corporate, contractors, avionics shops
Attend aviation job fairs and career events
Consider contract/temp work through aviation staffing agencies

Month 5-6:

Accept job offer
Complete employer-specific training
Start building civilian avionics career

Bottom line for Coast Guard AETs

Your Coast Guard avionics experience is highly specialized and in-demand in the civilian aviation market.

Avionics technicians are critical to aviation safety and operations. The industry faces technician shortages as baby boomers retire. Your skills are needed.

You've worked on complex systems—flight controls, navigation, communication, radar, autopilot—that most civilian techs only see in advanced training. That experience is valuable.

The FAA A&P certificate is your bridge from military to civilian aviation. Get it using your military experience documentation or GI Bill-funded A&P school.

First-year civilian salaries of $60K-$80K are realistic. Within 5-7 years at major airlines or aerospace contractors, $95K-$115K+ is standard.

Your biggest challenge isn't your skills—it's getting FAA and FCC certifications completed. Start that process now.

Ready to plan your avionics career transition? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your certification timeline, research employers, and track applications.