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Dec. 13, 2017
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
The Current
News from the general aviation industry
Early-bird Registration for AEA Convention Ends Friday, December 15
The deadline to take advantage of the early-bird registration rate for the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas is Friday, Dec. 15, 2017. If you haven't already registered to attend, please do so by Friday to save $150 per person off the on-site fee. The early-bird promotion offers AEA members a $150 per person savings off the on-site full convention registration fee. More...
2017 AEA Rate and Labor Survey Rebalances Source of Future Growth
If the avionics industry has a forward-looking crystal ball, it is the Summary and Business Outlook page of the Aircraft Electronics Association's annual Rate and Labor Survey. In 2017, the respondents refocused and refined what they see as the sources of their business growth. The changes are significant and telling. More...
Regulatory Update
All the latest from the international aviation authorities
ADS-B Frequently Asked Questions
With all the focus on U.S.-registered aircraft ("N" registered), what are the requirements for non-U.S.-registered aircraft operating in U.S. airspace? Learn the answer in this month's Avionics News. More...
Normal and Transport Category Rotorcraft Certification
The Federal Aviation Administration introduced a notice of proposed rulemaking (Docket No.: FAA-2017-0990) to amend the certification standards of normal and transport category helicopters. It has been argued that the existing airworthiness standards are inadequate because they do not address new technologies and increasing design complexity. The proposed rule is intended to address these problem areas by updating those standards that cause unnecessary burdens in cost and time to both the FAA and the rotorcraft industry. More...
On the Radar
Upcoming AEA and industry events
HAI Heli-Expo
Las Vegas, Nevada
Feb. 26-March 1, 2018
The largest helicopter exposition in the world takes place in Las Vegas. Join 20,000 industry professionals and more than 700 exhibitors. The exhibits will be open Feb. 27-March 1. More...
AEA International Convention & Trade Show
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 26-29, 2018
The annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show is the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. It also is the platform of choice for the introduction of new avionics products and services coming to the marketplace. Early-bird registration is available through Dec. 15. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas. More...
AEA Europe Connect Conference
Prague, Czech Republic
April 24-25, 2018
Save the date for the premiere avionics industry event of the year in Europe. This event is set for the Prague Marriott Hotel. Online registration will begin after the new year.  More...
The Connection
Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry
Air New Zealand Aviation Institute Draws International Students
Choosing to study away from home can be all at once exciting and intimidating. For international aviation students and professionals wanting to train abroad, New Zealand may just offer the ideal, student-friendly destination. More...
A Conversation With Gus Moreno of Avionics 1st
Avionics 1st provides a full range of avionics repair and installation services for general aviation aircraft of all types. Based in Dallas, Texas, Avionics 1st understands ADS-B as its technicians have had factory training from Garmin, Aspen Avionics, FreeFlight Systems, L-3 Aviation Products, and Avidyne. Recently, Avionics News spoke with Gus Moreno to learn more about his work at Avionics 1st and life outside the hangar. More...
In the Classroom
Professional development opportunities
Avionics Training Available at AEA International Headquarters
IFR 6000 Operations Training Course
Jan. 12, 2018
This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate the IFR 6000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS and DME systems.
Avionics Installation and Integration Training
Jan. 15-17, 2018
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA's Basic Wiring and 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/com/GPS, Garmin GTX 33ES remote transponder and an Aspen EFD1000 primary flight display.
Pitot-Static and Transponder Certification 
with ADS-B Implementation Session
Jan. 18, 2018
Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder certification testing. 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 to meet the mandate.
RVSM Maintenance & Advanced Transponder Training
Jan. 19, 2018
Attendees will be introduced to the regulations, documentation, test equipment and maintenance practices associated with performing RVSM maintenance and will follow with an in-depth look at Mode S transponders. This course assumes the attendee has good operating knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations 91.411 and 91.413.
Basic Aircraft Electrical
Jan. 29-30, 2018
This course is designed for the avionics technician, aircraft maintenance technician or homebuilder who wants to improve their understanding of aircraft electrical systems and electricity. This course will provide an overview of the fundamentals of electricity and their practical application in aircraft. From currents and calculations to schematics and systems troubleshooting, this two-day course is the perfect primer for an entry-level technician or the skilled homebuilder ready to tackle avionics installation.
Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft
Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2018
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 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.
The Static
News from AEA member companies
SATCOM DIRECT  and COMSAT worked together to ensure highly-reliable satellite communications were immediately available for first responders in Puerto Rico to support the relief effort of Hurricane Maria. Satcom Direct also launched CyberSAFE (Securing Assets for End Users), the latest offering in its suite of cybersecurity services. It also launched a new service level agreement program to support Inmarsat Jet ConneX customers, with plans to expand to other platforms throughout 2018.

GARMIN received FAA and EASA approval of additional G5 electronic flight instrument capabilities, including the installation of G5 in place of an existing directional gyro or horizontal situational indicator in select certified fixed-wing general aviation aircraft.

ASTRONICS CORP.'s CorePower System, provided by its wholly owned subsidiary Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, was certified by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. on the new PC-24 Super Versatile Jet platform. The company also completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Telefonix Inc. and a related company, Product Development Technologies LLC for approximately $104 million in cash on Dec. 1, 2017.

JUPITER AVIONICS announced that its JA94 Dual Audio Controller has obtained TSO designation from the FAA, which means that the JA94 has met all design and production standards required by the FAA.

DUNCAN AVIATION repair shop in Lincoln, Nebraska, has added repair and overhaul capabilities for the Honeywell RM-855 Radio Management Unit, the primary interface used to control the Primus II radio system in the Primus 1000 and Primus 2000 flight decks.
ACSS, a joint venture managed by L3 Aviation Products, announced the first successful ADS-B In jetliner flight demonstrations in China. The demonstrations were performed on three A321 aircraft on approach to Shanghai’s Hongqiao International Airport and were conducted in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

FLAMINGO AIR's Airline Ground School will now offer an Aircraft Electrician Certificate. This course is fully accredited by the NCATT and ASTM.

STANDARDAERO  and Robertson Fuel Systems announced the milestone attainment of FAA certification of the retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank for the Airbus AS350 and EC130 family of light single helicopters. Production deliveries to launch partners Air Methods Corp. and WeatherTech Aviation LLC are underway, with additional orders now being taken from operators worldwide. 

FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS named Jen Amundsen as the company's newest regional sales manager for western North America.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT entered into an agreement with the Triumph Group Inc. to partner as an installation center for IS&S Cockpit/IP Flat Panel Display System for Classic Series Boeing 737 and 757/767 and its Integrated Standby Unit at all its locations throughout the world.

FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL announced a new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A Series Pilot Familiarization Course designed specifically for agricultural aircraft operators. Training is planned to begin in Brazil early next year. The company also received CAR 147 approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India for training provided through a cooperative agreement with Deccan Charters. In addition, the FAA presented the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to 10 FlightSafety instructors during the month of November. FlightSafety International and Pilatus announced that the first full flight simulator for the new PC-24 Super Versatile Jet has received interim Level C qualification from the FAA.

AVIATION SPECIALTIES UNLIMITED INC. recently hired Vikki Rosploch as events and media coordinator and Twain Josephson as an independent contractor.

AVMAX sold one Dash 8-103 msn 593 to Wideroe, Norway, joining a second -103 msn 501 sold to Wideroe earlier this year.
Avionics Careers
Job postings, career resources and scholarships
Looking for a Job in the Avionics Industry?
For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the career listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA careers page 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 career 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? Looking for a new avionics technician or A&P mechanic? Want to buy or sell a business in the general aviation industry? Post these professional opportunities to a target-rich environment: the AEA's career listings website. For $200 a month, you can place a listing online AND receive a print advertisement in Avionics News for FREE! For more information, contact Lauren McFarland, AEA director of advertising, at laurenm@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:
Lauren McFarland, director of advertising
Phone: 816-347-8400
Email:  laurenm@aea.net

The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.