Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
Aircraft Electronics Association - AEA Wired
July 29, 2015
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
The Current 

News from the general aviation industry

 

 

Jack Pelton and Mark Baker share thoughts on the FAA's ADS-B Out Mandate

This month's Avionics News features commentaries on the Federal Aviation Administration's ADS-B Out mandate written by Jack Pelton, chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. In Pelton's article, he wrote, "As lower prices make installing ADS-B more feasible, there is a sweet spot where the slopes of falling prices and availability of ADS-B installation intersect. We're encouraging EAA members and other aircraft owners to judge where that point is and move toward installing ADS-B if the mandate requires it for them." Baker wrote that, "With new options becoming available at lower prices, many aircraft owners tell me they want to equip, but they just aren't sure when and how to do it. To help make that decision process easier, we've put together a special ADS-B resources section on AOPA.org that explains the requirements of the mandate and brings together articles and other information related to ADS-B equipage. Perhaps best of all, we're working on an ADS-B Selector Tool to help aircraft owners determine exactly what kind of equipment they need for the type of flying they do." More...

 

 

Five Aircraft Owners Win $1,000 Toward an ADS-B Upgrade

To help incentivize owners of general aviation aircraft to meet the Federal Aviation Administration's ADS-B Out mandate, the Aircraft Electronics Association recently awarded five aircraft owners with $1,000 toward an ADS-B compliant upgrade during the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, which took place July 20-26. This year marks the second consecutive year the AEA has made the award available to five aircraft owners at AirVenture.

The five $1,000 winners included:

  1. Kevin Robbins of Horseheads, New York
  2. Robert Lupelow of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
  3. Linda Stewart of Brandon, Vermont
  4. Lorna Hawley of Maricopa, Arizona
  5. Walter Thilly of Towson, Maryland.

Each winner must purchase the equipment and have it installed by an AEA member repair station. Hundreds of aircraft owners visited the AEA's AirVenture booth in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport and registered for a chance to win one of the awards. More... 

 

 

Artisanal Avionics: The Measurement of Craftsmanship Evolves with Technology

When it comes to the hallmarks of good avionics craftsmanship, certainly, we can do better than Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, who in a 1964 obscenity case wrote that he could not define pornography, "but I know it when I see it." As a key ingredient of a shop's reputation, economic survival depends on it. But without specific measurements, quality is subjective. Author Scott Spangler asked a few avionics shops to explain what exemplary avionics craftsmanship is. See what they said in this month's Avionics News. More...

 

Regulatory Update

All the latest from the international aviation authorities

 

 
Frequently Asked Questions in Europe
Can a Part 145 organization provide a maintenance release for an aircraft (or component) not covered by the Basic Regulations? Learn the answer in this month's Avionics News More... 


CASA Responds to AEA Concerns over ADS-B Mandate
The AEA recently issued a letter to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority that expressed concerns from Australian AEA members regarding rumors of a potential extension of the ADS-B mandate. While some issues may be no more than rumors, they can sometimes turn into fact due to complacency. The letter from the AEA asked the CASA for a response to these rumors. In short, the CASA response to these concerns reconfirmed the fact that the CASA has no plans to extend the ADS-B mandate beyond 2017. To read the official CASA response to the AEA authored by Carolyn Hutton, branch manager, click here More...


 

On the Radar 

Upcoming AEA and industry events


 

AEA Connect, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Aug. 10
AEA members gather in Latin America for a special one-day networking event between avionics facilities, manufacturers and ANAC. This event takes place one day prior to the start of LABACE. Registrations may be made in advance online until Aug. 1.  More...
 

AEA Latin America Regional Meeting, Bogota, Colombia, Aug. 19-20
The fifth annual AEA Latin America Regional Meeting takes place at the Radisson AR Hotel. Registrations may be made in advance online until Aug. 7. More... 


AEA U.S. Central Regional Meeting, Kansas City, Missouri, Sept. 10-11
The first of three AEA Regional Meetings in the U.S. takes place in the Show-Me state at the Embassy Suites at KCI Hotel. Registrations may be made in advance online until Sept. 2. Attendees can save $75 per person by taking advantage of the early-bird price until Aug. 3. More...


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. Attendees can save $75 per person by taking advantage of the early-bird price until Aug. 17. More... 

The Connection

Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry

 


Green Mountain Avionics fills gap in Northeast

A few years ago, Bill Hanf recognized an industry gap in the Northeast -- there were plenty of excellent aircraft maintenance service providers but few avionics specialists. He set out to change the equation. "There were few who truly specialized in avionics, and fewer who could do comprehensive installations, troubleshooting, testing and inspections," said Hanf, who has 25 years of experience in the avionics industry, including serving as an avionics technician in the U.S. Marine Corps. "I started Green Mountain Avionics to fill that need." With months of market research and careful planning, Hanf opened his FAA-certified repair station in 2011 at Middlebury State Airport in Middlebury, Vermont, to provide specialized avionics services for the area's general aviation aircraft. Read more about this AEA member company in this month's Avionics NewsMore... 


 

For Sun Aviation, Industry and Community Involvement works well for this Vero Beach Business

As the familiar old saying goes, a rising tide lifts all ships. Through many years, the owner of Sun Aviation has done a lot to create a rising tide for business around Vero Beach, Florida. In early April, Sun Aviation announced it had completed the purchase of Vero Beach Avionics' assets, integrating all of the avionics shop's equipment, facilities, technicians and leadership team, into the services provided by Sun Aviation. Sun Aviation is a family-owned and -operated, full-service aviation services provider with a long history and rich legacy in the general aviation community as a knowledgeable maintenance facility and FBO dedicated to customer service. Not only is Sun's history rich in the aviation community, but also in the Vero Beach community. For Sun Aviation, it's this involvement that works. More...

 

In the Classroom 

Professional development opportunities

 

 

Pitot-Static and Transponder Certification Training with ADS-B Implementation Session, Aug. 20

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. It also includes a transponder tuneup course. The contents of this course can be incorporated easily into approved training programs for certified repair stations. And with so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know to meet the mandate. More...

 

 

RVSM Maintenance and Advanced Transponder Training, Aug. 21

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. More...

 

The Raw Feed

Industry buzz on social media

 

 

AEA Convention Highlights Now on YouTube

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. Catch up on the event's highlights, including the popular New Product Introductions session. Watch as PERRI COYNE of Aspen Avionics introduced the integrated Angle of Attack Indicator to nearly 1,900 convention attendees. More... 


 

Video: AEA goes to AirVenture

The AEA staff was busy last week at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Here's a quick action-packed video of the AEA's presence at AirVenture, thanks to the talented production efforts of Lauren McFarland, AEA director of advertising. More...

 

The Static

News from AEA member companies

 

 
GARMIN  received EASA validation of the U.S. STC for the GTN 650/750 series touchscreen avionics and GMA 35 remote audio panel in select Part 27 helicopters. With this validation, these avionics are certified and approved for installation in several makes and models of European-registered helicopters. In addition, Garmin unveiled an expanded Connext ecosystem, which broadens compatibility to include the aera 796/795 aviation portable GPS, ForeFlight Mobile and Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck; introduced the GPS 20A, an ADS-B Out compliant WAAS GPS position source for experimental amateur-built and light sport aircraft; unveiled an all-digital series of Bluetooth-enabled audio panels, the GMA 350c, GMA 35c and GMA 350Hc; announced new electronic logbook capabilities built-in to Garmin Pilot for iPad/iPhone, which provides integration with the flyGarmin website; announced an addition to the VIRB XE action camera family from the experts in aviation action cameras, providing several new accessories and features tailored to capturing high-definition footage in flight; and introduced new ADS-B display compatibilities with select G1000 Integrated Flight Decks, GMX 200/MX 20 multifunction displays and third-party displays using the GDL 88 ADS-B datalink and a publicly available protocol. 

L-3 AVIATION PRODUCTS announced that its Lynx NGT-9000 MultiLink Surveillance System models are now included in the AML STC for a large number of aircraft. With STC SA02444AK, the Lynx NGT-9000 joins the Lynx NGT-2000/2500 as a certified solution that enables general aviation aircraft to comply with the FAA's mandate to equip with ADS-B capability. L-3 received TSO authorization from the FAA for the Lynx NGT-9000 earlier this year.

PRECISION AVIATION SERVICES, along with all 10 Precision Aviation Group companies, added Magellan Aerospace's Wire Strike Protection System to its growing list of products and services in support of rotorcraft platforms. In addition, Precision Aviation Services is now a Level II supplier and installation facility for Technisonic Industries Ltd.'s new TDFM 9000 series P25 (Phase II) multiband airborne radios. 

BECKER AVIONICS named DAVID OGLESBEE director of sales.

WOMEN IN AVIATION, INTERNATIONAL awarded its 2016 scholarship winners in March, which meant the association has now awarded a cumulative $10 million worth of scholarships to more than 1,300 members. In addition, FAA Administrator MICHAEL HUERTA and WAI President DR. PEGGY CHABRIAN signed a memorandum of understanding during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh to continue to support each other's efforts to ensure a diverse group of stakeholders in the aviation community. 

ASPEN AVIONICS introduced the Evolution Pro Plus safety package; the package includes the Evolution primary flight display preloaded with synthetic vision and its newest safety product, the Evolution Angle of Attack Indicator. Aspen also received FAA certification for its integrated Evolution Angle of Attack Indicator after just four months from introduction.  In addition, Aspen reached an agreement with L-3 AVIATION PRODUCTS   to offer an integrated system that includes the Aspen primary and multifunction displays and L-3's Lynx NGT-9000 MultiLink Surveillance System.

AMI AVIATION SERVICES completed a Garmin G950 upgrade for CemAir, which became the first operator to launch passenger service in South Africa using 19-seat Beechcraft 1900D Airliners retrofitted with the Garmin G950 Integrated Flight Deck. 

EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY's Daytona Beach campus became the first flight training organization in the nation to complete stage 1 registration of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations. IS-BAO registration is a rigorous auditing process that evaluates the functionality and effectiveness of an organization's safety management system. In addition, DR. TIM BRADY was named interim chancellor of the Daytona Beach campus.

AVIDYNE announced that a new version of its IFD-Series FMS/GPS/NAV/COM PC-based Simulator software is now available for download from its website. The updated PC simulator provides interactive, free-play demonstration capability for the IFD540 and IFD440, including all the features of the recently certified Release 10.1 IFD software. In addition, Avidyne unveiled a new Software Developer Kit that allows third-party developers to create applications for smartphones and portable tablet devices using the wireless data streams coming out of the IFD540 and IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COMs. 

JEPPESEN and AVIDYNE introduced new Jeppesen Services Suite bundled data packages for the IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM, featuring Jeppesen's navigation information and charting data. The new IFD440 data bundle service adds to the previously developed bundle for IFD540 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM and EX-S series multifunction display avionics within a single aircraft.

FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS added an ADS-B Hotline that will serve to support customer NextGen needs. The number is 1-844-ADS-BNOW. FreeFlight Systems also announced it is providing ADS-B systems as part of a bundled package that Blackhawk Modifications is now offering to engine upgrade customers. Finally, the company said its line of RANGR ADS-B systems will interface with Garmin's GNS 430W/530W GPS Navigators. This compatibility will increase equipage flexibility as well as provide cost savings for those aircraft currently equipped with 430W/530W navigators.

DUNCAN AVIATION and ROBOTIC SKIES have entered into a business relationship to explore UAS service options that could utilize Duncan Aviation's satellite avionics facilities across the U.S. In addition to Duncan's core mission of business aircraft support, this announcement establishes locations across the country where Duncan Aviation can expand its services to include UAV maintenance opportunities as part of the Robotic Skies' network, which now includes more than 80 service centers worldwide

DUNCAN AVIATION will play host to a free NextGen seminar at the Denver Marriott Tech Center in Denver, Colorado, on Aug. 6. In addition, Duncan Aviation's satellite avionics facility at Houston's Hobby Airport received certification from Mexico's Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil, which is the civil aviation authority for the Mexican state. The certificate is good through April 2017.

DALLAS AVIONICS announced it will equip two additional Australian Airvan-8s for a California-based law enforcement agency in conjunction with Air Bear Tactical Aircraft. This will be the third aircraft where the two companies have partnered together. 

CUTTER AVIATION introduced an exclusive new partnership with Go Rentals to provide rental vehicles for customer needs at its Phoenix Sky Harbor and Phoenix Deer Valley, Arizona, locations. 

BOSE announced updates to its A20 Aviation Headset, including Bluetooth audio, customizable audio prioritization, flexible power with auto-on capability (for select headset variants), and a coil cord cable for helicopter pilots.

AVIATION SPECIALTIES UNLIMITED launched a new trade-up program on the latest White Phosphor NVGs due to increasing demand for the innovative new goggles. In addition, the company made several announcements at the ALEA Convention: ASU introduced its OPTEX Red Tail Digital Spotting Scope; added manned aircraft platform for OWLS; revealed a new partnership with BearTek Gloves; and introduced a new patent-pending N16HT Pro night vision system. 

PS ENGINEERING is celebrating 30 years in business this year. In the last year, the company introduced several new audio systems, including the PMA450, PMA7000M, PMA7000BT and PDA360EX.

ADAMS AVIATION said it will sponsor the Spirit of Goole build-a-plane charity project. 

SAFE FLIGHT INSTRUMENT CORP. said the SCc, an Angle of Attack-based system, has been certified by the FAA and is currently available for certificated aircraft in the general aviation market.

CENTURY FLIGHT SYSTEMS said that its president, BILL EUBANKS, died July 20 after a lengthy illness.

SATCOM DIRECT expanded its FlightDeck Freedom datalink service, enabling FANS 1/A and other advanced datalink capabilities for many airframes previously unable to utilize FANS 1/A. 

GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP. expanded its sales capabilities in Latin America by naming AEROCARDAL LIMITADA a commercial and government sales representative in Chile. In addition, Gulfstream added three field service representatives to its customer service team in Latin America: ALEXANDRE NUNES PEREIRA and JOAO DE TONI are based in Sao Paulo, while GERALDO TELLEZ is based in Toluca, Mexico.

FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL was named by Rolls-Royce as a Civil Small and Medium Engines authorized training provider for BR725 Engine and Troubleshooting courses. In addition, FlightSafety International announced that Dassault Aviation renewed its Certificate of Approval as an authorized training provider in accordance with the Falcon Training Policy Manual.

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY AIRPORT was the recipient of a $10 million donation from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation to upgrade aviation education and research facilities, along with the airport terminal. 

LATITUDE TECHNOLOGIES announced that the company's IONode ION100 Flight Data Monitoring lightweight flight data recorder is now FAA certified for installation on all Airbus EC135 airframe types. Also included is Latitude's SkyNode S200 Satcom voice and data transceiver. 

NEXTGEN GA FUND launched the "Jumpstart-IN" program, the second in a series of programs designed to ease ADS-B compliance for the general aviation community, offering an ADS-B In product bundle led by specially-priced ASPEN AVIONICS glass-panel displays and supported by L-3 AVIATION PRODUCTS Lynx ADS-B solutions and NextGen GA Fund financing. 

ACR ELECTRONICS announced that through the end of 2015, the Piper Meridian M500 will come equipped with two ACR 406 MHz beacons. In addition to the ARTEX ELT 1000 Emergency Locator Transmitter, standard safety equipment on Piper M500 aircraft, an additional manually activated ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon for the pilot also will be included with each aircraft delivery. 

VECTOR AEROSPACE launched the VMAX support program for the Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D turbofan. 

MID-CANADA MOD CENTER said that under GARMIN's AML STC, the firm recently completed and placed back into service a full Garmin G600 cockpit and avionics mod to a Cessna 208 Caravan. 

THOMAS GLOBAL SYSTEMS joined the Regional Aviation Association of Australia. 

CUTTER AVIATION named JAMES LORENTZEN to the regional sales management position. 

HONDA AIRCRAFT said it is expanding sales of the HondaJet for the first time to South America. Sales will begin in Brazil with the HondaJet making its first appearance at the 2015 LABACE in São Paulo, Brazil, Aug. 11-13. 

ROCKWELL COLLINS named its second class of Technical Fellows: BOB FOOTE, VLAD GAVRILLETSLINDA PEYTON, JIM WEST and KEN ZIMMERMAN. They were honored with a special ceremony July 14 in Cedar Rapids and joined 25 colleagues who were named to the Rockwell Collins Fellows program when it was introduced in 2014. The program was established as a way to honor and recognize engineers for their expertise in their respective disciplines.

MAXCRAFT AVIONICS was awarded an FAA AML STC for installation of the Garmin G500H Flight Display System in a series of Airbus (Eurocopter) light helicopters.

UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORP. said that CMD FLIGHT SOLUTIONS' recent FAA approval for an ADS-B Out AML STC now provides aircraft operators with an expanded certification path. The solution includes the installation of Universal Avionics SBAS-Flight Management System and ROCKWELL COLLINS TDR-94(D) Mode S Transponders. Universal noted that this comes at an opportune time to allow operators to take advantage of Universal Avionics and Rockwell Collins' ADS-B Out incentive package program.

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...

 

Aircraft Electronics Association
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: info@aea.net
Web: aea.net 
Advertising:
Lauren McFarland, director of marketing
Phone: 816-347-8400
Email: laurenm@aea.net

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