There are different types of licenses for electricians. A general electrician is licensed to do general electrical work including those in residential homes and other small-scale infrastructures. A commercial electrician, on the other hand, has the education and training to deal with the more complex electrical system of a commercial building, with its numerous lighting, heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, CCTV and telecommunications requirements, not to mention the operation of building-specific equipment such as elevators and escalators.

On the other hand, there are industrial electricians, whose education and training have prepared them for the more rigorous and demanding job of maintaining the electrical system of more specialized facilities. Examples would include manufacturing or production facilities, and of course, transport terminals such as airports and air controller buildings.

This type of electrical work is far more specialized than other types of general electrical work. The electrical systems in these kinds of facilities are far more complex, involving large and expensive types of machinery, specific temperature and environmental requirements, high tech communications and transportation systems. For an airport, in particular, which involves the daily operations of passenger planes, the lives and welfare of thousands of passengers, and airspace safety, it is doubly more important that the airport’s facilities are not only properly installed, but well-maintained. The services of an industrial electrician command high premium not only because of its unique demands, but also because it is far more rigorous, demanding and exacting than general electrical work. Even a small mistake could compromise the transportation industry and the welfare of a great number of people. The air transportation industry is a public utility, and requires the highest standards in electrical maintenance.

This is why the process of becoming an industrial electrician is rigorous. Aside from the educational requirements, one needs at least four years of apprenticeship, including at least 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of paid practical training. You are required to be familiar with reading blueprints, electrical codes, safety and first aid practices, fire alarm systems, elevators, and communications. Most importantly, you are expected to have the knowledge and practical experience with the power needs of the facility you are servicing, and knowledge in how to handle high voltage systems and equipment, and how to maintain and repair electric devices. An industrial electrician’s work is crucial because the loss of power in any crucial area of the facility could mean large costs and the stalling of the entire operation of the facility.

In a large and complex facility such as an airport, with thousands and millions of independently moving parts and staff and people, each with his or her own job to do, the continuous supply of power is all-important to ensure the smooth running of the entire facility. Airports provide a specific service, which is transportation. Safety is therefore paramount, not only to prevent electrical dangers but also to prevent transportation issues or problems.

So, while the demand for industrial electricians might not be as high as those for commercial electricians, the unique nature of the industrial electrical industry means that the possible industries where one can work are limited, but the expected return for such specialized service commands great respect and high pay.

Perhaps one of the most exciting areas of electrical work in the aviation industry is that which provides for the basic electrical system within an aircraft.

Whenever an aircraft is airborne, communications between the aircraft and ground control is crucial. That means that on both ends of the communications system, there should be a proper installation of electrical systems that power the communications process.

But of course, for the aircraft, the generation of electricity goes beyond communication needs. An aircraft can produce electricity either through generators or alternators, and such power can either be used directly or coursed through a transformer. Part of the generated electricity is routed through to the aircraft batteries, which are often used as emergency sources of power. An aircraft’s electrical system, therefore, is what enables the aircraft to be functional in the first place. The electrical power generated will not only power the aircraft’s lights, flight instruments and navigation aids, it would also power radio and communication capabilities.

As the aircraft industry has made leaps and bounds in the development of aerospace technology, so have the demands and requirements for the electrical systems and wiring powering these crafts become more complex and sophisticated. These days, planes are also equipped with advanced units to work with multiple voltage systems and safety features in the event of failures. In any case, however, there should always be a provision for connecting the aircraft’s electrical system to a ground power unit.

There are a number of difficulties that an aircraft may experience, including generator failure, component failure, bus failure, or an electrical system fire. Should this happen, and the aircraft contacts a ground-based crew, and the ground-based crew member must be able to respond quickly to potential electrical problems in the craft. That means a very good background in electronics and electrical work, as well as the savvy capacity of maintaining safety in the airspace while a resolution is being sought.

Bottom line is, most aircrafts now are completely dependent on electricity. Even if you have several backup power sources, and even in single-engine airplanes, power is everything. It brings to life your aviation equipment by which the pilot operates his plane, it enables the pilot to navigate through poor visibility conditions, and to deliver two of the most important events for an airborne craft: taking off, and landing.

These days, innovations in the industry are continuously evolving, and electrical systems are growing more sophisticated than ever. At its most basic, however, a fully functional system should be able to supply as continuous and uninterrupted a flow of power as possible, and the supply should be sufficient enough to power the various aviation equipment on board the aircraft. Most of the rest of it requires mainly familiarity and sufficient experience with specialized equipment, and regular maintenance work to keep things up to date and safe.

These electrical systems are put in place with specialized work from experienced electricians. To a certain extent, it can be said that there is a healthy level of innovation in the electrical industry, as well.

The Aviation Electronics Technician is a member of the US Navy with an enlisted rating or job specialty as electronic technicians.

The Aviation Electronics Technicians are tasked to deliver intermediate level maintenance of aviation electronic equipment, including maintenance and repair of weapon assemblies and other similar functions. They are sometimes referred to by other names by their contemporaries, including: Airedales, trons, tweaks or tweets. Similar to the general civilian functions of an electrician the ATs are expected to work in different locations, work with different types of equipment, and is involved in both physical as well as mental or logistical work.

It is the ATs upon whose shoulders fall the responsibility of making sure that everything works. While it is primarily electrical wiring repair work, it is specialized enough that no others are allowed to deliver the same service under the same capacity who are not recognized as ATs. In a very real way, AT’s make sure that an aircraft or airplane runs as smoothly as possible, and that it runs continuously until the aircraft lands.

The regular work of an Aviation Technician involves regular maintenance work, repairs, and that none of the electrical equipment on board a ship interferes or interacts adversely with each other.

It is essential to keep an aircraft running as smoothly as possible, in the interest of both public safety and to safeguard the transportation and communications sector.

In order to work comprehensively on even a single plane, Aviation technicians are expected to cooperate and function within a team to deliver the best work results possible. Even working on a single aircraft alone, there are levels of specialization, so much so that it’s easier to accomplish the work with different ATs working together.

For instance, a bench technician works with the various navigation and communications equipment that are usually installed within aircrafts. Each equipment may require specialization to the extent that one AT can specialize in only one or two kinds of equipment. Work in this area is both maintenance and repair, and occasionally, even innovation. It is close work that requires sitting on a “bench” to do close work on circuit boards and other similarly small equipment and requires facility in close, intricate work, and the occasional troubleshooting.

System trouble-shooters, on the other hand, are ATs that work from the other side of the spectrum. Bench technicians specialize in the smallest component of an aircraft, while system troubleshooters work on bringing all the equipment together and making sure that the aircraft itself works as a systematic whole. The latter’s work is broad and all-encompassing, as opposed to the former who specializes as the individual components become more specific and detailed. The former may be working in an air-conditioned, isolated room, while the latter is often seen running backward and forward from one aircraft to another, making sure that everything is running smoothly and that each aircraft is ready for its next flight.

Opposite sides of the coin, but their work together, as a whole, are what helps maintain the electronic system and functioning of an airborne aircraft.

Columbus Ohio Electrician
1550 Old Henderson Rd, Suite 45
Columbus, OH 43220
(614) 340-2458
Website

The aviation and air transportation industry relies heavily on proper and speedy communication to keep its operations running smooth. And one of the often overlooked supports to this close functioning of transportation and communication is the work of industrial electricians.

At a very basic level, no industry now, whether transportation or communications-related, is able to function without power. This fundamental groundwork is where our electricians come in, laying the foundation for the proper operation of any industry, whether it is a home, a mall, or an airport. Each of these establishments requires a professional electrical wiring installation to be able to utilize its supply of power for light, heat, power for various mechanical and electronic equipment and devices, as well as to maintain proper communication systems.

Generally speaking, airspace safety can mean adhering to national and international laws governing the airspace, safe navigation through the air, and promoting maintenance of the various equipment and tools to ensure that the air navigation industry remains safe for everyone.

The air transportation industry also has the potential of being a high-powered industry that consumes plenty of power. This means that regular maintenance work is also important because it keeps things running smoothly. Any problems or issues are addressed as early as possible to decrease the chances of any accidents or mistakes from occurring. You do not want to cause big problems simply out of forgetfulness or negligence. And this is what makes the job of an industrial electrician in such high demand.

Communications from ground control to airborne pilots is necessary in the business, but one also needs to check out the importance and usefulness of communications between different jurisdictions. Airspace safety is often not just about taking off and landing. It also proper navigation between the airspace of different jurisdictions, particularly those involving the airspace of other countries. So, the work of an industrial electrician is important not just in terms of safeguarding the transportation industry, but also in promoting open and clear communications between two sovereign states.

There are worldwide initiatives to improve aviation facilities, which also means more jobs for the industrial electrician. Whether it involves civil or military aircrafts, communication is of paramount importance. That is why the work of electricians is also so important to the aviation industry, and to the continued maintenance of airspace safety.

Should there be any electrical problems, a number of difficulties might occur. Problems in navigation, communications, engine, and power problems. There are always built-in safety procedures to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft, such as backup power sources, backup communications equipment, and other similar contingencies.

Should an electrically-caused fire start while an aircraft is still in the air, it is all the more important that communications with a ground crew be established as soon as possible. Time is critical. Smoke, fumes, and heat can have terrible effects on an airborne aircraft and its passengers, which makes it imperative for the pilot to land as quickly as possible. And this can only be done when there are suitable communications equipment that would enable the pilot to speak to ground controllers, whether they are scheduled for landing or not.

Communications from ground control to airborne pilots is necessary in the business, but one also needs to check out the importance and usefulness of communications between different jurisdictions. Airspace safety is often not just about taking off and landing. It also proper navigation between the airspace of different jurisdictions, particularly those involving the airspace of other countries. So, the work of an industrial electrician Gilbert is important not just in terms of safeguarding the transportation industry, but also in promoting open and clear communications between two sovereign states.

There are worldwide initiatives to improve aviation facilities, which also means more jobs for the industrial electrician. Whether it involves civil or military aircrafts, communication is of paramount importance. That is why the work of electricians is also so important to the aviation industry, and to the continued maintenance of airspace safety.

Should there be any electrical problems, a number of difficulties might occur. Problems in navigation, communications, engine and power problems. There are always built-in safety procedures to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft, such as backup power sources, backup communications equipment, and other similar contingencies.

Should an electrically-caused fire start while an aircraft is still in the air, it is all the more important that communications with a ground crew be established as soon as possible. Time is critical. Smoke, fumes, and heat can have terrible effects to an airborne aircraft and its passengers, which makes it imperative for the pilot to land as quickly as possible. And this can only be done when there are suitable communications equipment that would enable the pilot to speak to ground controllers, whether they are scheduled for landing or not.