The early-bird registration rate will close Dec. 31 for the 67th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of aviation electronics manufacturers, distributors and approved maintenance organizations in the world. The event will take place March 19-22, 2024, at Marriott's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Attendees must register by the end of the year to receive the early-bird discount price of $695 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird offers a $230 per person savings off the on-site registration fee. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; and networking with manufacturers and distributors. Register now for the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. More...

Florian Guillermet was recently selected as the future executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, following a decision by the agency’s management board. Guillermet is currently the director at DSNA, the air navigation services provider designated by the French State. He has over 26 years of aviation experience, with a particular emphasis on air navigation and air traffic management.

From 2014-2021 he was executive director at SESAR Joint Undertaking, which he joined in 2012 from EUROCONTROL where he had held several roles since 2004. Earlier in his career, he held positions at the French Civil Aviation Authority (Direction générale de l'aviation civile (DGAC)) and in Air France.

The next step is for the selected candidate to make a presentation to the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism. This is currently expected to take place Jan. 22, 2024, and a notice of formal appointment to the role is planned for Feb. 15. The actual start date remains to be confirmed. More...

The annual Avionics Training Excellence Award recognizes Aircraft Electronics Association members for their total commitment to training. Pilots and aircraft owners may not be aware of the avionics industry’s dedication to technician training. For decades, the AEA has led the way with comprehensive programs to cover everything from the basics to advanced avionics instruction. A total commitment to training by AEA member companies and the recognition of the Avionics Training Excellence Award allow members to demonstrate their dedication to professional career development and assure their customers of a higher level of service.

To qualify, an AEA member company must submit a completed ATE Award application and provide proof of participation in an AEA-recognized training event for every employed technician from January to December of the award year. Applications for the 2023 award are due Dec. 31, 2023. More...

On Dec. 6, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it proposes to require certificated repair stations located outside the United States whose employees perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft to obtain and implement a drug and alcohol testing program. These programs would align with the FAA and Department of Transportation’s drug and alcohol standards.

 

According to the FAA, this would be an important step in its overall safety mission because few countries require testing of aviation or maintenance personnel. This rule would ensure these employees are held to the same high level of safety standards regardless of where they are physically located. The repair stations would have to ensure their employees receive all necessary anti-drug and alcohol training and send their testing data electronically to the DOT. More...

Here are the results of the poll question from the Dec. 6 edition of AEA Wired:

41.5% – Commercial Pilot Training Course

34.1% – Learn to Fly course - Private Pilot Ground School

24.4% – Instrument Rating Course - FAA Test Prep

It took about a year for Northern Air Maintenance Services to earn its safety management system certification. The initiative, which led to Alaska’s first Part 145 repair station with a certified SMS program, started as a suggestion by NAMS’ customer.

Based at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport at the southern edge of the state, NAMS provides aircraft maintenance, ground operations, inventory control and other support services for a major oil company that operates 615 miles north in Alpine and at the Kuparuk River Oil Field on Alaska’s North Slope.

“After attending an SMS conference, we recognized how an SMS program could significantly benefit our company’s growth and future,” said Eric Dance, general manager of NAMS. “Training sessions helped us understand and incorporate the necessary requirements into our existing safety program. In many respects, we had already been practicing several aspects of SMS such as assessing hazards beforehand and planning out mitigation strategies.” More...

Over the years, Garmin’s talented team has used its impressive skills as both a visionary and innovator to bring great capabilities to a wide variety of products they sometimes didn’t invent. Synthetic Vision Technology for EFIS, Envelope Protection for autopilots, Smart Rudder Bias for multiengine aircraft, and, oh yes, a little advancement called Autoland – just to name a few.

So it’s easy to see that Garmin’s recent FAA supplemental type certificate to install its Collier Trophy-winning Autoland system and its new-to-turboprops Autothrottle system on select Beechcraft King Air B200-series is the next significant step in the company’s efforts to make something better.

Garmin’s retrofit history with the legendary King Air family started in 2007 when it launched a program to upgrade the C90-series with Garmin G1000. Today, over 800 King Air 90-, 200- and 300-series owners enjoy what Garmin avionics brings to their aircraft. More...

One of the first questions anyone should ask when planning communications to market their avionics repair shop on social media or anywhere else is, “Who cares?” If the target audience couldn’t care less about what you are talking about, your approach will miss the mark.

At a professional development session during this year’s AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Jessica Power advised shop owners and workers on this issue and other aspects of how to use social media to promote their businesses. Power has 20 years of aviation industry experience having started in aircraft sales and acquisitions and held sales and marketing positions in the avionics industry. More...

In this month’s Theory & Practice column in Avionics News, author Thomas Inman concludes a three-part series on the autonomous navigation systems endorsement to ASTM’s aircraft electronics technician certification and will discuss flight management systems and the remaining subsystems that make up an ANS.

Strictly speaking, an FMS is not part of an ANS. Technicians will find nearly all jets equipped with an inertial reference system – or inertial navigation system – will be equipped with an FMS. Some functions, including troubleshooting, will be accessible to the technician via the FMS controls. As a result, a technician wishing to maintain an ANS will need to understand an FMS. More...

AEA members recently elected Todd Winter to the board of directors. Winter, who has nearly 34 years of experience in aviation, serves as president and chief executive officer of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and True Blue Power.

Based in Wichita, Kansas, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures aircraft instruments, avionics and advanced power solutions and offers overhaul, exchange and repair services. Its second location, a repair station in Chatsworth, California, provides new instrument sales and instrument overhaul services. The company’s True Blue Power division specializes in power conversion products, emergency power and advanced lithium-ion batteries. Winter is the company’s longest tenured president and CEO. He oversees some 223 employees across the two locations. More...

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.

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

The AEA Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2024-25 school year to students pursuing a career in aviation electronics 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. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is April 1, 2024. More...

Honeywell’s 32nd annual Global Business Aviation Outlook forecasts up to 8,500 new business jet deliveries worth $278 billion from 2024 to 2033. Meanwhile, fleet expansion plans have increased for the third consecutive year, and operators show a greater interest in reducing carbon emissions.

Get the report’s key findings from Javier Jimenez Serrano, strategy and market research manager at Honeywell Aerospace, in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen Now...

KITCO Fiber Optics is a leading provider of fiber optic termination products and consulting services to the military and commercial communications industry. Its superior hands-on training is designed and delivered by the fiber optic experts and can affordably have you up to speed and certified in a week or less! Trainers have exceptional credentials, including advanced industry certifications, substantial field experience and over 140 years of combined direct classroom experience.

The certified Commercial Aviation Technician’s Fiber Optic Course is designed to meet the AIRINC 807-3 (Aircraft Radio Incorporated) knowledge competencies and skill sets associated with commercial aviation fiber optic methods and processes. Each student completing the course will receive a three-year Craftsman certification. Students also have the option of taking the Aerospace Fiber Optics Fabricator Examination (SAEFAB). In addition, all aviation students may take the Fiber Optics Evaluation and Endface Cleaning examination (FEEC117) based on the ARINC 805 standard.

Custom connector training can be designed on a case-by-case basis. Please share your particular requirements. Custom courses will be priced accordingly. AEA members receive a 20% discount off list price. More...

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...

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...

AET Prep Course and Exam (5 seats remain)

The Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Prep Course is a hybrid 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 live class at AEA. The online modules take approximately two weeks to complete. Students will attend a one-day review session in person and take the AET certification exam at AEA headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. ($175 value for exam is included in your course registration.) Register Now...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (sold-out)

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. Learn More...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (12 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...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (6 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...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (8 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 touchscreen, 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 Testing Fundamentals (10 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics trouble shooting. Bench testing Nav, VHF Com and transponders will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel that they will use in the course. Attendees will keep their fabricated test panel at course completion. Register Now...

Transponder Service Training (11 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in transponder LRU bench testing, transponder flight line testing and aircraft troubleshooting. ADS-B transponders systems will be the focus of study. Attendees will keep their fabricated wire harness at course completion. Register Now...

Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (11 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in avionics flight line testing, LRU bench testing and aircraft troubleshooting. VOR, localizer, glideslope, marker beacon and VHF comms will be the focus of study. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (10 seats remain)

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This full-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...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (15 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...

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. Register Now...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (15 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...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (13 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...

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.

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.