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Keeping the general aviation industry connected |
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AEA Unveils New Online Training Platform for Members: AERO |
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.
As a part of AEA AERO, the association released its 2020 Avionics News Technical Training exam. AEA members can take the exam online through the new AERO system. Access to the training exam is linked from the website’s training drop-down menu. AEA members with any questions about the new AERO online training system may contact Aaron Ward directly at aaronw@aea.net. More...
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Are You up to the Test?
Take the Avionics News Technical Training Exam
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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...
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AEA Member Appointed to FAA's Drone Advisory Committee |
Before resigning from office, former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced new appointments to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Drone Advisory Committee, including Brad Hayden of Robotic Skies, an AEA member company.
“The Drone Advisory Committee is key to helping the FAA keep pace with innovation while protecting safety,” Chao said.
Members are executives who represent a variety of unmanned aircraft systems interests, including industry, research, academia, retail, technology, and state and local government.
The DAC is a broad-based, long-term federal advisory committee that provides the FAA advice on key UAS integration issues by helping to identify challenges and prioritize improvements. The committee helps to create a broad strategy for the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace system. More...
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Helicopter Services Meets Every Mission |
For Helicopter Services outside of Houston, Texas, the end of the year is always a busy time. The last few months of 2020 proved likewise. Forest fires, hurricanes, flooding, snowstorms and public demonstrations kept the nation’s special mission aircraft flying more than ever.
At David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, the Part 145 repair station provides maintenance, inspections, repairs and modifications for local, state and federal agencies across the United States. More...
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ADS-B Rotorcraft Style
Avionics makers overcome issues absent from fixed-wing operations
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Of the many advantages credited to the change of surveillance technology to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B Out) is the system’s superiority at tracking low-flying aircraft – in urban areas as well as in rural airspace. But this trait works only as long as the airborne ADS-B system stays connected to one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s 800-plus ADS-B ground stations.
And therein we find one of the inherent weaknesses of the ground-based ADS-B relay network: the need for a line-of-sight, unobstructed “view” of ground stations necessary for the air traffic control network to “see,” receive and relay all that important data on which controllers depend.
Bringing ADS-B Out to the rotorcraft world involved solving some issues specific to the aircraft type. Countries looking to satellite-based ADS-B as their solution know some of those issues may be resurrected for helicopter ADS-B diversity. More...
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Some Things Cannot Be Delegated |
From Ric Peri's View from Washington column in Avionics News: "As a line technician, and especially as a new apprentice, you assume your supervisor is the voice of the senior leadership. It is assumed that his/her culture is the culture of senior management. You simply do not question authority.
"This is where SMS comes in. How do you know management and supervisors share the positive safety culture of senior leadership? There are three elements needed. First, the culture starts at the top; second, it must flow downward throughout the organization; and third, there must be accountability to the culture to assure the desired outcome.
"If you want a positive safety culture, the senior leadership must possess a positive safety culture. Then the senior leadership must communicate the desired culture to each level of management, each supervisor, and each technician. And finally, as with every objective within an organization, there must be accountability to the safety objectives. Each element has its own challenges." More...
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Coping, Adapting, Persevering
Shops discuss avionics pandemic interactions
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Inconsistent might be the best way to describe the national, state, county, and local guidelines businesses and individuals should follow to maintain some degree of economic and medical viability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials in most places deemed avionics repair stations essential businesses, allowing them to remain open and operating in support of the nation’s aviation infrastructure.
How they responded to the operational guidelines that accompanied their essential status was the question. How have the guidelines affected interfacing with customers and co-workers and redefined the daily work routine? To find out, Avionics News visited with shops chosen at random from the membership directory for a coast-to-coast telephone tour in mid-October, following the sun across the time zones from east to west. More...
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Reducing RF Leakage
Learn more than 10 ways to keep your transponder quiet
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Today, there is an inherent issue with ground testing of an aircraft fitted with an ADS-B transponder. Since an ADS-B transponder automatically reports its position, this presents a problem for TCAS or ADS-B In equipped aircraft when testing above field elevation, especially around congested airspace. As a result, the FAA issued SAFO 17002 in 2017 to follow proper procedures and use antenna shielding to prevent test signals propagation.
VIAVI Antenna Couplers are effective at reducing radiated power and provide greater than 20dB of attenuation. However, there are a few things that can be done to further limit RF leakage such as:
- Using a second antenna coupler for diversity systems.
- Shutting off or using couplers on redundant systems.
- Keeping hangar doors closed during testing. More...
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FAA Announces Final Rule to Facilitate the Reintroduction of Civil Supersonic Flight |
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration recently issued a final rule to facilitate the safe development of civil supersonic aircraft. The rule streamlines and clarifies procedures to obtain FAA approval for supersonic flight testing in the United States.
This rule will help ensure that companies developing these aircraft clearly understand the process for gaining FAA approval to conduct flight testing, which is a key step in ultimately bringing their products to market.
The Department and the FAA anticipate taking additional regulatory actions to enable the development of supersonic aircraft. More...
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AEA Convention Moves to June 2021 |
The Aircraft Electronics Association has 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...
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Make Your Hotel Reservations for AEA Convention |
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. |
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Early-bird Registration Deadline for AEA Convention Extended to March 31 |
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. |
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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration recently announced final rules for Unmanned Aircraft, commonly known as drones. The new rules will require Remote Identification of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.
Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules support technological and operational innovation and advancements. More...
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New Avionics Training Courses Now Available |
The AEA recently opened online enrollment for several training classes scheduled over the next several months at its headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Six brand-new courses are being offered for the first time.
Class sizes are limited, and social distancing protocols are in place for all attendees. Interested parties are encouraged to register well in advance to reserve a seat. Scroll down further to learn more. More...
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AEA Scholarship Applications Now Available Online |
The Aircraft Electronics Association 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 students 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...
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Request Your FREE AEA Pilot’s Guide
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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. |
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Pandora Adds AEA Amplified Podcast |
AEA Amplified, the association's podcast sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, has added Pandora to its growing list of providers.
Listen to all episodes by subscribing to AEA Amplified on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podbean or Spotify. More...
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Join more than 1,000 AEA members who have already streamed or downloaded these free regulatory webinars to help train their staff or continue their own professional development. Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, brings his vast years of experience and expertise to conduct a series of regulatory webinars essential to repair station and business operations.
In addition to providing relevant content, these courses include direct questions from the audience answered in real time. If you are looking to stay up-to-speed, AEA members may login with their member password to watch these sessions on a desktop or mobile device at AEA.net/webinars.
- Transponder Testing
- Aircraft Wiring Inspections
- Change Management
- Root Cause Analysis
- Managing Risk
- Repair Station Contract Maintenance
- Human Factors in Maintenance
- Flight Data Recorders and the Mexican Mandate
- ASTM's Compass
- The Ins & Outs of Drug & Alcohol Program Management
- Classifying Alterations for In-service Aircraft
- AEA Safety Management System
- Part 145: How to Implement and manage a Repair Station Capability List
- Beyond ADS-B Installations: Continued Airworthiness
- FAA Drug & Alcohol Inspection Items: Be Prepared for Your Next Audit
- Part 43: The Business of Aircraft Maintenance More...
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On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events |
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International Women in Aviation Virtual Conference
March 11-12, 2021
WAI plans to deliver all the outstanding content of its trademark conference experience through education sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, virtual exhibit hall, personal and professional development seminars and workshops, as well as 2021 scholarship awards, Pioneer Hall of Fame induction celebration, and networking opportunities. More...
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HAI HELI-EXPO
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 22-25, 2021
Looking for your next aircraft, vendor, mentor, job, or professional development or employment opportunity? You’ll find them all in New Orleans with endless networking and hundreds of education courses with 18,000 industry professionals and 700 exhibitors. More...
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Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo
Lakeland, Florida
April 13-18, 2021
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is one of the world’s largest annual aviation events. Proceeds from these events provide funding for the Aerospace Center for Excellence. The SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In annually raises over $2 million for ACE, enabling the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs and scholarships. More...
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AERO Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen, Germany
April 21-24, 2021
After a one-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show will take place at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center. The show team at Lake Constance expects a large number of exhibitors. Important industry players such as Diamond, Tecnam, Piper, Junkers, Textron, and Rheinland Air Service (DAHER, Hondajet, Bell Partnership) have already confirmed their participation. More...
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European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
Geneva, Switzerland
May 18-20, 2021
EBAA and NBAA are excited to welcome back the business aviation industry for EBACE2021. EBACE brings buyers and sellers together as Europe’s premiere event dedicated to showcasing business aviation products and services. A full slate of exhibiting companies have already confirmed their plans for participation in this year’s event. More...
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AEA International Convention & Trade Show
Dallas, Texas
June 22-25, 2021
Aviation's technology experts will convene for the 64th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. Avionics professionals will have access to more than 100 hours of technical training and professional development courses. Early-bird registration is available through March 31. More...
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$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge |
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, each award recipient in 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...
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Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes |
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Bench Basics 101 (10 seats remain)
Jan. 18-19, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri (New course!)
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Basic Wiring course and/or have a couple of years of basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics flight line testing. ADS-B transponder systems, nav/ILS and VHF comms will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel, a bench test harness, and a transponder test harness that they will use in the course.
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NAV/COMM Equipment Service Training (8 seats remain)
Jan. 20, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri (New course!)
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Bench Basics 101 course and/or have a couple of years of basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics flight line testing. NAV/ILS will be the focus of study.
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Transponder Service Training (8 seats remain)
Jan. 21, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri (New course!)
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Bench Basics 101 course and/or have a couple of years of basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics flight line testing. ADS-B transponder systems, NAV/ILS and VHF comms will be the focus of study.
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Pitot-Static & Transponder Testing & Inspection with ADS-B Implementation (7 seats remain)
Jan. 22, 2021
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.
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Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (8 seats remain)
Jan. 27-29, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone.
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Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (4 seats remain)
Feb. 1-3, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (11 seats remain)
Feb. 4-5, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for entry-level avionics technicians or those looking for basic training on pitot-static and aircraft transponder systems. This 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.
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Aircraft Maintenance Regulations (14 seats remain)
April 6-7, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Developing an Internal Audit Program for Repair Stations (14 seats remain)
April 8-9, 2021
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Certified Repair Station Training (15 seats remain)
Aug. 9-13, 2021
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. 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.
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News from AEA Member Companies |
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FreeFlight Systems announced that Justin Yows, Kenia Goodman, Rob Hall, and Keith Maness have each accepted promotions to support the long-term growth of the organization. Yows was promoted from manufacturing technician to production supervisor; Goodman was promoted to buyer and planner; Hall was promoted to procurement manager; and Maness accepted a new role as production manager.
Duncan Aviation is teaming up with Universal Avionics to host a webinar over FMS upgrades on Tuesday, January 19, at 10 a.m. CST. During this live event, Duncan Aviation Avionics Regional Sales Managers Michael Kussatz and John Spellmeyer will be joined by Universal Avionics Senior Field Service Engineer Eric Carlson to discuss how a WAAS and LPV- enabled Universal Avionics FMS increases safety, improves operational efficiency, and lowers direct operating costs. In addition, Duncan Aviation has 33 student summer internship opportunities at the company’s three full-service facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. These paid internships allow students to learn more about the company and explore possible career paths in business aviation service and support.
Universal Avionics announced the selection of its ClearVision Enhanced Flight Vision System for the Aerion AS2. The company’s complete Head-Up Display and EFVS solution featuring the SkyLens Head-Wearable Display with its proven unlimited Field of Regard will be installed in the world’s first supersonic business jet.
EDMO Distributors is celebrating 50 years of being a global leader in the distribution of test equipment, avionics, and installation supplies.
Elliott Aviation acquired Atlanta-based MRO, The Maintenance Group, which has been operating at the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, for over 25 years. The acquisition of The Maintenance Group adds additional airframe service capabilities to Elliott Aviation’s portfolio of qualifications.
True Blue Power named Dave Graham as its newest account manager. He brings more than 15 years of successful program management and industry experience. He is a licensed pilot.
AeroLEDs LLC announced FAA approval for over 200 Part 27 makes and models, adding to its list of FAA certifications. This STC covers the installation of the SunSpot 36 and 46 Series LEDs on nearly all “normal” category rotorcraft.
DAC International, an AllClear company, announced that Gregory H. Beason was named AllClear’s new president and CEO.
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Satcom Direct successfully activated 500 terminals for aerospace customers subscribing to Inmarsat’s High Throughput Satellite Global Xpress network through the Jet ConneX service. This achievement positions SD as the leading service provider of Inmarsat’s ultra-high speed data service to private and government aviation users worldwide, according to the company.
uAvionix launched its upgraded dual-frequency ADS-B receiver, pingStation 2. The high-integrity, low-cost ADS-B ground station provides for networkable low-altitude airspace and airport surface monitoring, as well as unmanned aircraft system ground control station integration for detect and avoid capability.
L2 Aviation appointed Warren Orr as its human resources leader.
Muncie Aviation Company announced the acquisition of Des Moines Flying Service, a step that merges two of the longest-standing business and general aviation sales and service centers in the world. The transaction was completed Jan. 1, 2021. BCC Advisers of Des Moines assisted with this transaction.
Avotek announced that Introduction to Aircraft Structures, Systems, and Powerplants: A Handbook for Pilots, Mechanics, and Managers is out now and available for purchase. This book introduces aircraft to students in any aviation-related track of study, whether they are future mechanics/technicians, pilots, or aviation managers. High school programs may also find this book useful for teaching the basics about aircraft.
Avmax leased one Dash8-300 msn 216 to PassionAir of Ghana.
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AEA Opens the Door to Your Future: AEA.net/Jobs |
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...
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Need to Post a Job? The AEA Works for You! |
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. |
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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. |
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Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
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Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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