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Printed on 5/1/2025

Aircraft Electronics

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10-486-1 Associate Degree (AAS) Full Time 64 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Oshkosh

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

If you love airplanes and electronics, this is the degree program for you. As an aircraft electrician, you'll install, inspect, test, repair, and align communication, navigation and flight control systems. You’ll learn the theory and practice of avionics and gain the skills necessary for a career as an entry-level avionics technician. Spend more than half of your time in hands-on experience with modern avionic systems and associated test equipment. When you're done, you'll be ready for certification by the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies. Once you earn the Aircraft Electronics degree, with only one additional year of instruction, you can also complete the Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics program. (Transfer students, please see Additional Information tab below for FAA requirements.)

Due to program demand, licensure and certification requirements, and Wisconsin laws relating to residency, this program is currently not accepting out-of-state applicants.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (44 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10486100
    • Credits: 2.00

    Explore the principles of flight and the basic design of aircraft. Introduces students to the nomenclature, history, and configuration of aircraft. Students will also learn about the theory of flight, aerodynamics, and basic meteorological concepts.

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10486101
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces the student to the Code of Federal Regulations that govern U.S. civil aviation. Generate various aircraft maintenance records that document: repairs, alterations, weight and balance changes, life-limited parts, and inspection status. Students will also study how various manufactures’ documents are used in the maintenance of aircraft.

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486102
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the materials, hardware, and processes used to maintain aircraft. Students practice the proper use of hand and power tools. Students will also demonstrate the proper installation, torquing, and securing of fasteners. Students will fabricate rigid fluid lines and flexible hoses.

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486103
    • Credits: 2.00

    Apply the principles of corrosion control in the preservation of aircraft. Introduces the student to the different forms, causes, removal, and prevention of corrosion. Students will have the opportunity to also identify, inspect, and apply surface finishing materials to aircraft structures.

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486104
    • Credits: 1.00

    Inspect aircraft and components to determine airworthiness. Introduces the student to visual, dimensional, and non-destructive inspection techniques. Use precision measuring equipment and perform magnetic particle, dye penetrant, eddy current, and ultrasonic tests to identify defective parts.

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486105
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares the student to operate in the maintenance environment by covering ramp safety, ground operations, preflight, engine runs, and aircraft servicing.

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10486114
    • Credits: 3.00

    Studies integrated communication systems used in various aviation aircraft. Very High Frequency Communication, High Frequency Communication, Ultra High Frequency Communication, Audio Control, Selective Calling, Satellite Communications and Transmitter systems are emphasized. Class provides in-depth, hands-on training in identifying, isolating, repairing and calibrating avionics communication systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486110 - Aircraft Instrument Systems OR AERONAUT 10486121 - Airframe Instrumentation

    • AERONAUT 10486111 - Basic Avionics Systems OR AERONAUT 10486120 - Avionics Fundamentals

    • AERONAUT 10486122 - Airframe Electrical Power OR AERONAUT 10486163 - Aircraft Electrical Systems

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660115 - AC Circuits 2

    • ELECTRNC 10660129 - Semiconductors 2

    • ELECTRNC 10660131 - Digital Electronics Tech 2​

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486120
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the student to the operation and use of various communication and navigation systems used by flight crews as they travel around the globe. Learn how a combination of ground, air, and satellite-based stations are used by aircraft to coordinate traffic and avoid mishaps as they deal with changing weather conditions. Students will also use test equipment to evaluate proper systems operation.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486127 - Aircraft Technical Drawings

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486121
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the operating principles used by aircraft instruments to detect and display information about the flight environment and aircraft's performance. Prepares students to work with pressure, gyroscopic, and directional instrumentation. Electronic flight instruments, centralized aircraft monitoring, and crew alerting systems will also be explored.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486100 - Aircraft Fundamentals

    • ELECTRNC 10620103 - DC Circuits3Aircraft/Electrome OR ELECTRNC 10660112 - DC Circuits 3

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Aircraft Electronics (10-486-1) OR Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics (32-486-1)

    OR ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486100 - Aircraft Fundamentals

    • Student is NOT in progress in the Program of Study of Aircraft Electronics (10-486-1) OR Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics (32-486-1)

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486122
    • Credits: 2.00

    Learn how to maintain aircraft electrical systems. Component operation, power sources, and power distribution will be studied. Students will have the opportunity to install, terminate, and repair electrical wiring. Troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of switches, relays, circuit protective devices, and electric motors is also covered.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486100 - Aircraft Fundamentals

    • ELECTRNC 10620103 - DC Circuits3Aircraft/Electrome OR ELECTRNC 10660112 - DC Circuits 3

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Aircraft Electronics (10-486-1) OR Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics (32-486-1)

    OR ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486100 - Aircraft Fundamentals

    • Student is NOT in progress in the Program of Study of Aircraft Electronics (10-486-1) OR Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics (32-486-1)

    • Instructional Hours: 60
    • Outside Effort Hours: 48
    • Course Number: 10486125
    • Credits: 2.00

    Apply the different techniques used to inspect, maintain, and repair metallic structures. Students will be able to practice designing, bending, forming, and installing sheet metal repairs. Installation of antennas and other avionics equipment will be covered.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486102 - Aircraft Materials & Hardware

    • AERONAUT 10486103 - Aircraft Corrosion Control

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486127 - Aircraft Technical Drawings

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486126
    • Credits: 1.00

    Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair fuel systems onboard the aircraft. Students will explore different fuel types, storage, distribution, and quantity indication sub-systems used in aviation.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486105 - Ground Handling & Servicing

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486127 - Aircraft Technical Drawings

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486127
    • Credits: 1.00

    Interpret aircraft blueprints, charts, and graphs. Students will identify symbols, lines, and terminology used in aircraft applications. Students will sketch repairs and alterations made to aircraft.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486100 - Aircraft Fundamentals

    • AERONAUT 10486101 - Aviat. Rcrds/Regs/Publications

    OR ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486161 - Aviation Regs & Publications

    • AERONAUT 10486166 - Maintenance Forms & Records

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10486140
    • Credits: 2.00

    Studies the operation of air data, flight director, autopilot, altitude and heading reference systems. Examines the integration of these systems and the control of the aircraft in flight. Aircraft control surfaces and information sources used to fly the aircraft are emphasized. Teaches practical application of servo, synchro slaved compass systems, flight director and autopilot systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • AERONAUT 10486111 - Basic Avionics Systems

    • AERONAUT 10486120 - Avionics Fundamentals

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486141
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces operating principles and use of engine instruments to detect and display engine performance data. Students will study the operation and use of mechanical and electronic systems for engine indicator and crew alerting systems. Maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of engine instrument systems and components will be covered.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486100 - Aircraft Fundamentals

    • ELECTRNC 10620103 - DC Circuits3Aircraft/Electrome OR ELECTRNC 10660112 - DC Circuits 3

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    • MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A OR MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1

    • Instructional Hours: 30
    • Outside Effort Hours: 24
    • Course Number: 10486142
    • Credits: 1.00

    Learn how the engine is used to supply electrical power to the aircraft. Students will study the operation of power generation and starter circuits. Practice maintaining alternators, generators, starter motors, and other electrical components on the powerplant.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486100 - Aircraft Fundamentals

    • ELECTRNC 10620103 - DC Circuits3Aircraft/Electrome OR ELECTRNC 10660112 - DC Circuits 3

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    • MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A OR MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10486143
    • Credits: 3.00

    Studies integrated surveillance avionics systems in various aviation aircraft. Transponders, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning, and Weather Radar systems are studied. Class focuses on understanding each system's operation and use by the flight crew. Identifying, isolating, repairing and calibrating the systems, within the guidelines established by the manufacturer, are emphasized.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • AERONAUT 10486111 - Basic Avionics Systems

    • AERONAUT 10486120 - Avionics Fundamentals

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10486168
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces maintenance resource management issues. The study of airline safety, human error in maintenance, human factors fundamentals, worker safety, communication, team work, situation awareness, and performance management.

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10486169
    • Credits: 3.00

    Studies integrated navigational avionics systems used in various aviation aircraft. VHF Omni directional Range, Instrument Landing Systems, Marker Beacon, Global Positioning System and Distance Measuring Equipment are emphasized. Class provides in-depth, hands-on training in identifying, isolating, repairing and calibrating avionics systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • AERONAUT 10486111 - Basic Avionics Systems OR AERONAUT 10486120 - Avionics Fundamentals

    • ELECTRNC 10660115 - AC Circuits 2

    • ELECTRNC 10660129 - Semiconductors 2

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660131 - Digital Electronics Tech 2​

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660110
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces electrical safety and program procedures. The course covers Ohm's Law, power law, series circuits, and voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter applications. Number powers, electronic notations, circuit component recognition and diagrams, resistor power ratings, color code, Kirchhoff's voltage law and atomic structure are also included.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A

    • MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1

    • MATH 10804118 - Interm Algebra w Apps

    • MATH 10804197 - College Algebra & Trig w Apps

    • MATH 31804308 - Industrial Maintenance Math

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660111
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers basic parallel and series-parallel circuits and their properties. Examines the theory, application and design of series-parallel circuits, such as loaded and unloaded voltage dividers and the Wheatstone bridge. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660112
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers capacitors and inductors including time constants and instantaneous voltage and current values of RC and RL circuits. Applications and various types of capacitors and inductors are discussed. Magnetism, electromagnetism, and devices, such as relays and solenoids, are also presented. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2​

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660114
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers AC waveforms and different voltage values including Peak, RMS, Average and Peak to Peak. The operation of transformers is also included. Laboratory activities using the oscilloscope are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660111 - DC Circuits 2

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • ELECTRNC 10660112 - DC Circuits 3​

    • Student is in progress in Manufacturing Engineering Technology (10-623-3) Program of Study

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660115
    • Credits: 1.00

    Covers reactive properties of series and parallel RC, RL and RLC circuits. Topics include reactance, phase angle and fundamental AC power concepts such as power triangle and power factor. Circuit quantities are determined using triangular analysis. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    OR ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    • MATH 10804116 - College Technical Math 2 OR MATH 10804197 - College Algebra & Trig w Apps

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Electronic Engineering Technology (10-605-7) OR Electrical Engineering Technology (10-662-1)

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660128
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces semiconductor materials, the operation of diodes, Zener diodes and the construction of rectifier and filter circuits. Fundamental transistor construction and operation is also introduced. Laboratory experiments are performed to verify the theory.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660114 - AC Circuits 1

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A

    • MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1

    • MATH 10804118 - Interm Algebra w Apps

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660129
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces students to transistor operation as a switch, SCR, Triac, and Operational Amplifier operation and application.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660128 - Semiconductors 1​

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660130
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces digital electronics, the operation of logic gates, and the theory of combination logic devices such as encoders, decoders, multiplexers, binary adders and parity circuits. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660110 - DC Circuits 1

    • Instructional Hours: 27
    • Outside Effort Hours: 27
    • Course Number: 10660131
    • Credits: 1.00

    Examines flip-flops, various types of shift registers and counters, arithmetic circuits, and practical application digital devices. Laboratory activities are performed to verify the theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • ELECTRNC 10660130 - Digital Electronics Tech 1

    General Studies (18 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804113
    • Credits: 3.00

    Topics include: solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. Successful completion of College Technical Mathematics 1A and College Technical Mathematics 1B is the equivalent of College Technical Mathematics 1.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • Accuplacer Algebra 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR MATH 10804133 - Math & Logic OR Algebra Level 1 Coursework

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10806139
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course emphasizes understanding basic physics concepts through laboratory investigation and applications. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, temperature, heat, waves, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • MATH 10804107 - College Mathematics

    • MATH 10804113 - College Technical Math 1A

    • MATH 10804115 - College Technical Math 1

    • MATH 10804197 - College Algebra & Trig w Apps

    • Instructor Consent

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809195
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course is designed to give an overview of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Concepts include scarcity, resources, alternative economic systems, growth, supply and demand, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment and global economic issues.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.