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Sept. 16, 2015
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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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The Current
News from the general aviation industry
 The Status of the Stand-alone Instrument Business
It seems like yesterday that stand-alone instruments were instruments and avionics were avionics. You always knew which dial on the panel to look in order to find the information you needed. Instrument panels and the avionics business were plain and simple. Then, suddenly, glass panels were introduced, and it all changed. The airspeeds and altitudes aren't only on a dedicated airspeed indicator or altimeter any longer; now, they're part of integrated displays. Today, the definition of instruments has changed. Whether for better or worse, so has the business model of the companies that make and repair stand-alone instruments. To learn how their businesses are adapting, Avionics News contacted industry experts and asked a few questions to discover where their businesses are today, and more importantly, where they are going. Their answers may surprise you. More...
Exporting a Component After a Repair
Many Aircraft Electronics Association members are engaged in export transactions. It is normal for manufacturing companies to have clients all around the world. But repair stations that specialize in bench-level work on components can also have significant export compliance concerns. Even if the unit came to you from outside the U.S., shipping it to another country is always an export for export compliance purposes. Any component that comes to the repair station, and that subsequently will be returned to a customer outside the U.S., needs to be subject to an export compliance analysis to make sure you follow the right export regulations and protocols when the article is returned.
More...
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 Regulatory Update
All the latest from the international aviation authorities
Repair Stations can Test and Inspect Equipment on Experimental Aircraft
In answering a question posed by the Aircraft Electronics Association whether a certificated repair station may perform maintenance described in Part 43 and required by §§ 91.411 and 91.413 on experimental aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration responded that, "We have identified no FAA regulations, including § 145.201(b), that would prohibit a certificated repair station from performing maintenance for an owner or operator who seeks to bring an experimental aircraft into compliance with §§ 91.411 and 91.413."
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Transport Canada Publishes Advanced NPA for Change to the Type Design of an Aeronautical Product
Transport Canada Civil Aviation has been working on a revision to CAR 521 since 2010 with several consultations, both internal and external. Due to many other governmental priorities, the authority has not been able to progress as quickly as it would like. In the last several months, it has been preparing an NPA based on all the feedback received. More...
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 On the Radar
Upcoming AEA and industry events
AEA U.S. West Regional Meeting, Reno, Nevada, Sept. 21-22
The Nugget Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada, plays host to the AEA U.S. West Regional Meeting. Registrations may be made in advance online until Sept. 16. A special regulatory training course will take place in Reno with a review of the airworthiness
regulations with an emphasis on the responsibilities and privileges contained within the regulations.
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New Mexico Aviation Aerospace Career Expo, Albuquerque, N.M., Sept. 24
The New Mexico Aviation Aerospace Career Expo will take place Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Mexico Air National Guard hangar, Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The New Mexico Air National Guard has partnered with the New Mexico Aviation Aerospace Association to host this event to provide middle school through college-age participants an opportunity to meet and engage with today's leaders of New Mexico's aviation and aerospace industry. More...
 AEA Canada Regional Meeting, Toronto, Ontario, Oct. 1-2
The Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites plays host to this annual event. Registrations may be made in advance online until Sept. 24. The event includes a review of the U.S./Canada Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement and doing business across the North American border.
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 The Connection
Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry
 Clear Skies Ahead
For 20 years, Robert Ross managed an electronics research and development firm in Charlottesville, Virginia. He has a bachelor's and a master's degree in electrical engineering and nine patents for a variety of electronic instruments, including those used worldwide for monitoring corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete structures.
After three decades as an electrical engineer, Ross decided to channel his expertise into aviation. In 2013, he started Clear Sky Aviation, providing radio and instrument maintenance, troubleshooting and repair for Part 91 general aviation single- and twin-engine aircraft.
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 TexasGYRO Thrives on Teamwork and Adaptability
Founded in 2002 by Kelley Van Haitsma, TexasGYRO is a 21st century business. At the time, Van Haitsma worked for Lockheed, and when he looked at the avionics industry, he thought, "It's a good time to sink or swim." He brought with him an engineering background and years of experience in corporate and military operations. The Fort Worth-based company specializes in avionics flight line maintenance, upgrades and modifications. In addition, TexasGYRO offers engineering, fabrication and consultation services to prime contractors. It has repair capabilities for both legacy and current-production weather radar systems. In fact, the company is known as a leader in airborne weather radar repair and overhaul with capabilities for more than 50 different weather radar systems. As one may expect from the company name, the staff can handle repair of most Class II and Class III gyroscopic instruments.
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 In the Classroom
Professional development opportunities
 Certified Repair Station Training, Nov. 9-13
A weeklong course divided into training modules designed for startup repair stations as well as mature operations looking to improve their understanding of the regulations, perform internal audits and edit repair stations manuals. Who should attend? 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. Class size is limited and is expected to sell out, so register now to reserve a seat. More...
 Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft, Dec. 2-4
This course is designed for the aircraft technician or homebuilder who is looking for guidance in completing an installation on an experimental aircraft with the popular Garmin G3X Touch large format flight display system. From the do-it-yourselfer to the avionics shop looking to carve a niche in this ever-expanding market, this class has something for everyone. T
his newly created class will start with an overview of wiring basics but will quickly advance through the common practices involved in wiring.
Students will spend a significant portion of this course learning, hands-on, how to wire the G3X system.
Attendees also learn how to plan, install, interface and configure the G3X Touch screen system that includes a single display, air data, attitude and heading reference system, magnetometer, outside air temperature probe, engine indication system interface and autopilot integration. More...
Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation: Dec. 7-9
This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel, A&P mechanics, and others interested in improving or acquiring the skills necessary to perform avionics installations in general aviation aircraft. 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. It is FAA-accepted for 26 hours toward IA renewal training. More...
ADS-B Broadcast Surveillance--from Capstone to the 2020 Mandate: Dec. 10
This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel. It will describe and define ADS-B systems and the FAA's guidance and specifications on both ground stations and airborne equipment. It is designed to provide the student with history, theory of operation, basic implementation, configuration, certification and compliance testing of surveillance systems. More...
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 The Raw Feed
Industry buzz on social media
Industry Insight: Tom Genovese of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
Thanks to the production efforts of the Aero-News Network, YouTube viewers can now watch ANN's coverage of the 2015 AEA Convention in Dallas, which took place April 8-11. Here's a look back at ANN's in-depth interview with TOM GENOVESE, director of sales and marketing for Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics. More...
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 The Static
News from AEA member companies
PENTASTAR AVIATION
was issued an FAA STC for certification of compatibility of wireless data technologies on Gulfstream Aerospace GV series aircraft. This allows operators to approve the use of portable electronic devices on board aircraft with wireless networks or Wi-Fi hot spots for their passengers.
PEREGRINE said its airspeed switch kits are now available through EDMO and Aircraft Spruce. These FAA PMA-approved kits enable installers to complete installation of STC-approved ADS-B Out systems utilizing the Trig Avionics and BendixKing transponders. In addition, Peregrine received approval of its TCAS II v7.1 STC. Peregrine's STC updates the existing BendixKing CAS 67 system to support TCAS II Version 7.1. This certification is a multiple model AML STC for the Learjet 31A, Cessna 650, Hawker 800A, Gulfstream GIV, and the Bombardier Challenger CL-601-3A and CL-601-3R aircraft. The upgraded BendixKing CAS 67B system incorporates software updates to provide for Change 7.1 compliance.
ROBOTIC SKIES was selected by Aerialtronics as its completion and maintenance provider for its line of unmanned aerial systems. The two companies will collaborate to build a custom maintenance program for the Aerialtronics product line that will be implemented at more than 80 Robotic Skies field service centers located around the world. In addition, Robotic Skies will provide completion and custom configuration services for Aerialtronics systems sold in North America.
DFW INSTRUMENT CORPORATION recently made a donation to the AEA Educational Foundation that included $10,000 in Rennsteig Aviation Tools. The tool donation includes an assortment of Rennsteig crimpers, strippers, cutters and specialty dies used in avionics installations. Students attending future avionics classes at the AEA's Dan Derby Center for Professional Development will have an opportunity to use the state-of-the-art German-engineered tools.
STANDARDAERO signed a 12-year contract with Mesa Airlines Inc. to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul services for APS2300 auxiliary power units on its fleet of 30 Embraer E175 regional aircraft.
B. COLEMAN AVIATION was awarded a Garmin aviation dealership, and it added another mobile aircraft maintenance service unit to its fleet that dispatches within less than an hour of requested service. It also announced the grand opening of the "Home of Hawker" for the Beechjet and Hawker aircraft product line.
CONSTANT AVIATION named MARK SINGER AOG operations manager. It also was selected as a 2015 NorthCoast 99 Winner as one of the best workplaces in Northeast Ohio.
JEPPESEN will provide Virgin Australia with its Crew Tracking solution through a new service agreement. In addition, Jeppesen said it will offer customers a new service platform to update their avionics data, Jeppesen Distribution Manager for Windows. The former Jeppesen Services Update Manager is now available as JDM for Windows and is being released in a phased approach across the Jeppesen large avionics data services customer base to ensure a seamless transition.
COMLUX AMERICA said Manion Aviation is now an officially authorized sales representative to provide MRO service sales for Bombardier aircraft.
PRECISION AVIATION SERVICES was awarded the Airbus Diamond Award for its performance in 2014, which is given to companies that meet a high level of customer service and specific performance criteria.
The FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
selected MARKE "HOOT" GIBSON and EARL LAWRENCE for two executive-level positions that will guide the agency's approach to safe, timely and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems into U.S. airspace. Gibson will become the senior advisor on UAS integration; Lawrence will become the director of the UAS Integration Office within the FAA's Aviation Safety organization.
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP. opened a paint facility in Savannah, Georgia, specifically for in-service aircraft. It is expected to create 100 new jobs. In addition, the company announced that an avionics software upgrade resulting in improved aircraft performance is now available for the Gulfstream G280. The new PlaneView280 software, offered in conjunction with supplier Rockwell Collins, results in slower approach speeds, shorter landing distances and enhanced flight management system performance.
GARMIN announced the availability of a Weather Radar Operations eLearning Course through the flyGarmin website. This new course introduces pilots to basic and intermediate weather radar operations and goes beyond the Pilot's Guide to ensure pilots utilize the benefits provided by onboard weather radar. In addition, Garmin announced a new touchscreen controller option, which serves as the interface between the pilot and G2000, G3000 and G5000 integrated flight decks, while also providing standby flight display capabilities.
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL is building a new Cessna Citation XLS+ aircraft simulator. It is expected to enter service in April 2016 at FlightSafety's Learning Center in Columbus, Ohio, following Level D qualification by the FAA.
ROCKWELL COLLINS debuted its Pro Line Fusion for commercial rotary wing platforms at the China Helicopter Exposition. The company also was selected by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group to provide avionics for Avicopter's new AC312E/C helicopters, which will perform search and rescue, emergency medical service and general purpose transport missions.
WEST STAR AVIATION named VETA TRAXLER as paint and interior designer. She has more than five years of interior design experience with the last three exclusively in aviation related to the interior design of cabin class aircraft. The company also announced the retirement of GARY EDWARDS, who led West Star's Grand Junction, Colorado, location for 22 years.
APEX AVIATION acquired the Kings Avionics facility located at the Henderson Executive Airport near Las Vegas, Nevada.
KITCHENER AERO completed its first Garmin G-1000 avionics retrofit on a King Air B200. With this completion, it joined the ranks of a small handful of shops worldwide that have performed this upgrade.
ASTRONICS said its newest Enhanced Vision System, designated Max-Viz X1, is priced at $6,000 specifically for experimental and homebuilt aircraft, which often operate from unimproved airstrips with wildlife and other obstacles.
PRO STAR AVIATION received EASA validation of FAA STC ST00347BO, which approves the upgrade of BendixKing CAS 67A TCAS II 7.0 systems to CAS 67B TCAS II 7.1s. The STC's AML addresses more than 40 aircraft models.
DUNCAN AVIATION recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its satellite shop network. In addition, the company will play host to another free NextGen seminar on Oct. 22 at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Alabama.
VECTOR AEROSPACE signed a contract with the Department of National Defense to perform all MRO services for its T-58 engines.
METRO AVIATION of Shreveport, Louisiana, contracted to purchase six EC145e twin-engine helicopters from Airbus Helicopters Inc. Metro is the first North American customer for this new lighter weight version of the Airbus Helicopters EC145.
VIH AEROSPACE recently added Silk Way Helicopters to its growing list of clients utilizing VIHA's diverse mix of specialized mission equipment.
TRUENORTH AVIONICS noted that CLAY LACY AVIATION obtained an STC for the company's Simphonē FANS-1/A Data Link UnitPlus as part of a flight deck system on a Bombardier Challenger 601 aircraft. The STC meets worldwide mandates while improving safety, lowering operating costs and reducing flight times. The DLU, which is the only FAA TSO-C159a FANS over Iridium system for the flight deck, streamlines the STC process because it already meets specific requirements.
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 GA Caucus
Industry advocates on Capitol Hill
In 2009, General Aviation Caucuses were formed in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate to inform congressional members and staff about the importance of general aviation to the nation's economy and transportation system. Today, the House GA Caucus has grown to become one of the largest caucuses in the House of Representatives. A listing of current House and Senate GA Caucus members is available on the AEA website. More...
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About the AEA
Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in 43 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: [email protected]
Web: aea.net |
Advertising:
Lauren McFarland, director of marketing
Phone: 816-347-8400
Email: [email protected]
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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