April 24, 2019
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
EASA Proposes Safety Management System Requirements for Part-145 and Part-21
The European Aviation Safety Agency has published its long-awaited Notice of Proposed Amendment NPA 2019-05, which proposes amendments to Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No. 748/2012 and Annex II (Part-145) to Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014, in order to introduce safety management principles that implement ICAO Annex 19, and to foster an organizational culture for effective safety management and effective occurrence reporting in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No. 376/2014.

This NPA proposes to consider the applicability of safety management systems to Part-145 approved maintenance organizations, as well as to production and design organizations that are approved in accordance with Subparts G and J of Part-21. More...
Future Proofing: Hardware that Keeps Pace with Avionics Technology
Future proofing is designing a device so its related improvements and new developments will not render it obsolete the day after tomorrow. It is a new concept that really did not exist until avionics made the jump from analog to digital technology. That opened the door to software-driven capabilities that engineers could update, if the existing hardware had the necessary memory and processor power. 

Designing a box to perform a specific function today, and incorporating the memory and processing power in anticipation of unknown capabilities, is a challenge, according to Bill Stone, Garmin’s senior business develop manager. “That crystal ball gets foggier the further out you go,” he said. “Take Loran-C OEMs, for example. Their future proofing didn’t work out so well.”  More...
May Cause Drowsiness: The Impact of Impairing Medications on Pilots and Mechanics
How often do you read the warning labels on a medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – before taking the drug? Pilots are generally subject to strict medical requirements and must report any prescription medication to the Federal Aviation Administration (pilots flying under a recreational pilot’s certificate must comply with the BasicMed rule, which has different requirements) but may not fully understand the effect of OTC medications on their body.
 
Some of the OTC medications that may cause bad effects, such as allergy and cold medications and sleep aids, are rather obvious. Other drugs, like anti-diarrheal medications, can cause dizziness or other side effects. According to the FAA, an airman should not fly while using a medication – whether prescription or OTC – that is labeled “may cause drowsiness” or advises the user not to drive or use heavy machinery. Aircraft maintenance technicians, however, are not subject to the same medical testing or reporting requirements as pilots. While the potential risk for these medications for pilots is clear, most people don’t consider the potential impact on aircraft maintenance technicians. More...
EASA Strives to Make GA Safer and Cheaper
In the past few years, the European Aviation Safety Agency and the European GA community have worked to make general aviation regulation simpler, better, accessible and more straightforward. Many waypoints of this action plan – the EASA GA Roadmap – have been achieved and were presented at AERO in the past years.

At this year’s AERO international GA fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the EASA underlined its continued commitment towards GA while embracing innovation and affordability. Rachel Daeschler, the EASA certification director, and her team presented the latest successes and defined the path for the EASA GA Roadmap 2.0. More... 
Reminder: Employers Must Post Injury/Illness Summary Through April 30
Each year, employers are required to post a copy of OSHA Form 300A from Feb. 1 through April 30. The summary must be displayed in a common area where notices to workers are usually posted. Businesses with 10 or fewer workers and those in certain low-hazard industries are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping and posting requirements. Visit OSHA's Recordkeeping Rule webpage for more information.
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
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...
New AEA President and CEO Focuses on Aviation’s Future 
As Mike Adamson steps into his new role as president and chief executive officer of the Aircraft Electronics Association, the aviation industry is evolving fast with new technology, new choices and new players. Of course, with it all, comes challenges, new and familiar. Adamson is focused on ensuring the association continues to be adaptable and ready for the future to best serve its members.

“We will continue to build on our successes as the business partner for repair stations and manufacturers, and stay focused on the people, products and policies that shape aviation’s next generation,” said Adamson, who succeeded retiring president and CEO Paula Derks on March 25, 2019, during the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Palm Springs, California.  More...
GojiBox Puts the Pizazz in POI
GojiBox is the brainchild of Arlington, Virginia-based Gotham Studios, a video-production firm. Peter Nissen, its president and executive producer, is an Emmy Award-winning television producer with decades of experience in creating content for the entertainment industry. He came up with the GojiBox in a predictable way: He's a self-confessed window-gazer. Coupling his professional background with some “Why not?” questions, Nissen envisioned a product with much richer detail on points of interest along his route, one that entertains as it informs. He calls it “geotainment” and GojiBox is its newest platform. More...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Register quickly, as most classes sell out!
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
Gulf Coast Avionics was awarded Garmin’s 2018 Platinum Dealer Award for its outstanding sales of the company’s aviation products during the recent AEA Convention.

Garmin received European Aviation Safety Agency approval of the retrofit GFC 500 autopilot for fixed-wing general aviation aircraft in Europe. Garmin also celebrated the maiden flight of a Garmin integrated flight deck in a supersonic F-5 fighter aircraft.

Universal Avionics received FAA supplemental type certificate for the company’s new touchscreen EFIS Control Display Unit for the InSight Display System. Universal Avionics authorized dealer, Skyservice Business Aviation Inc., received TCCA and FAA approval for supplemental type certificate for its Bombardier Learjet 45 NextGen and Beyond upgrade. EASA approval for certification is imminent.

Astronics Corp. will supply in-flight entertainment system hardware for a next-generation in-flight entertainment and connectivity system being developed by one of the largest airlines in the United States. Under the agreement, Astronics’ products will equip nearly 50 of the airlines’ new widebody aircraft.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the all-new Gulfstream G500 in-service fleet has already amassed nearly 2,000 flight hours around the world.

Clay Lacy Aviation expanded its charter fleet in Oregon and Connecticut with a six-passenger Bombardier Learjet 70 and a nine-passenger Cessna Citation Sovereign with high-speed streaming Wi-Fi.

Duncan Aviation announced that although construction continues at its third, full-service FBO in Provo, Utah, the fully functioning, 90,000-gallon capacity fuel farm is online and its staffed, experienced line services team is ready to help with aircraft fueling needs. In addition, the Duncan Family Trust has gifted $56,000 to Western Michigan University for the ongoing annual award of a Duncan Aviation Maintenance Scholarship. 

Cutter Aviation announced the completion of the Advanced Performance Modification Group package on a HondaJet HA-420 classic at the Cutter Aviation Phoenix Sky Harbor Authorized Service Center.
FlightSafety International introduced its new VITAL 1150 Image Generation visual system. The company also developed technology that integrates its Mixed Reality and VITAL 1100 Visual Systems into cockpit procedures trainers, and announced a significant expansion of the training programs it offers for the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter. FlightSafety also was named one of America’s best mid-size employers by Forbes.

uAvionix announced it is testing its prototype of a Command and Non-Payload Control radio for unmanned aircraft systems and urban air mobility vehicles. In addition, uAvionix announced a partnership with CubePilot (ProfiCNC and Hex), designer and manufacturer of The Cube autopilot (formerly known as Pixhawk) for unmanned aircraft systems, to integrate ADS-B In receive capability into its Carrier Board.

VIH Aerospace announced the receipt of its AS9100 Rev D Quality Management Systems Certification for its North Saanich facility. 

D.L.S. Electronic Systems now performs the entire environmental suite of tests found in MIL-STD 810 G, method 506.6, procedures 1, 2, and 3. Included are rain and blowing rain, exaggerated, and drip. 

Avmax recently dry leased one Dash 8-Q202 msn 522 to Link PNG Ltd., Papua New Guinea.
Avotek launched a new online course for aviation technicians and students preparing to pass the Aircraft Electronics Technician certification exam, which can help persons achieve an FAA Part 65 repairman certificate.

West Star Aviation announced that MSP Aero will be rebranded as a West Star Aviation satellite location, effective immediately. West Star Aviation acquired MSP Aero LLC in November 2017 and has, until now, operated as a stand-alone facility that retained the independent brand.

Flying Colours Corp. confirmed renewal of its agreement with Bombardier Business Aircraft’s Service Centre at Seletar Airport to provide interior services at the OEM’s Singapore facility. 

StandardAero was selected by Solomon Airlines to continue supporting the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120A engines powering its Dash 8-100 regional turboprop fleet. StandardAero also is delivering Alpine Air and its customers with responsive PT6A-67D support for its Super Freighter program.
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.