Instrument Technician
Also posted as Aircraft Instrument Technician; Flight Instrument Technician; Cockpit Display Technician
An instrument technician tests, calibrates, repairs, and verifies cockpit instruments, displays, indicators, sensors, and flight-data interfaces. It's hands-on work in avionics shops, instrument benches, aircraft hangars, and MRO repair environments, where technical instructions, safety procedures, troubleshooting, and accurate documentation all matter.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Test flight instruments
Check cockpit instruments, display units, indicators, and warning devices against maintenance or bench-test procedures.
Troubleshoot sensor inputs
Use schematics and test equipment to isolate faults in transducers, indicators, wiring, or cockpit interfaces.
Calibrate and verify readings
Adjust or verify instrument outputs so displayed values match approved tolerances and test references.
Record instrument status
Document calibration results, component status, test readings, and corrective actions for quality records.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
Flight Instrument Testing
Using approved procedures and test equipment to verify aircraft instruments and cockpit indications.
Displays & Indicators
Maintaining cockpit displays, gauges, annunciators, and indicators that crews rely on for aircraft status.
Sensors / Transducers
Understanding how sensors and transducers convert aircraft conditions into cockpit or system readings.
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