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March 11, 2015
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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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The Current
News from the general aviation industry
 AEA Convention Countdown: Four Weeks Away
Just four weeks from today, the 58th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show begins in Dallas, Texas. With new exhibit hall hours and expanded training opportunities, Avionics News published all the details in its latest issue. The four-day event takes place at Marriott's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, April 8-11. More than 75 hours of regulatory, technical and business management training and professional development opportunities will await attendees, along with an exhibit hall packed with more than 130 companies. FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker will give the opening address on April 8, and 30 companies are expected to unveil new products and services during the ever-popular New Product Introductions session. Jane Poynter, the world's first female space travel entrepreneur and CEO of World View Enterprises, will give the keynote address on April 9. Advance registration closes March 18. More...
 Avionics Corrosion Control Like leprechauns, the Loch Ness monster and a free lunch, avionics corrosion is something all too many avionics technicians don't believe exists. But unlike the aforementioned trio, avionics corrosion is very much alive and is probably eating its way through a circuit board, switch or connector on an aircraft near you. According to Ron Knight, owner and chief chemist with Corrosion Protection and Solutions, the cost of all corrosion damage is more than $325 billion a year in the U.S. While the vast majority of those failures result in nothing more than a maintenance squawk, a few have had more spectacular consequences. More...
Part 145 Manuals The AEA's Ric Peri has heard it all regarding Part 145 manuals, including remarks such as "This is stupid, overwhelming and redundant, and it compromises safety!" Yes, it is a lot of work, especially, if you don't do it right.
Part 145 manuals are a huge time burden for avionics shops. But they can be managed if the industry understands the purpose of the manual, and writes and manages the manual to the purpose. More... |
 Regulatory Update
All the latest from the international aviation authorities
New ADS-B Surface Services are Available
The FAA Safety Team said that pilots who use the surface airspace at Honolulu Hickam Air Force Base, JFK Airport and Las Vegas McCarran Airport can now receive free traffic and weather information in the cockpit. To receive these services, aircraft must be equipped with an ADS-B transmitter/receiver or transceiver and a cockpit display of traffic information. The new services include FIS-B and TIS-B. The FAA encouraged users of FIS-B and TIS-B to report any irregularities observed while using the services.
More...
CASA Grants Extension on Small Aircraft Licensing Transition
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia has extended the training period for individuals seeking a small aircraft maintenance license under CASA's new system. The CASA's proposed new license system requires competency-based training for small aircraft maintenance licenses to be provided by CASA-approved Part 147 maintenance training organizations using a nationally endorsed set of competency standards and qualifications. This will replace the CASA basic maintenance examinations and schedules of experience. More...
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 On the Radar
Upcoming AEA and industry events
 AEA International Convention & Trade Show, April 8-11
The four-day event begins Wednesday, April 8, in Dallas, Texas. This year's event offers a new exhibit hall schedule. In addition, more than 30 companies will unveil new products and services to the general aviation marketplace. Advance registration is available online through March 18.
More...
International Rotorcraft Safety Conference, April 21-23
The FAA's Rotorcraft Directorate will host the 2015 International Rotorcraft Safety Conference, April 21-23, 2015, at the Hurst Conference Center in Hurst, Texas, a Fort Worth suburb. The conference will feature presentations, exhibits, break-out sessions and speeches from leaders in the helicopter community. The purpose of the conference is to reduce the national helicopter accident rate, particularly in the personal/private, instructional/training and aerial application industries.
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AEA Europe Regional Meeting, May 5-6
The first AEA Regional Meeting of 2015 takes place in Barcelona, Spain, May 5-6. An optional half-day SMS training session is available on May 4. Registrations are now being accepted online.
More...
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 The Connection
Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry
 American Avionics Excels at Specialty Projects
During the last 40 years, American Avionics in Seattle, Washington, has developed a reputation for tackling specialty projects, from installations of new avionics in aging aircraft to HF ferry kits for Boeing's newest aircraft coming off the line. Located on Boeing Field in south Seattle, American Avionics offers aircraft maintenance as well as avionics sales, installations, modifications, repairs and parts.
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A Conversation With Shelly Gehl of Professional Aviation Associates
Professional Aviation Associates, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, has been providing quality parts support since 1985. The company maintains thousands of hard-to-find rotables, avionics, instrumentation, TCAS and weather radar equipment, and expendable inventory in its 46,000-square-foot facility adjacent to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Recently, Avionics News spoke with Shelly Gehl, product line customer service specialist, to learn more about her background, life and work at Professional Aviation Associates.
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 In the Classroom
Professional development opportunities
AEA Scholarship Applications due April 1
Time is Running Out! Only Three Weeks Left to Apply.
Don't miss this opportunity to earn $3,500 for your own flight training or $1,000 for you or your kid's college tuition. Details and applications are online. More...
Learn to fly with the AEA! The Chuck Freeland Memorial Flight Training Scholarship was established to honor Freeland's passion for flying and his desire to share aviation with the next generation. This award is available to an AEA member employee who plans to pursue their private pilot certificate and is valued at $3,500.
College for you or college-age kids? How about a little help from the AEA Educational Foundation? AEA members are eligible for a scholarship that doesn't require enrollment in the field of aviation. Two scholarships will be given to members or their dependents to pursue a degree of their choice. Each award is valued at $1,000 and is applicable toward the 2015-16 school year.
 Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft Training Course, April 29-May 1
This three-day professional development training 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. Students will spend a significant portion of this course learning, hands-on, how to wire the G3X system as well as how to plan, install, interface and configure the system. Registrations are now being accepted for the class scheduled for April 29 through May 1 at the AEA's international headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri.
More...
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 The Raw Feed
Industry buzz on social media
 'Where all the Cool Stuff Happens'
The Aero-News Network's Jim Campbell recently sat down with AEA President Paula Derks to preview this year's AEA Convention. Campbell called it the event "where all the cool stuff happens." The complete interview is available on the AEA's YouTube channel. More...
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 The Static
News from AEA member companies
ALPINE AEROTECH
named JEFF DENOMME president. He succeeds JIM CAMPBELL who is retiring after four years in the role.
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE said the Gulfstream 280 was certified by Brazil's Ag�ncia Nacional de Avia��o Civil (ANAC).
DUNCAN AVIATION announced it is now offering business aviation operators along the Gulf Coast of Florida from Naples to Tampa with more access to its mobile engine services that include AOG support, most scheduled and unscheduled events, as well as engine R&Rs.
GULF COAST AVIONICS received an FAA field approval for an extensive digital panel upgrade on a legacy Cessna Citation 501 business jet.
AVIATION SPECIALTIES UNLIMITED sponsored a Whirly Girl Scholarship for CRISTINA GONZALEZ, a pilot from Puerto Rico. It also obtained EASA STC approval on the civilian Airbus EC135 series.
VECTOR AEROSPACE signed an MRO agreement with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department Aviation Division, and an AS350 component MRO contract with the Miami Dade Police Department.
FREEDOM AERO SERVICE acquired CAT 1 AIA, an FAA/EASA certified repair station located in Hamilton, Ohio. CAT 1 is a stocking distributor of accessories, instruments and avionics. It also announced a new repair process for AS350 series helicopters.
FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS extended its Radar Altimeter product line to add a Level B capable system to meet the stringent design safety requirements for Part 29 rotorcraft.
TECHNISONIC INDUSTRIES announced the completion and first deliveries of its P25 Phase I and Phase II compliant radio, the TDFM-9100.
LATITUDE TECHNOLOGIES launched WebSentinel 5, a new version of the company's web-based flight tracking, mapping and event messaging platform. In addition, the USDA Forest Service awarded Latitude Technologies the contract to supply Operation Loads Monitoring Systems for deployment by the U.S. Forest Service on government and contractor aircraft engaged in aerial wildfire fighting operations in the U.
S. during the next four years.
SATCOM DIRECT's FlightDeck Freedom datalink service now enables future air navigation system testing.
JET AVIATION ST. LOUIS announced it is installing iPads in Global Express flight decks after receiving an STC for the upgrade.
DAC INTERNATIONAL recently completed vibration testing of its GDC64 iPad Tablet Interface Unit with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
STANDARDAERO received two awards at the Rolls-Royce FIRST Network Recognition Reception, including the Customer Satisfaction Award and the Total Quality Award.
ESTERLINE CMC ELECTRONICS' CMA-9000 Flight Management System and CMA-5024 GPS Landing System Sensor have been selected as the navigation solution for the new X4 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters.
ADVANCED HELICOPTER SERVICES
announced an agreement with Turbomeca Mexico to support Mexico, Central America and the northern region of South America with Level I, II and III turbine engine maintenance services.
GARMIN announced a new version of Garmin Pilot for iOS, which adds a suite of features tailored to helicopter operators. These features incorporate helicopter route charts throughout eight U.S. metropolitan areas, including the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the latest version of Garmin Pilot allows pilots to identify and document the highest obstacle along their flight plan route, which fulfills Part 135 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service requirements set forth by the FAA. Garmin also announced the GDL 84H and GDL 88H ADS-B datalink, a rule-compliant ADS-B Out solution for helicopter operators in the U.S.
VIH AEROSPACE received EASA STC approval for an aftermarket replacement Crew Bubble Window Installation for the Bell 407 helicopter and the Airbus EC135 helicopter.
ASPEN AVIONICS reached a milestone by selling its 500th Evolution Flight Display to both OEMs and in the aftermarket.
ROCKWELL COLLINS' Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system was selected for 17 aircraft, including business jet, air transport, tilt-rotor and military flight decks.
COBHAM SATCOM was selected by Iridium Communications as an official manufacturing partner for Iridium Certus broadband, a new generation of satellite services based on the forthcoming Iridium NEXT constellation.
SPIRIT AERONAUTICS announced that MERRITT "KEITH" THOGMARTIN has joined its quality control team.
HONDA AIRCRAFT announced that the first HondaJet flight simulator was delivered and installed at the company's world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina.
ROBOTIC SKIES and SkyWard announced a partnership to provide safety, compliance and maintenance solutions to the unmanned aerial systems community.
BECKER AVIONICS announced that the California Highway Patrol Office of Air Operations selected the Becker DVCS6100 Digital Audio system and Polycon wireless communication system for its new fleet replacement helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
FIELD AVIATION acquired ARINC Aerospace Systems Engineering and Support from Rockwell Collins.
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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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