The Aircraft Electronics Association released its 2020 year-end Avionics Market Report, and total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales for the year amounted to $2,223,729,327, or more than $2.2 billion as reported by the participating companies.

The dollar amount represented a 26% decrease in total year-end sales compared to 2019, which set a record-high total that topped $3 billion. It also marked the lowest amount of sales in the report's nine-year history. During the fourth-quarter months of October, November and December, sales decreased 28.1% compared to the same time frame one year ago.

However, since COVID-19 began to negatively impact industry-wide sales near the end of the first quarter of 2020, the industry experienced healthy sales growth during the last six months of the year. For example, after total sales bottomed out in the second quarter of 2020, third-quarter sales increased 5.9% with retrofit sales up 10.8% compared to the second quarter. That upward trend continued with fourth-quarter sales increasing another 8.5% with retrofit sales up 15.3% compared to the third quarter. More...

Luckily for avionics owners and prospects alike, leading avionics manufacturers were well along with an array of virtual avionics training tools even before COVID-19 invaded our lives. And whether through divine guidance or sheer luck, their foresight has provided outlets for an array of excellent on-demand avionics instruction tools.

The ability to make fast changes is a major benefit of online-based tools. As soon as a change or update is completed, the presenter can alter its virtual training materials. While Avidyne and Garmin are among the leaders in providing a variety of training options to best fit their customers’ needs, you can bet the other avionics manufacturers are hard at work creating their own virtual training offerings. More...

As technicians finish installs for ADS-B procrastinators, forward-looking avionics repair stations may be wondering what might be on the regulatory horizon. In a word, cybersecurity. Working jointly since 2006 to develop the standards, the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency published them in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and recently updated DO-326A/ED-202A, Aeronautical Information System Security Framework Guidance.

“They are not mandates yet,” said Chris Bartlett, president of CCX Technologies, “but there is a feeling that they will come up with an initial version in 2021 or later that will be required.” With increasing aircraft connectivity, aircraft networks are increasingly more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. More...

The United Kingdom left the European Union at midnight on Jan. 31, 2020, but Dec. 31, 2020, marked the end of a transition period during which the U.K. and EU negotiated details for how the two entities will work and trade together in the future. An agreement was finally reached Dec. 24.

Aviation regulatory and safety; customs and immigration; and taxes and importation issues are just a few of the topics relevant to the aviation industry. Over the last few years, aviation organizations and aviation professionals have wondered how airman licensing, aircraft transactions, aircraft and parts certifications and approvals, third-country operator approvals and cabotage prohibitions would be impacted by the split. Many of these questions remain following the Dec. 24 agreement. More...

In this month’s column, Ric Peri explores this question: Is the repair station training program a product or a process?

He writes: "Simply, the repair station training program is the documented process that you use to show compliance with the requirements of 14 CFR Part 145, Subpart D – Personnel. It is your process that you use to assure that the technician that you send out to work on your customer’s ‘pride and joy’ is qualified and capable of performing the task the customer requests." More...

Last summer, Cris Owens, spent five months writing manuals to help Qmulus Aviation earn a Federal Aviation Administration Part 145 repair station certificate. From June to October 2019, he wrote a repair station manual, quality assurance manual, training manual and a capabilities list all for a business that didn’t yet exist.

“We started with nothing, just an idea,” said Owens, who has 20 years of experience in aviation as an avionics technician and an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization. “Owner Sean Wilke wanted to update his Cessna 172 with ADS-B but there was a logjam – a nine-month waiting list at one point. A couple of local flight schools were having the same issue. Given the lack of aviation support in the area, Sean saw an opportunity. He wanted to start a repair station in southwest Idaho and asked if I thought it was possible. I said, let’s have some conversations. Let’s meet with the FAA and see how it goes. In June 2019, we met with the FAA. They were very supportive.” More...

It’s been seven years since True Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc., unveiled the first lithium-ion battery aimed at the main-ship battery market for commercial- and general-aviation airframes. The line and company first showed up with this new product in October 2013 at that year’s convention of the National Business Aviation Association in Las Vegas.

The emergence of lithium-ion battery technology for main-ship battery use doesn’t mean makers of the two older technologies – lead-acid wet-cell batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries – haven’t continued to dominate the fleets of commercial and corporate aircraft. But as with so many technologies, these older solutions have seen their own advances in the years since True Blue Power disrupted the market with its lithium-ion-technology products. More...

The annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now available for avionics technicians. The exam may be taken online by Aircraft Electronics Association members or downloaded by non-members.

By completing the exam, which covers regulatory and technical topics featured in the 2020 issues of Avionics News, technicians can get a head start on their FAA-accepted training. Individuals who complete the exam and score 85% or higher receive credit toward their repair station training program requirements, IA renewal, FAA AMT awards, and the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award. More...

As the calendar turned to 2021, the Aircraft Electronics Association launched its new online training platform called AERO, short for the Aerospace Education Resource Online system. All previous online training from the AEA has been migrated to AERO and is available exclusively to AEA members at aea.net/aero with a member login and password.

AEA AERO will continue to add content to help members accomplish their training goals. The most recent addition is the entire library of the AEA’s SMS training. From Safety Coordinator to Employee Initial and Recurrent Training, AEA SMS Program participants can find everything in one convenient location online. Members with questions about the new AERO online training system may contact Aaron Ward directly at aaronw@aea.net. More...

The Aircraft Electronics Association recently moved the dates of its 64th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show to June 22-25, 2021. The event will take place at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas.

All convention attendee registrations and exhibitor contracts previously transacted will be automatically moved to the new dates, and no further action is required. More...

With the dates of the AEA International Convention & Trade Show moving to June 22-25, attendees and exhibitors who made reservations at the Hilton Anatole in the AEA room block for mid-March should note that the hotel will close those reservations and refund deposits to the credit card used to make the reservation. This hotel policy is designed to help ensure the correct arrival and departure dates are secured for all attendees in June.

To make a reservation at the Hilton Anatole for the AEA Convention in June, click here.

For those avionics professionals interested in attending the AEA Convention in June and have not yet registered, the deadline for early-bird registrations has been extended from Dec. 31, 2020, until March 31, 2021. The early-bird discounted price of $675 (AEA member rate) for a full convention attendee registration offers a $180 per person savings off the on-site registration fee.

If you haven't already registered, you can take advantage of the early-bird rate by clicking here.

The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award 23 scholarships totaling more than $100,000 for the 2021-22 school year to students pursuing a career in avionics or aircraft maintenance, as well as employees and dependents from AEA member companies.

Since its inception, the AEA scholarship program has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships. Numerous awards are available, ranging from $1,000 to more than $35,000 each. Scholarship applications are available online, and the deadline to submit an application is April 1, 2021. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration and the general aviation community national #FlySafe campaign helps educate airmen about safety. This month’s topic covers aeronautical decision making.

The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee contends that many general aviation accidents stem from inadequate aeronautical decision making and resource management skills.

We’ll cover the 3-P Model and how it can help you integrate ADM principles into your flying. We will also review the many benefits of flight risk assessment tools. More...

According to FAA Safety Briefing, "We all make mistakes. That’s just human nature. But the reality we face in this industry is that aviation is terribly unforgiving of human error. Even a slight mistake can cause a fatal accident. That’s why it’s important to know the Dirty Dozen — the 12 common causes of mistakes in the aviation workplace. You need to recognize their warning signs, and most importantly, learn how to avoid or contain their effects."

Take a short quiz to see if you can identify some of the most common maintenance mishaps in the workplace. More...

Well, we muddled through 2020 with a smattering of aviation events surviving the pandemic crisis, many of them – well, most of them – virtual events. For example, early December saw the virtual National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition – VBACE in the show vernacular – as a two-day virtual event.

As an official from one of these aviation events privately noted, trying to organize these events in the time of a COVID-19 pandemic is “a little like trying to predict where the roulette ball will land on the spinning wheel.”

Hopes for a short-lived pandemic-related downturn came courtesy of the multiple approvals of vaccines to fight the COVID-19 spread. Mass vaccinations are coming, with two vaccines approved for use. Fingers crossed, of course. With this information as a backdrop, let’s look at some of the usual industry events, their plans, and how they stand here in the early days of 2021. More...

The AEA Pilot’s Guide is a consumer’s directory loaded with educational articles, timely information and data about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies. In addition to a complete directory of AEA-member government-certified repair stations, avionics manufacturers and distributors located in more than 40 countries, the publication features educational articles to help pilots and aircraft owners make better buying decisions. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last.

In addition, the AEA introduced its Pilot's Guide Showcase, an all-new digital stage highlighting everything from features and functions of the latest avionics equipment to the installation and service available from AEA member repair stations. Located at PilotsGuideShowcase.net and specifically designed for avionics consumers such as general aviation pilots and aircraft owners, the digital platform features product demonstrations, how-to videos, select tutorials via recorded flight demonstrations and spotlights AEA's network of technology experts.

Attention avionics technicians! How well do you think you know your avionics inside and out? New and old? Then put your knowledge to work.

What is the product make and model shown in this image?

Southeast Aerospace will award a $100 Visa gift card to a random winner from among the correct entries submitted, and the winner will be announced in the next edition of AEA Wired.

In addition, all correct answers from 2021 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card at the end of the year, also from Southeast Aerospace. Email your answer...

This virtual course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 7% of all general aviation ADS-B installations are non-compliant based on the FAA’s ADS-B Performance Monitoring System. This course focuses on the proper configuration and testing of ADS-B installations to ensure your installation meets the performance requirements and regulations. Also included are troubleshooting tips and tricks that will help you resolve the common problems found in ADS-B installations.

As today’s modern airplanes become much more technologically advanced, so must the professionals who maintain them. The advanced avionics and instrumentation systems used in these aircraft rely on various forms of digital databus communication. Understanding digital databus theory is becoming more and more important for avionics technicians, and even A&P mechanics, to effectively test and troubleshoot these highly advanced aircraft systems.

Aircraft Maintenance Regulations (14 seats remain)

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.

Developing an Internal Audit Program for Repair Stations (11 seats remain)

Are you an EASA certified repair station? Did you know there is an internal audit requirement in your EASA supplement? Do you have foreign certifications that require an internal audit program? Is your FAA inspector asking you about an internal audit program during their surveillance? Do you want to enhance your basic quality control program with a proactive internal audit program? This course focuses on the basics of internal auditing and the development of an internal audit program, providing the tools and methods necessary to meet the international regulatory needs as well as the continuous improvement of the repair station.

Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (12 seats remain)

This course is designed for certificated repairmen, new avionics technicians, aviation maintenance technicians and recent graduates interested in improving or acquiring the skills necessary to perform avionics installations. This three-day seminar employs in-depth theory and hands-on lab exercises to immerse the attendee in the best practices used to plan, manage, and install a general aviation avionics panel.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (13 seats remain)

This course is designed for entry-level avionics technicians or those looking for basic training on pitot-static and aircraft transponder systems. The two-day course covers the history and theory of operation of pitot-static instruments and transponders, as well as system setup, hands-on testing, and the troubleshooting skills necessary to perform federal aviation regulation 91.411 and 91.413 checks.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (12 seats remain)

This course is targeted for the homebuilder or avionics technician who wants to learn about performing an avionics installation in an experimental aircraft. The class focuses on the Garmin G3X Touch system, and a simplified example harness is constructed as part of the hands-on portion of the class. While the G3X Touch system is the primary focus, the wiring principles and general guidance can be applied to any experimental avionics system. From the do-it-yourselfer to the avionics shop looking to carve a niche, this class has something for everyone.

This virtual course is designed for avionics technicians or apprentices who want to learn more about aircraft instrument systems and better understand their operation, installation considerations, and maintenance to become more-effective troubleshooters. From simple mechanical gauges to complex electrical and electronic systems, this course covers nearly every instrument system in an aircraft.

PFD Installation & Integration (New course: 15 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with avionics installation practices and are looking for more training 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/com/GPS, Garmin GTX 345 transponder and dual Garmin GI 275 primary flight display.

Pitot-Static & Transponder Testing & Inspection with ADS-B Implementation (15 seats remain)

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.

IFR6000 & IFR4000 Operations (15 seats remain)

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 system and to operate the IFR4000 for ILS, VOR, COMMs and ELT.

Certified Repair Station Training (14 seats remain)

This weeklong course provides an interactive environment to learn, understand and implement the regulations that govern repair station design and operations. 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 should attend.

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the job listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA jobs board 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 job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available. Are you up to the challenge? More...

Is your business hiring? The AEA jobs board makes it easier for AEA members to find their next avionics technician, quality manager, inspector, sales representative or engineer.

AEA members may submit a free job posting after entering their username and password at AEA.net/Jobs. Member companies that optionally choose to upgrade their job posting for a premium will have preferred online placement and also will be published in the next edition of Avionics News. For more information about premium job listings, contact Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive, at rachelh@aea.net.