Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flight Simulator Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Flight Simulator Technician, you are the backbone of modern pilot training. You will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing highly complex, multi-million dollar Full Flight Simulators. Your expertise will ensure these devices operate at peak performance, providing a realistic and reliable training environment that meets and exceeds stringent FAA and EASA regulations. This role requires a unique blend of skills in electronics, mechanics, computer systems, and avionics, making you an essential technical expert in the aviation industry. You will work hands-on with cutting-edge technology to guarantee the highest standards of safety and proficiency for aircrews worldwide.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Electronics Technician
Avionics Technician
IT Support Specialist with hardware focus
Military Veteran with relevant technical experience (e.g., Aviation Electronics)

Advancement To:

Lead or Senior Flight Simulator Technician
Simulator Site Supervisor or Manager
Simulator Engineer
Field Service Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Engineer
Quality Assurance Inspector (Aviation)
Technical Trainer or Instructor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive pre-flight and post-flight inspections on Full Flight Simulators (FFS) to ensure they are fully operational and ready for scheduled training sessions.
Conduct advanced diagnostic tests and systematic troubleshooting on complex electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to identify root causes of malfunctions.
Execute corrective maintenance, including the repair and replacement of malfunctioning components such as circuit boards, projectors, actuators, and avionic instruments.
Perform scheduled preventive maintenance routines and system calibrations in accordance with manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA Part 60).
Install, configure, and validate software updates, hardware modifications, and engineering changes to maintain simulator fidelity and compliance.
Maintain meticulous records of all maintenance activities, discrepancies, and corrective actions in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
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Provide real-time technical support to flight instructors and pilots, promptly addressing any issues that arise during training sessions to minimize operational downtime.
Assist in the preparation and execution of Qualification Test Guide (QTG) procedures to ensure the simulator continuously meets or exceeds regulatory standards.
Manage and maintain an inventory of spare parts, tools, and test equipment, initiating procurement requests as needed to ensure parts availability.
Interpret complex technical documentation, including electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings, to facilitate efficient troubleshooting and repairs.
Operate and monitor the Instructor Operator Station (IOS) to assist in scenario setup, system checks, and fault replication for diagnostic purposes.
Collaborate with a team of technicians and engineers to resolve complex, cross-disciplinary technical challenges and implement solutions.
Ensure all work is performed in strict compliance with company safety protocols, industry best practices, and government aviation regulations.
Perform visual system alignment, calibration, and color balancing to maintain a realistic and immersive training environment for pilots.
Troubleshoot and maintain the complex network of computer systems, servers, and peripheral devices that form the backbone of the simulator's architecture.
Conduct regular functionality checks on all simulator subsystems, including motion, control loading, sound, and communications, to verify proper operation.
Liaise with device manufacturers and vendors for advanced technical support, parts acquisition, and to stay informed on system updates.
Participate in the acceptance testing, installation, and commissioning of new Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs).
Analyze simulator performance data and discrepancy logs to proactively identify failure trends and potential future issues, enabling predictive maintenance strategies.
Respond to emergency "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG) situations for the simulator, demonstrating flexibility to work varied hours, including nights and weekends, to restore service swiftly.
Support engineering teams in the integration and testing of new technologies and systems into the existing simulator platforms.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to simulator performance and reliability.
Contribute to the organization's technical documentation, including the refinement of maintenance procedures and checklists.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs and training requirements into engineering and maintenance actions.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the technical support and engineering teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in using a wide range of electronic test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and function generators.
Advanced knowledge of analog and digital electronics, with the ability to perform component-level troubleshooting on circuit boards.
Strong understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical motion and control-loading systems.
Experience with real-time host computer systems and associated operating systems (e.g., Linux, UNIX, AIX).
Proven ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering blueprints.
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Deep knowledge of aviation regulations pertaining to flight simulation, specifically FAA Part 60 and/or EASA equivalents.
Familiarity with modern avionics systems, data buses (e.g., ARINC 429, 664), and aircraft-specific instruments (FMS, EGPWS, TCAS).
Competency in computer networking principles (TCP/IP, UDP) and troubleshooting network connectivity issues within a complex system.
Hands-on experience with high-fidelity soldering and desoldering techniques for electronic component repair and assembly.
Knowledge of visual display systems, including projectors, image generators (IGs), and the procedures for display alignment and calibration.
Experience with simulator manufacturer platforms is a major plus (e.g., CAE, L3Harris, FlightSafety International, TRU Simulation).

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for documentation and team collaboration.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
High degree of composure and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
Customer-centric mindset with a focus on supporting pilots and instructors.
Adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and systems continuously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in a technical field (e.g., Electronics Technology, Avionics, Computer Science) or equivalent military technical training and experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electronics Technology
Avionics Maintenance Technology
Computer Engineering Technology
Aerospace Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in the maintenance and repair of complex electromechanical systems, preferably flight simulators.

Preferred:

Direct experience maintaining Level C or Level D Full Flight Simulators.
Prior military experience in an avionics, electronics, or simulator maintenance career field is highly valued.
Experience with specific aircraft platforms (e.g., Boeing 737/787, Airbus A320/A350) and their corresponding simulator systems.