April 10, 2019
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
FAA Makes Clear Statement on Non-compliant Aircraft
On April 1, 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration published its policy for authorizations to operators of aircraft that are not equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipment. Click here for a copy of the policy statement.

In the FAA's statement, the agency makes it clear that any operator who operates a non-equipped aircraft in ADS-B Out airspace without obtaining a preflight authorization in accordance with § 91.225(g)(2) will be presumed to have violated the regulations. More...
AEA Names 2019 Award Winners
Two prestigious industry awards were presented during the opening session of the 62nd annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California, on Monday, March 25.

Todd Winter of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics was named the 2019 AEA Member of the Year, while Applied Avionics was honored as the AEA Associate Member of the Year.  More...
Request Your Free Copy of the AEA Pilot's Guide
This year marks the 16th annual edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide, a consumer's directory loaded with educational articles, timely information and data about the wonderful world of avionics technologies.

The publication helps pilots and aircraft owners make better buying decisions and locate nearly 1,300 AEA member companies in more than 40 countries, including government-certified repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, engineers and consultants for the industry. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last. More...
Aerospace Pact Lowers Fees on U.S. Companies and Opens European Access to U.S. Markets
During a meeting between the co-chairs of the Bilateral Oversight Board at the Federal Aviation Administration’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., the officials with the FAA and the European Union signed two decisions associated with the Airworthiness Annex of the U.S./EU Safety Agreement. More...
Is PRIA Required for a Military Veteran?
According to a brief from NATA Compliance Services, if you are hiring a military veteran who served at any time during the previous five years, you do not need to request air carrier records or drug and alcohol records from the military branch. However, according to the FAA Advisory Circular for PRIA, you still must run the following: 
  • Request for Air Carrier/Drug-Alcohol records from non-military employers.
  • FAA Records Check
  • National Driver's Registry.
This rule applies to active service performed with any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, reserve component of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard.  More...
2018 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey
The 41st annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway. It is the Federal Aviation Administration's primary source of information about the size and activity of the general aviation and on-demand Part 135 fleet. The survey is conducted on behalf of the FAA by Tetra Tech, an independent research firm, and all survey responses are confidential. Tetra Tech would like to hear from everyone who received an invitation to complete the survey to prepare accurate statistics on aviation activity. The GA Survey is a scientific sample of aircraft from the Civil Aviation Registry. If you have questions, please contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.
On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
FAA & Industry Rotorcraft Forum
Fort Worth, Texas
May 21-22, 2019
This two-day forum discusses the challenges and opportunities in the certification and installation of new avionics technologies in the rotorcraft market. The purpose is to open the lines of communication between industry and the FAA's Rotorcraft Directorate. This event takes place at the Tarrant County College's Center of Excellence for Aviation, Transportation & Logistics in Fort Worth, Texas. It is a continuation and follow-up on the previous FAA & Industry Rotorcraft Forums that have occurred in recent years. Seating is limited. In order to accommodate as many industry attendees as possible, please limit your company’s attendance to no more than two representatives. Register in advance to attend. More...
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 22-28, 2019
Experience the largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts. From unique, historic aircraft to world-class daily air shows, you don’t want to miss the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. The AEA will be distributing free copies this year's AEA Pilot's Guide in Hangar B, booth 2035/2036.  More...
AEA Canada Connect Conference
Toronto, Ontario
Sept. 9-10, 2019
Online registration is available through Sept. 4. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites by Aug. 7. More...
AEA U.S. West Connect Conference
Reno, Nevada
Sept. 23-24, 2019
Online registration is available through Sept. 18. Hotel reservations should be made at the Nugget Casino Resort by Sept. 9. More...
AEA U.S. Central Connect Conference
Kansas City, Missouri
Oct. 2-3, 2019
Online registration is available through Sept. 25. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Kansas City Airport by Sept. 10. More...
NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
Las Vegas, Nevada
Oct. 22-24, 2019
Online registration is available through Sept. 25. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Kansas City Airport by Sept. 10. More...
AEA U.S. East Connect Conference
Daytona Beach, Florida
Nov. 4-5, 2019
Online registration is available through Oct. 29. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront by Oct. 2. More...
AEA South Pacific Connect Conference
Adelaide, Australia
Nov. 18-19, 2019
Online registration is available through Nov. 8. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Adelaide Hotel by Oct. 17. More...
CCX Creates New Tablet-like Avionics Tester for ADS-B and Other Radios
When Canadian startup CCX Technologies opened its doors in 2017, it focused on developing networking security software for new and existing aircraft systems. Recently, the cybersecurity experts have turned their attention to an entirely different type of product – an avionics tester called T-RX.

CCX Technologies has reimagined the radio tester as a ruggedized tablet with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. The custom-designed software can test multiple radios on board an aircraft such as ADS-B, ELT, VOR and DME.  More...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Register quickly, as most classes sell out!
IFR6000 Operations Training Course
April 26, 2019
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate the IFR6000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, and DME systems. In-depth training will be provided for testing of ADS-B transponder systems with airborne equipment.
Pitot-Static & Transponder Testing and Inspection with ADS-B Implementation
May 31, 2019
Lee's Summit, Missouri
Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This full-day course offers hands-on training, including a regulatory review and an explanation of the proper administrative procedures for completing these critical certifications. With so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know to meet the mandate.
Certified Repair Station Training Course
June 3-7, 2019
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This weeklong course provides an interactive environment to learn, understand and implement the regulations that govern repair station design and operations. It is for current quality managers, technicians, mechanics, and repairmen who are involved in the management of a repair station as well as individuals looking to establish a 14 CFR Part 145 repair station.
Avionics Installation and Integration Training
Aug. 19-21, 2019
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation Course and/or have a couple years of basic avionics installation practice and are looking for more experience integrating common general aviation installations. Technicians will learn how to plan, install, interface, configure and check out an installation consisting of a Garmin GTN 650 touch screen nav/comm/GPS, Garmin GTX 345 transponder and an Aspen EFD1000 primary flight display.
Pitot-Static & Transponder Testing and Inspection with ADS-B Implementation
Aug. 22, 2019
Lee's Summit, Missouri
Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This full-day course offers hands-on training, including a regulatory review and an explanation of the proper administrative procedures for completing these critical certifications. With so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know to meet the mandate.
RVSM Maintenance
Aug. 23, 2019
Lee's Summit, Missouri
Attendees will be introduced to the regulations, documentation, test equipment and maintenance practices associated with performing RVSM maintenance. This course assumes the attendee has good operating knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations 91.411 and 91.413.
The Regulations of Maintenance
Sept. 19-20, 2019
San Diego, California
Held in conjunction with the University of Kansas Aerospace Short Course Program
Understanding the regulations of the repair station is only part of the equation. Like pieces of a puzzle, each regulation is needed to fit together in order to fully view the repair station’s requirements. Understanding the regulatory relationship between the business (Part 145); the maintenance it performs (Part 43); the parts it uses (Part 21); as well as the needs of customers (Part 91) are essential to provide regulatory compliant services in aviation maintenance. This session will cover the basics of the maintenance and modification regulations, but more importantly, it focuses on their integrated relationship with the business.
News from AEA Member Companies
Viavi Solutions announced the VIAVI UC-584S Top Mount Antenna Coupler to provide isolation and shielding for consistent aircraft transponder testing in ramp and hangar environments without signal interference. The UC-584S is designed to be quickly and safely installed without requiring personnel to climb onto the aircraft fuselage.

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics introduced the new MD93H Digital Clock/USB Charger. The high-power USB charger delivers 3 amps per port to simultaneously charge electronic flight bags, cellphones, tablets and other electronic devices at full power. The unit’s compact, 2-inch design allows it to fit in any standard panel cutout. 

True Blue Power announced that the company’s TI250 DC-to-AC Inverter and AC power outlets received FAA supplemental type certification on all Boeing 737 700/800/900 series aircraft.

Duncan Aviation announced that Nate Darlington has accepted the position of director of modifications at the company’s full-service facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. Darlington will continue in his role as manager of the Battle Creek paint department, and he will also assume responsibility for the avionics and interior shops. Duncan Aviation introduced an FBO Services Calculator website app that allows operators to easily see their complete service charges and fees when stopping at a Duncan Aviation FBO facility for transient fuel services. 

Garmin announced the GPS 175 and GNX 375 GPS navigators with Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance approach capability. The GPS 175 is a stand-alone certified IFR navigator with a color touchscreen display packed with advanced features including WAAS/LPV approaches. The GNX 375 has all the capability of the GPS 175 and adds ADS-B Out, as well as dual-link ADS-B In via a built-in transponder. Garmin also announced the certification of the G3X Touch flight display for hundreds of certificated aircraft. Garmin also introduced the GTX 335D and GTX 345D, two diversity transponders that provide optimal ADS-B Out coverage and visibility while operating throughout the global airspace system. 

Gogo Business Aviation named the organizations to receive the company’s highest dealer honor for 2018 – the Gogo Business Aviation 51,000 Five. The award recognizes the highest-performing organizations in the company’s global dealer and distributor network, as chosen by the Gogo Business Aviation executive team. Recipients are: Dassault Aviation; Duncan Aviation; Gulfstream; Textron Aviation; and West Star Aviation.

Astronics Corp. announced an upgraded emergency locator transmitter for aircraft life rafts, the SRB-406G S-type ELT, which includes GPS locator technology to provide satellite-based position assistance during search and rescue operations.

Elliott Aviation announced Canadian certification on its STC for Honeywell’s dual NZ-2010 FMS 6.1 upgrade in the Hawker 800 facilitating WAAS/LPV approaches.

Vertex Aerospace has expanded its global presence by establishing a regional office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

CCX Technologies launched its T-RX Avionics Radio and Pulse Tester product line, a trio of tablets for testing avionics radios. T-RX will ship in mid-2019 and can be purchased via the company’s online store.

Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp. announced the CAN-TSO-139a approval of its newest cabin PA amplifier, the LSA100-100.
FreeFlight Systems announced that the Avail Performance Package is now available for legacy business jets. Included in the Avail for Jets package are dual 1090 Mode S/ES transponders, a RANGR-RX/G 978 ADS-B receiver with an internal WAAS/GPS, integrated Wi-Fi, and a single control head. 

TruTrak Flight Systems received FAA approval for the Vizion autopilot to be installed in the Cessna 180, 182, 185, and Piper PA32 aircraft. TruTrak is now the holder of the STC for the Vizion autopilot, which was previously held by its development partner, EAA. 

uAvionix equipment was accepted by the Director General of Civil Aviation of India for use within Indian-controlled airspace. In addition, uAvionix has filed its TSO package for the tailBeacon with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office. At Aero Friedrichshafen, uAvionix and PocketFMS announced collaboration on inter-operable Electronic Conspicuity with skyEcho 2 and EasyVFR 4. 

Genesys Aerosystems announced that its VFR HeliSAS now integrates with the Garmin G500H TXi. 

Trig Avionics was selected by the Trojan Phylers Flight Demonstration Team as its ADSA-B and VHF avionics of choice. Trig is supporting British serial adventurer James Ketchell, who is en route to the first world circumnavigation in a Gyrocopter. His Gyrocopter is equipped with a Trig TT22 transponder, TN72 GPS position source and TY91 VHF compact radio.

L3 Commercial Aviation launched SRVIVR25, its next generation of cockpit voice and data recorders, which provides at least 25 hours of cockpit voice recording while providing a minimum of 50 hours of flight data recording. The recorders will be available for air transport, regional, and business aviation platforms.

DFW Instrument, LLC, a DFW Aviation company, announced the approval of its air data test set for the Bombardier CRJ series of aircraft.

BendixKing unveiled its new AeroVue Touch Integrated Flight Deck, an advanced Class III cockpit system that includes three smart, high-resolution touchscreen displays that incorporate all required functions into one lightweight, panel-mounted flight deck.
AeroVonics announced FAA certification of its initial launch product, the AV-20. With a total of 12 functions, the AV-20 incorporates an array of capabilities packed into a single, 2-inch form-factor instrument. Approved for installation in Part 23, Class I and Class II, non-pressurized aircraft, the AV-20 provides legacy aircraft advanced functionality for under $1,000.

Aspen Avionics received approval from the FAA for Aspen’s software modification addressing the Airworthiness Directive 2019-01-02 issued in February 2019. This AD affected Evolution Flight Displays with software version 2.9 and the potential of in-flight reset of FIS-B equipped EFD1000-500 systems when connected to an ADS-B transponder, transceiver or receiver when improperly formatted data is received. The company also announced demand has been strong from current Aspen owners to upgrade to the latest generation of Evolution Flight Displays, the MAX series of primary flight and multifunction displays.

Outerlink announced that Phoenix Heli-Flight, a charter helicopter company based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, introduced a fleet upgrade to the Outerlink IRIS system. 

JETTECH received approval of an STC for its Garmin G600/G700 TXi modification for installation on the Cessna Citation 500, 501, 550, 551, S550 and 560 fleet.

Latitude Technologies launched its ultra light, ultra slim Touch Control Display Unit. Featuring a fully-customizable and high-resolution display, the Latitude TCDU seamlessly supports a range of fixed- and rotary-wing applications. 

Universal Avionics is offering the company's authorized dealers and integrators two new STC packages, available at no charge in many cases. The first is for ADS-B Out Data Pairing and the second supports installation of the InSight Display System. David Carter was appointed to the position of regional sales manager for the northwestern U.S. 

Jupiter Avionics revealed an entire new line of products at the AEA Convention. The new products introduced include the waterproof, ruggedized wiJAC 2 wireless intercom; J301A-001 JA95-060 audio controllers; JA30-001 volume control panel, JCORD-001 PTT Radio and ICS adapter; JA23-030 speaker amplifier; JA34-805 low impedance intercom adapter- remote mount; JB39-403 dynamic microphone adapter; JA84-001 audio junction panel, JA71-S017 sideways Dzus mounting plate; JA71-OSAM standby attitude module mounting plate; and UJAC -001 panel mount USB charger. 

StandardAero, via its Organization Designation Authorization from the FAA, was awarded the first STC for multiple Embraer aircraft models. StandardAero was recently selected by Commuter Air Technology to provide support services for Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines installed on King Air 350 aircraft operated by the company. StandardAero signed a new multiyear contract with Sky Regional Airlines Inc. to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the airline’s Pratt & Whitney Canada APS2300 auxiliary power units. Global investment firm The Carlyle Group closed its purchase of StandardAero from Veritas Capital.
Clay Lacy Aviation has earned FAA approval to amend the company’s FANS 1/A+ STC, which includes ADS-B Out, CPDLC, ADS-C and Link 2000+/ATN B1, to include the Gulfstream GV.

Dynon is lowering the price on both SkyView Classic and SkyView SE systems and is retiring SkyView Touch.

D.L.S. Electronic Systems Conformity Assessment has expanded testing capabilities to include combined temperature/altitude/humidity testing with levels up to 100,000 feet, -68° C to +177° C, with humidity, all at the same time. Testing is compliant to RTCA DO-160, Sec 4, MIL-STD 810, and other industry standards. 

Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus has hired a new leader to enhance unmanned aircraft systems research at the Applied Aviation Research Center. Tom Haritos, former assistant professor and faculty researcher at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, joins Kansas State Polytechnic as the new associate director of research and UAS research program manager at the on-campus center. The school also will host the Fly K-State Academy, a three-day piloting program, July 22-25, for high school students entering their freshman through senior year who dream about a future in aviation.

Avmax announced the addition of the Dash 8-400 to its Transport Canada AMO rating at its Calgary MRO base.

SmartSky Networks selected Gore Microwave/RF Assemblies’ vapor-sealed 7 Series for its new in-flight connectivity system that provides travelers with a true 4G LTE air-to-ground connection in aircraft such as the Embraer ERJ-135 operated by JetSuiteX. SmartSky Networks also announced it is collaborating with Snowflake Software through the Skytelligence Aviation Data Marketplace.

FlightSafety International and TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron Inc. company, have formed a new company called FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training. David Davenport, co-CEO and president, Commercial, of FlightSafety International, has been elected president of The Wings Club Foundation.

West Star Aviation announced that its recently expanded Chattanooga, Tennessee, facility is now offering landing gear overhaul and repair for a variety of airframes.

Satcom Direct announced the commercial service introduction of Intelsat FlexExec as part of its SD Xperience portfolio. The first high-speed, managed, end-to-end broadband service designed specifically for the business aviation sector, FlexExec is now being commercially delivered in partnership with Intelsat and Astronics AeroSat.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.'s G650ER broke a speed record for the farthest business jet flight in history. The G650ER flew from Singapore to Tucson, Arizona, at an average speed of 597 miles per hour/960 kilometers per hour over a distance of 8,379 nautical miles/15,518 kilometers.

Connell Aviation Group announced that the City of Independence, Iowa, alongside the Connell family, invite the public to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to officially rename the local airport to James H Connell Field on April 13.
Looking for a Job in the Avionics Industry?
For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the career listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA careers page provides informational links on how to get AET certified, an avionics technician job summary and wage review, along with scholarship opportunities within the industry. Search the AEA's career listings and see what's on your horizon. Are you up to the challenge? More...
Need to Post a Job? The AEA Works for You!
Is your business hiring? Looking for a new avionics technician or A&P mechanic? Want to buy or sell a business in the general aviation industry? Post these professional opportunities to a target-rich environment: the AEA's career listings website. For $200 a month, you can place a listing online AND receive a print advertisement in Avionics News for FREE! For more information, contact Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive, at rachelh@aea.net
About the AEA
Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.
Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
Email:  info@aea.net
Web:  aea.net  
Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive
Phone: 816-366-5109
Email:  rachelh@aea.net

The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.