Later this year, approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators will come together for two days of training, networking and professional development. More specifically, the AEA Regionals are where aviation’s technology experts gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. These two-day events allow technicians and business owners the opportunity to learn industry best practices; connect with regional sales and product support representatives; satisfy training requirements; see the latest products and services in the exhibit hall; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business. Register Now...

On March 19 at the 67th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Dallas, 25 companies briefed the industry on their latest product offerings as part of the annual New Products Introductions session. Held on the first day of the show, this session featured rapid-fire presentations.

Courtesy of Aero-News Network, the entire opening session is now available to watch on YouTube, including each of the new product presentations. Watch...

Many of the regulatory and technical PowerPoint presentations made during the AEA Convention in Dallas are now available online. More will be added as they become available from the presenters. AEA members must use their member login and password to access this information.

This episode of AEA Amplified discusses the installation of avionics in light general aviation aircraft with a focus on classifying the alteration, availability of installation data, and the approval requirement for radios. Brian Yablon of Air Sense Avionics, a practicing electrical engineer, founded his repair station in 2018 after a rewarding career in electrical design and engineering management with a Fortune 100 company. He left the corporate grind to combine his passion for aviation and electronics.

As the owner of an FAA-certified repair station, Yablon has expanded his knowledge and understanding by frequently asking questions on the regulatory front to Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs. Yablon leads a discussion with Peri to share some of his questions with the AEA membership. Join us for the first installment of “Shop Talk” in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

The Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, has been selected to host the 69th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, March 23-26, 2026, as the event returns to Hilton Anatole for the first time since 2021. A popular destination for the membership, Dallas has hosted more AEA Conventions than any other city and was the site for the association's first show in 1958. The 2026 event will mark the ninth AEA Convention in Dallas.

As previously announced, the Phoenix Convention Center will host the 68th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, March 18-21, 2025. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, it is one of the 25 largest convention venues in the United States and offers nearly 900,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space on a campus that spans more than 2 million square feet. It will mark the second time the Valley of the Sun has hosted the event, as the AEA Convention will return to Phoenix for the first time since 1979. The Phoenix 2025 exhibitor prospectus will be available this summer. More...

The AEA recently submitted joint comments with other aviation associations on a couple of FAA rulemakings. On April 5, the AEA joined others in opposition to the agency's Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States proposal. Read comments...

Then on April 8, the AEA was one of five industry organizations that submitted comments on Falsification, Reproduction, Alteration, Omission or Incorrect Statements. Read comments...

The Aeronautical Repair Station Association recently released its 2024 Global Fleet & MRO Market Assessment. The report, produced each year for ARSA by global consulting firm Oliver Wyman, shows the international maintenance market has surpassed $100 billion in direct annual spending.

According to ARSA, the 4,000 maintenance firms located in the United States employ nearly 185,000 people and produce almost $65 billion in economic activity (not including indirect spending on business services and related community impact). The 2024 data shows that American entities employ roughly 44% of the total global workforce and account for more than 60% of the world’s maintenance revenue. More...

For the past year, the aviation industry has been inundated with “safety concerns” from a wide base of aviation service providers, including manufacturers, operators and maintenance organizations. And most of them commonly claim to have an accepted safety management system.

Is their SMS simply a commodity that allows them to meet a regulatory requirement by completing a checklist? A binder sitting on the shelf? Or have these organizations truly adopted a management system that identifies, investigates and mitigates risks within their organization? Industry expert Ric Peri tackles these questions and more in this month's View from Washington column in Avionics News. More...

Want an aircraft cabin bathed in a soft, precisely calibrated white light? A galley awash in red? Cup holders glowing purple? With Prizm, it’s possible to bring an aircraft owner’s vision, be it simple or complex, to light.

“With Prizm, the choice is yours. The lighting is fully configurable,” said Tim Lockerby, sales and program director for Prizm Lighting, a division of Elliott Technologies. “For example, you can adjust the white light temperature to perfectly match your cabin so there’s never that situation where the white light looks off relative to the color scheme of the soft goods. That’s actually one of the more popular features.” More...

Raise your hand if you have never clicked on FlightAware.com to check a flight’s status. Since most AEA members and Avionics News readers are aviators or aviation enthusiasts, it’s likely we can tally the number of people on two hands.

Having the ability to learn an aircraft’s location, speed, altitude and ETA is too much fun to resist. And it’s a huge benefit if you’re the one tasked with picking up someone at the airport; you can leave home practically when the aircraft is on final approach. That ability saves you wasted laps circling the arrivals gate at your local airport. More...

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the AEA jobs board is your one-stop resource. Search the AEA's job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available for job-seekers.

Here's a brief sampling of some of the outstanding opportunities currently listed:

As an AEA member, every employee in your company may access the members-only section of the AEA website, which includes ASTM standards, online training, warranty forms, equipment exchange program (EEDirect), technical publications, in-depth regulatory information, STC resources and much more. The AEA gives everyone in your company full access to online member services and benefits.

If you work for an AEA member company and would like to become an AEA insider and register for a members-only web account, visit aea.net/insider.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 46th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2023. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft.

Data from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:

The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Participation is voluntary, and everyone who is contacted is encouraged to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. If you have questions, contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.

AET Prep Course and Exam (sold-out)

This is a virtual-live class for aviation technicians who want to earn their NCATT AET certification. Students who register in advance will have access to online modules to self-study the AET coursework before attending the one-day virtual-live class. The online modules take approximately two weeks to complete. After the course, students will be fully prepared to take the AET certification exam. The $175 value for the exam is included in the course registration. Upon registration, instructions to access the AET Prep online modules will be emailed to the attendee. Learn More...

AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (4 seats remain)

This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure IFR6000 and IFR4000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, DME, ILS, VOR, Comms and ELT. Plus a complete review of all features and benefits of the AVX-10K Flight Line Test Set with emphasis on testing transponder (Mode S and ADS-B In/Out), UAT, TCAS and DME. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (10 seats remain)

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. Register Now...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (14 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. Register Now...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 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 FAR 91.411 and 91.413 checks. Register Now...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (12 seats remain)

This 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. Register Now...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (13 seats remain)

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 4.8% 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. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

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 plan to attend. Learn More...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (11 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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (15 seats remain)

Technicians will learn how to plan, install, interface, configure and check out an installation of a primary flight display, EHSI and GPS/Nav/Com consisting of dual Garmin GI 275, a Garmin GTN 650 touch screen, and a Garmin GTX 345 transponder. Designed for technicians who have experience with avionics installation practices and are looking for more training integrating common general aviation installations. Register Now...

Avionics Service and Testing Fundamentals (12 seats remain)

This intensive three-day course is designed for experienced avionics technicians seeking comprehensive training in avionics testing, troubleshooting and service. Led by industry expert Don Dominguez of Radioman Avionics, participants will gain hands-on experience in bench testing LRUs, flight line testing, and aircraft troubleshooting across various avionics systems. From fundamental concepts to advanced techniques, this course covers a wide range of topics including navigation, communication, and transponder equipment service. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (14 seats remain)

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This two-day course offers a regulatory review and an explanation of the proper administrative procedures for completing these critical certifications. Preparing and performing RVSM inspection tasks. ADS-B session covering installation, wiring and return to service review. Register Now...

The sky is not the limit in aerospace. If you are ready to reach a higher altitude, visit this one-stop resource that was built by industry professionals and powered by the AEA. The site offers a spotlight on career paths in aviation and includes links to jobs, scholarships, aviation schools, veterans’ resources, information for educators, salary data and more. From the hangar floor to low-earth orbit, opportunities abound. 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.

Published annually, the 2023-24 edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide is available upon request.

This year marks the 21st annual edition of the publication, a consumer’s directory loaded with educational articles, timely information and data about the ever-changing 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 approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics equipment in general aviation aircraft. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, delegated engineering firms, and consultants for the industry. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last. Get the Guide...

Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of aircraft electronics systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of aircraft electronics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.