17 Aviation Electrician Interview Questions and Answers

An aviation electrician is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all the electrical equipment on an aircraft. This can include the wiring, batteries, generators, and other electrical components. Aviation electricians need to have a strong understanding of electrical theory and principles in order to do their job effectively.

If you’re interested in becoming an aviation electrician, you’ll need to go through an interview process in order to be hired. During the interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your experience, technical skills, and knowledge of the industry.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample aviation electrician interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the basic principles of electricity?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the basic principles of electricity and how it relates to aviation. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of these concepts and explain how they apply to your work as an aviation electrician.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the basic principles of electricity. In my last role, I worked on a variety of projects that required me to understand the different types of electricity, including direct current and alternating current. I also had to know how to test for voltage and current levels in order to ensure safety when working on aircrafts.”

What are the differences between direct current and alternating current?

This question tests your knowledge of electrical systems and how they work. It also shows the interviewer that you can apply this knowledge to a practical situation, such as working on an aircraft. In your answer, explain what each type of current is and give examples of when you’ve used them in your previous roles.

Example: “Direct current is a steady flow of electricity from one point to another. Alternating current changes direction periodically. I have experience with both types of current because I worked on both commercial and military aircraft. On commercial planes, I used direct current for most tasks, but alternating current was necessary for some equipment, like radios.”

How would you troubleshoot an electrical system that isn’t working properly?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you would troubleshoot the electrical system in a specific situation.

Example: “If I was working on an aircraft that had a faulty electrical system, I would first check all of the fuses to make sure they were functioning properly. If there were no issues with the fuses, I would then check the circuit breakers to ensure they weren’t tripped. After checking these two things, if the issue still wasn’t resolved, I would move onto more complex troubleshooting methods such as testing individual wires for continuity or using a multimeter to test voltage levels.”

What is your process for inspecting and testing electrical systems before and after flights?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you apply your knowledge of aviation electrical systems and the testing procedures for those systems. Use examples from previous experience in which you applied your skills to inspect and test aircraft electrical systems before and after flights.

Example: “I always start by inspecting all the wiring, fuses and circuit breakers on an aircraft. I also check that all the connections are secure and properly grounded. After a flight, I make sure to perform a thorough inspection of all the wires, switches and circuit breakers to ensure they’re still functioning properly. If any components need repairs or replacements, I report them to my supervisor so we can address them as soon as possible.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your communication skills to explain a complex electrical issue to a non-technical person.

When working in aviation, you may need to explain complex electrical issues to non-technical people. This question allows the interviewer to assess your communication skills and how well you can break down technical information for others to understand. In your answer, try to provide an example of a time when you used your communication skills to help someone else understand something that was difficult to comprehend.

Example: “In my last position as an aviation electrician, I had to work with many different types of aircrafts. One day, I received a call from a pilot who needed assistance with their plane’s navigation system. The pilot didn’t have much experience flying planes, so they were unsure about what to do. I explained each step of the process clearly until they understood it.”

If you discovered a potential safety issue with an aircraft’s electrical system, what is the first thing you would do?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize safety. Your answer should include a step-by-step process of how you would handle this situation, including the steps you would take to ensure the aircraft was safe for flight.

Example: “If I discovered a potential safety issue with an aircraft’s electrical system, my first priority would be to inform my supervisor immediately so they could address it before any flights took place. Then, I would inspect the entire electrical system to determine if there were any other issues that needed to be addressed. If necessary, I would work with my team to repair or replace the faulty parts as quickly as possible.”

What would you do if you noticed that one of your coworkers was violating safety protocols?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety in aviation. They want to know that you will report violations and help your coworkers learn how to do things safely. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure your coworker understood the proper procedures.

Example: “If I noticed a coworker violating safety protocols, I would first try to speak with them privately about it. If they didn’t seem receptive to my advice, I would bring it up at our next team meeting so everyone could hear it. I would also offer to give one-on-one training to anyone who wanted more information on the subject.”

How well do you perform under pressure?

Aviation electricians often work in high-pressure situations. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress of working on an aircraft while it’s in flight. In your answer, explain how you manage pressure and give examples of past experiences where you’ve done so successfully.

Example: “I am a very organized person, which helps me stay calm under pressure. I also have a lot of experience with working in stressful situations. When I was in school, I worked as an intern at a local hospital. There were many times when I had to rush to complete my tasks before patients arrived for their appointments. I learned that if I stayed focused and prioritized my tasks, I could get everything done in time.”

Do you have experience working with aircraft models that use different electrical systems than the ones you’re familiar with?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with different aircraft models and their electrical systems. Use your answer to highlight your adaptability, flexibility and willingness to learn new things.

Example: “I’ve worked on several types of aircrafts that use different electrical systems than the ones I’m used to. However, I always make sure to thoroughly read through the manuals for each system before starting any work. This helps me understand how the systems work and what tools I need to complete my tasks. In fact, I once had a client who needed an aviation electrician to repair some wiring in one of their older planes. I was able to successfully complete the task by using the information from the manual and following all safety protocols.”

When working in tight spaces, do you have a process you use to stay focused and avoid distractions?

When working in tight spaces, it’s important to stay focused and avoid distractions. Employers ask this question to make sure you have a process for staying safe while performing your job duties. In your answer, explain how you plan out your workday so that you can complete tasks on time. Share some strategies you use to focus on the task at hand.

Example: “I find that having a daily routine helps me stay focused when I’m working in tight spaces. Before starting my shift, I always review all of the tools I need to get the job done. Then, I lay everything out in order before getting started. This allows me to start each task without wasting any time looking for supplies. Another strategy I use is wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. These help block out distracting sounds and allow me to concentrate.”

We want to improve our electrical systems to meet upcoming industry standards. How would you suggest we do this?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. Your answer should include steps you would take to research the standards, create a plan for implementation and communicate with other members of the team about the changes.

Example: “I would start by researching the new standards and comparing them to our current systems. I would then develop a timeline for when we can implement these changes based on budget and availability. I would also make sure that all employees are aware of the upcoming changes so they know what to expect.”

Describe your experience with using electrical test equipment.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using test equipment and how you use it. Use your answer to describe the types of electrical test equipment you’ve used in the past, as well as any training you’ve received on its proper use.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for testing all incoming parts before installing them into aircraft. To do so, I used a multimeter that measures voltage, current and resistance. I also used an oscilloscope to check for problems with signals between different components. In addition, I had to calibrate both tools regularly to ensure accurate readings.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention any certifications you have.

Example: “I am the only candidate with an FAA certification in aviation electrician. I know that my skills and knowledge will help me succeed in this role. In fact, I’m confident that I could start working on projects right away because of my previous work experience. I’ve also completed several online courses related to this position, which has helped me understand the responsibilities of this job.”

Which electrical systems have you worked with most extensively?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience in the aviation industry. Use your answer to highlight which systems you’re most familiar with and why they’re important to you or the company.

Example: “I’ve worked extensively with lighting, navigation and communication systems. Lighting is one of the first electrical systems I learned how to work on because it’s a crucial system for pilots during nighttime flights. Navigation systems are also essential for safe flight operations, so I make sure all my work meets FAA standards. Communication systems allow pilots to communicate with air traffic control towers, so I ensure that all wiring and connections are secure before testing them.”

What do you think is the most important skill for an aviation electrician to have?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your skills match up with those of their other employees. It also helps them decide whether or not you’re qualified for the job. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what you think is most important while also showing that you have all the necessary skills.

Example: “I believe the most important skill an aviation electrician can have is communication. Aviation electricians work in tight spaces where they may not always be able to see each other. I’ve found that being able to communicate clearly and effectively with my coworkers is essential when working on such projects.”

How often do you perform routine checks on electrical systems?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with aviation electrical systems and how you approach routine maintenance. Use your answer to highlight your attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and commitment to safety.

Example: “I perform routine checks on all of the aircraft I work on every day before starting my shift. This helps me ensure that all systems are functioning properly and ready for use. In addition, I also check in with other electricians who are working on the same plane to make sure they haven’t found any issues. These daily checks help us find problems early so we can fix them quickly.”

There is a discrepancy between a test result and what the system is actually doing in the air. What is your immediate reaction?

This question is designed to test your ability to make quick decisions in the air. It also tests your knowledge of aviation regulations and standards. In your answer, explain how you would identify the problem and fix it as quickly as possible.

Example: “If there was a discrepancy between what the system is doing in the air and the results from testing, I would first check all my work for any errors or oversights. If everything looks good, then I would immediately report the issue to my supervisor so they can inform the pilot. The pilot will then decide whether to continue flying or return to the airport.”