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Aug. 12, 2015
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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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The Current
News from the general aviation industry
 Total General Aviation Avionics Sales Exceed $1.1 Billion in First Six Months of 2015
The Aircraft Electronics Association released its second-quarter 2015 Avionics Market Report.
In the first six months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to $1,192,619,894.32, or more than $1.1 billion as reported by the participating companies. Sales during the second-quarter months of April, May and June rose 3.1 percent compared to the first three months of the year; however, the report indicated an 8.5 percent decrease in year-over-year sales compared to the first six months of 2014 amount of $1,303,876,048.80, or more than $1.3 billion. More...
Rockwell Collins Acquires ICG
Rockwell Collins
recently acquired International Communications Group Inc. (ICG) of
Newport News, Virginia. ICG is a
provider of satellite-based global voice and data communication products and services for the aviation industry. According to Rockwell Collins, the initial purchase price was
$50 million
and additional post-closing consideration of up to
$14 million
may be paid.
"This acquisition broadens our portfolio of information-enabled avionics by adding ICG's latest generation of Iridium satcom terminals and smart routers to our existing flight deck and cabin connectivity offerings," said Kent Statler, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for
Rockwell Collins
. "When coupled with our broad array of network solutions, including our ARINC aviation networks and other satellite communication services, it accelerates our vision of being a leader in end-to-end information management solutions for airlines and business jet operators."
More...
 Training Tomorrow's Avionics Technicians
As if the avionics business wasn't tough enough, shop owners and managers are constantly faced with the fact that it's getting harder and harder to find qualified bench and line technicians. And don't even mention the pending ADS-B mandate deadline to them. If we are having difficulty finding technicians now, what happens in a couple of years when ADS-B demand is in full stride and backlogs are growing?
Unfortunately, the qualified candidate conundrum isn't a happy subject, but it is one we need to address nonetheless. While the pointy end of the problem is aimed directly at small and large shops alike, and probably some avionics OEMs for that matter, don't for a minute think that the educators running avionics schools don't share your concerns. They do. So to get a feel for what shops and schools are facing, Avionics News contacted a few to see what shops are needing and what schools are doing to fulfill those needs.
More...
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 Regulatory Update
All the latest from the international aviation authorities
AEA Opposes Elimination of the Detailed Occupation "49-2091 Avionics Technician"
The Aircraft Electronics Association recently submitted comments to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, Standard Occupational Classification Policy Committee Members, asking for the committee to retain the detailed occupation "49-2091 Avionics Technician." The AEA's comments were in response to a recent proposal by a small group of aviation special interests led by the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), which among a list of changes, proposed to eliminate the definition, data and career paths of the Avionics Technician. The AEA stated in its comments that while there is some logic to the proposal to reinstate some of the changes made during the 1998 SOC Revision regarding the aviation maintenance occupations, the proposed elimination of the detailed occupation "49-2091 Avionics Technicians" is illogical and unsupported.
More...
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 On the Radar
Upcoming AEA and industry events
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. 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. A s
pecial regulatory training course will take place with a
review of the EASA supplement for U.S.-based FAA repair stations that either hold an EASA Part 145 certificate or are interested in expanding business to include an EASA Part 145 certificate. Also, keep up with the latest product developments from these manufacturers: Aspen Avionics; Avidyne; Avionica; Cobham AvComm; Duncan Aviation; Garmin; Genesys Aerosystems; Gogo Business Aviation; L-3 Aviation Products; Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics; and Universal Avionics Systems Corp.
More...
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| Early-bird discount ends Aug. 17. |
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. 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.
More...
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...
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 The Connection
Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry
Fanshawe College Invests in Aviation Programs
Located in London, Ontario, a lovely treed city halfway between Toronto and Detroit, Michigan, Fanshawe College is investing heavily in its aviation programs. The Canadian school has devoted $4 million to avionics equipment and tooling, purchased an 82,000-square-foot facility with hangar space and offices at the London International Airport, and amassed a fleet of 19 aircraft. For students wanting to learn how to maintain and repair aircraft, Fanshawe's new, $9 million Jazz Centre of Excellence offers three areas of study -- avionics maintenance, aircraft maintenance and aircraft structural repair. Some 16 full- and part-time professors and lab technologists deliver the Transport Canada-approved programs.
More...
 A Conversation With Jesse Beard of Pentastar Aviation
Pentastar Aviation was established in 1964 as the internal flight department for the Chrysler Corp. based at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In response to evolving travel requirements, the company expanded its operations to include management, aircraft consulting, aircraft maintenance, avionics services, interior services, FBO services and private jet charter operated through Pentastar Aviation Charter Inc. In 2001, Pentastar Aviation was purchased by Edsel B. Ford II, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, who added his family's legacy and love of flying to the already remarkable Pentastar Aviation story. For more than 50 years, the company has been a leader in the world of business aviation servicing regional and global travelers out of its headquarters at Oakland County International Airport.
Recently, Avionics News spoke with Jesse Beard to learn more about his work at Pentastar Aviation as well as his life outside the office.
More...
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 In the Classroom
Professional development opportunities
 Certified Repair Station Training Course, Nov. 9-13
A week-long 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. More...
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 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 TOM HARPER of Avidyne brought four separate announcements to the 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...
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 The Static
News from AEA member companies
THOMAS GLOBAL SYSTEMS
became a member of the National Defense Industrial Association., which follows the opening the company's U.S.-based facility in Irvine, California, 18 months ago.
TRUE BLUE POWER said its custom-integrated, lithium-ion battery modules -- developed in partnership with the electromechanical product development specialists at Regan Designs -- will power Burt Rutan's most recent project: the SkiGull.
BECKER AVIONICS named FORREST COLLIVER vice president of business development for the Becker Group.
FLYING COLOURS CORP. said it is close to securing an STC for ADS-B Out in Bombardier Challenger 604 and 605 airframes.
AVIONICA plans to release a new cellular module operating on the 4G bandwidth that transmits flight data analysis up to six times faster than previous 3G modules and is compatible with the company's miniature quick access recorders and support tools.
COOL CITY AVIONICS recently expressed its support for helicopter industry-proposed changes to FAA certification requirements for single-engine IFR.
PENTASTAR AVIATION named MATT RICHARDSON to facilitate maintenance sales with a focus on aircraft interiors and modifications. In addition, the company announced the addition of 11 aircraft to its aircraft management fleet in the last 10 months.
EPPS AVIATION received its first ARGUS Platinum Rating, which is the highest level of ARGUS Ratings and is awarded only to those air charter operators who have demonstrated successful implementation of industry best safety practices relative to their operations and maintenance.
SATCOM DIRECT said its GlobalVT app is now available for Android devices.
PARAMOUNT PANELS announced approval to supply a range of lighted products in accordance with MIL-DTL-7788. The approval includes all types of cockpit lighted panels using incandescent, LED and Electroluminescent lamps. The approval included NVG compatible panels using all three lighting sources.
PRECISION AVIATION SERVICES recently partnered with the Georgia Business Aviation Association at Peachtree City's Falcon Field in Atlanta to host its fourth annual fly-in. More than 300 people, including corporate aircraft owners, law enforcement, EMS and private aircraft owners, attended the one-day event and showcase.
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP. said that the Gulfstream G500 has completed five test flights since it first took to the skies on May 18. Gulfstream anticipates certification of the G500 in 2017, with entry into service in 2018. The G600 certification is slated to follow in 2018, with entry into service in 2019.
CONSTANT AVIATION Rotable Exchange moved into its new showhouse and increased its available parts inventory by an additional $3.5 million, bringing the total inventory to more than $48 million with more than 54,000 line items. Constant Aviation also announced the addition of Orlando, Florida, to its AOG network, and the company named MICHAEL ROMANS to the position of Bombardier program manager. In addition, Constant Aviation was named one of the top five highest-performing dealers with GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION. Finally, Constant Aviation concluded a general terms agreement with Liebherr Aerospace Saline Inc. for support of the landing gear installed on the Embraer Legacy 600/650/Shuttle Executive Jet family of aircraft.
FLIGHT DISPLAY SYSTEMS named SHANGO OSEITUTU chief financial officer and ALISON DOMINGUEZ to the newly created position of quality assurance manager.
DUNCAN AVIATION launched a new website to help business jet operators access complete information about all things NextGen at DuncanAviation.aero/nextgen.
B. COLEMAN AVIATION was endorsed by the Mexican Civil Aviation Authority as an approved aircraft maintenance organization.
STANDARDAERO Business Aviation achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 5,000 Mobile Service Team customer dispatches to support operators with services and repairs in the field.
PACIFIC COAST AVIONICS completed a next-generation Garmin panel upgrade on a Piper PA-46-500TP Meridian turboprop that belongs to Darren Pleasance, who is the head of customer acquisition for Google.
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL is building a full flight simulator for the King Air 350 aircraft. The new FlightSafety FS1000 simulator will be equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system.
JETSUPPORT added the Dassault Falcon 900EX type approval to its maintenance capabilities.
HONDA AIRCRAFT received multiple orders for its HondaJet at LABACE 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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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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