Jan. 15, 2020
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
U.S. Department of Labor Approves AEA's Avionics Technician Apprenticeship Program
The United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship recently approved the avionics technician apprenticeship program that was created by the Aircraft Electronics Association and submitted through its partnership with the Urban Institute. The apprenticeship program offers a competency-based occupational framework that meets industry standards.

AEA members interested in learning more about the apprenticeship program should plan to attend a one-hour training session, March 26, during the 63rd annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee. More...
Save the Dates for 2020 AEA Connect Conferences
Avionics professionals will want to save the following dates for the 2020 AEA Connect Conferences that were recently announced. Registration for the Europe Connect is available through Friday, Jan. 17, while online registration for the remaining events will be available in the near future. A date and location for the South Pacific Conference also will be announced soon. The schedule is as follows:

Jan. 23-24: AEA Europe (Cologne Germany)
Sept. 10-11: AEA Canada (Calgary, Alberta)
Sept. 23-24: AEA East (Naples, Florida)
Oct. 19-20: AEA Central (Kansas City, Missouri)
Oct. 27-28: AEA West (Irvine, California)
TBA: AEA South Pacific More...
Advance Registration for AEA Europe Connect Conference Ends Friday
There are only two days left to register in advance for the AEA Europe Connect Conference. Aviation’s technology experts will Connect with their industry peers at the 34th annual event at the Hyatt Regency in Cologne, Germany, Jan. 23-24, 2020. Join us for the premier avionics event that connects shop owners, managers and lead technicians in Europe.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has confirmed three instrumental program managers will discuss their project that will have a direct impact on business. Juan Anton, cybersecurity in aviation and emerging risks section manager, will discuss the recent cybersecurity NPA that addresses your business and employees rather than just the aircraft and certification. Jean-Pierre Arnaud, safety management expert, will present a thorough overview of implementation of Reg (EU) 1183/2019 (Part-CAMO and SMS) and how the SMS mandate will affect your business. And Alberto Fernandez Lopez will discuss the rulemaking update and information on installation of parts without EASA Form 1. More...
Avidyne Flexes its Muscles
Operators of older aircraft now have more upgrade options than before, with more bells and whistles than ever. And a new entrant in the market for avionics aboard transport category airplanes and rotorcraft – the new “Atlas” flight management system from Avidyne – may make it easier and less-expensive than ever to install the latest and greatest cockpit solutions into an older aircraft.

Atlas is the newest product from Avidyne. It’s a Dzus-mounted, multifunction GPS/SBAS flight management system offering full LPV approach guidance per FAA TSO-C146c and based on the company’s FMS software found in the panel-mounted IFD440/540/550 products. Atlas employs Avidyne’s hybrid user interface – touch-screen or hardware-based controls – and offers a full-featured, FMS that integrates with existing equipment in the aircraft. That equipment includes a long list of EFIS, PFD, CDI and HSI options, plus remote sensors and autopilots. More...
A Brilliant Glass-Panel Experimental Huey
The archetypal Huey UH-1 utility helicopter is not what one would think of normally as an experimental aircraft. First of all, it’s got a well-earned reputation for dependability. If it were indeed an experiment, there would be some degree of dissolution in its 65-year tenure. Second, the Huey is a marvel of wonder among aircraft, in particular with fixed-wing pilots and amateur physicists who remain convinced that helicopters aren’t supposed to fly.

Gardner Lowe Aviation Services, an AEA member company, is a comprehensive maintenance, service and avionics installation shop based in the Atlanta area. As a long-established outfit with a glowing reputation, Gardner Lowe sees a variety of aircraft move in and out of its hangars. The Huey was already something of a standout when it arrived at Gardner Lowe, no matter whom you talk with. The project UH-1 D flew in under its own power, albeit with a panel full of German-made avionics and instruments. When it left, N8379R was sporting a complement of glass-panel displays from Garmin, a pedestal-mounted iPad electronic flight bag, and an indispensable array of USB power and six-pin LEMO headset ports throughout the cabin. More...
AEA Scholarship Applications Due April 1
The Aircraft Electronics Association will award more than 20 scholarships totaling more than $100,000 for the 2020-21 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, 2020. More...
Rachel Hill Joins AEA as Director of Advertising
Aviation industry veteran Rachel Hill was named director of advertising for the Aircraft Electronics Association, effective Jan. 1, 2020. Hill has served the AEA since March 2018 as an independent contractor, where she helped guide the advertising sales effort for Avionics News, the association's monthly magazine, as well as the AEA Pilot's Guide, a consumer's guide of avionics that is published annually.

A native of Crossville, Tennessee, Hill brings nearly 30 years of experience working in the aviation community. Her aviation career began in 1990 at TAP Publishing Co., where she spent more than two decades in advertising sales with the publisher's flagship magazine and online market, Trade-A-Plane. Hill also served nearly two years as the publisher for Trade-A-Plane following her executive appointment in October 2015.  More...
Request Your FREE AEA Pilot’s Guide
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. More...
On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
AEA Europe Connect Conference
Cologne, Germany
Jan. 23-24, 2020
Online registration is available through Jan. 17. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hyatt Regency Cologne. More...
HAI HELI-EXPO
Anaheim, California
Jan. 27-30, 2020
Looking for your next aircraft, vendor, mentor, job, or professional development or employment opportunity? You’ll find them all in Anaheim. This event includes hundreds of education courses with 18,000 industry professionals and 700 exhibitors. More...
International Women in Aviation Conference
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
March 5-7, 2020
The 31st annual event takes place at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Participants gain extensive networking opportunities and a diverse schedule of educational sessions and social activities. More...
AEA International Convention & Trade Show
Nashville, Tennessee
March 24-27, 2020
Aviation's technology experts will convene at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for the 63rd 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 will save attendees $180 per person off the on-site fee and is available through Dec. 31. More...
Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo
Lakeland, Florida
March 31-April 5, 2020
The Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo, an aviation tradition for the past 45 years, will have a name change for its 2020 event. The largest fundraising event for the Aerospace Center for Excellence will be renamed the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo to reflect the mission to engage, educate and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals.  More...
Aero Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen, Germany
April 1-4, 2020
Join more than 600 exhibitors from 35 countries, 33,000 visitors and 600 journalists from all over the world for AERO Friedrichshafen. At Lake Constance, numerous companies will be displaying their latest products and innovations, covering the whole industry from ultralights and gliders to business jets, helicopters and electric aircraft as well as avionics and maintenance.  More...
Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE)
Shanghai, China
April 21-23, 2020
ABACE brings together thousands of business aviation leaders, entrepreneurs and other purchase decision-makers. In partnership with the Shanghai Airport Authority and co-hosted by the National Business Aviation Association and the Asian Business Aviation Association, ABACE takes place at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre. More...
AUVSI XPONENTIAL
Boston, Massachusetts
May 4-7, 2020
At the world’s largest event for unmanned and autonomous systems, explore today’s proven capabilities and tomorrow’s advancements through hands-on exhibits and interactive demos. More...
HeliComm Focuses on Major Avionics Installations
Based at Paso Robles Municipal Airport in central California, David Nutile specializes in large avionics installations in forestry and law enforcement helicopters. As an avionics technician and A&P with 40 years of experience, he has developed tremendous respect for rotorcraft and the heavy work they do.

“Helicopters are built really well,” said Nutile, who started his career under the mentorship of Gene Stull at Air Comm Systems in Rialto, California. “They’re extremely well maintained, especially when they’re in the hands of people who work them like police and forest service operators.” More...
$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?

The first individual who submits the correct answer will be awarded a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, and the winner will be announced in the next edition of AEA Wired.

In addition, each award recipient in 2020 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...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Register quickly, as most classes sell out!
Avionics Installation and Integration Training
Jan. 27-29, 2020
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 touchscreen nav/comm/GPS, Garmin GTX 345 transponder and an Aspen EFD1000 primary flight display.
Pitot-Static and Transponder Testing and Inspection with ADS-B Implementation
This course is sold-out!
Jan. 30, 2020
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.
RVSM Maintenance and IFR6000 Operations
Jan. 31, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
Attendees will be introduced to the regulations, documentation, test equipment and maintenance practices associated with performing RVSM maintenance for aircraft. This course assumes the attendee has good operating knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations 91.411, 91.413 and 91.227 paragraph (d). The afternoon session 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.
Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft
Feb. 17-19, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for the homebuilder or avionics technician who is looking for guidance in completing an avionics installation on an experimental aircraft. While the Garmin G3X Touch system is used as an example in the course, 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.
Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation
March 2-4, 2020
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. The 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
March 5-6, 2020
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 Regulations 91.411 and 91.413 checks.
Certified Repair Station Training
June 1-5, 2020
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. This course will include a complete review of the FAA guidance and policy regarding the procedures to assure a repair station is operating within the criteria of its manuals.
News from AEA Member Companies
Garmin introduced the GI 275, an electronic flight instrument that directly replaces legacy primary flight instruments in the cockpit, which is suitable as a direct replacement for a variety of instruments including an attitude indicator, attitude directional indicator, course deviation indicator, horizontal situation indicator and engine indication system. Garmin also unveiled the GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi, the next generation of in-flight navigation technology that is designed as a direct slide-in upgrade to the previous generation GTN 650/750. Garmin also announced the addition of new G3X Touch features and panel configurations, as well as cost-effective avionics options that have been approved for installation in certified aircraft.

Genesys Aerosystems announced that the Leonardo TH-119, equipped with the Genesys avionics suite, has been selected by the U.S. Navy for the next-generation TH-73A training helicopter.

Aspen Avionics announces new features and functions for its E5 EFI. Aircraft owners who already own Aspen’s Evolution E5 can update their current display through an Aspen authorized dealer who will enter the change with a logbook entry. New E5 displays will begin shipping immediately with the HSI feature.

West Star Aviation appointed Gary A. Schandl director of quality assurance for all West Star facilities. The company also welcomed Walt Marcy to the Grand Junction, Colorado, team as the avionics technical sales manager.

Western Aircraft, a Greenwich AeroGroup Co., expanded its leadership in the maintenance and modifications of Pilatus Aircraft by being the first to install a Gogo AVANCE L5 in-flight connectivity system on a Pilatus PC-24. 

Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems accomplished a significant first with the recent installation of the new Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck upgrade on a Citation XLS. This upgrade was part of a major comprehensive and custom refurbishment project on the recently acquired 15-year-old aircraft. 

Duncan Aviation announced leadership changes to its flight department. Craig Rathjen has been named the director of flight operations and Jon Kroesche the new chief pilot of flight operations. 

SmartSky Networks received an additional $25 million from funds managed by the Global Credit Opportunities team at BlackRock, after surpassing an important network deployment milestone on its way toward beginning commercial operations during the second quarter of 2020.
FreeFlight Systems successfully obtained Civil Aviation Federal Agency (AFAC – formally DGAC) validation of its AML STC for the Avail Performance Package, a complete ADS-B solution for turboprop and light jet aircraft. 

Millennium International enhanced its website to provide customers with an advanced inquiry and quote response system for avionics parts, support service and capabilities. The enhancements come as part of a larger company-wide effort that focuses on customer service, responsiveness and accessibility.

Connell Aviation Group and the Connell Family are memorializing the passing of its patriarch, James H Connell, with the announcement of a new aviation-based scholarship. Students training in either flight or maintenance programs are eligible for the scholarship award.

Collins Aerospace announced that the FAA has ordered a head-up display virtual-reality training device from Collins Aerospace Systems to be used in scientific research in areas such as pilot-HUD interface, pilot performance and crew workload. 

Clay Lacy Aviation announced that Embraer has expanded the company's service center authorization to include Legacy and Praetor business jets. 

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. promoted Matt Baer to regional vice president of sales for the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada.

FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training announced that Rich High was promoted to CEO. FlightSafety International announced that Brian Moore was named senior vice president, operations.

Dumont Aviation Group announced that, with its recent purchase on Dec. 23, 2019, the company has completed its program of purchasing 27 Falcon 2000 aircraft from a large fractional operator.
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. Are you up to the challenge? More...
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
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.