Jan. 24, 2018

Keeping the general aviation industry connected

The Current News from the general aviation industry

Advance Registration Now Open for AEA Europe Connect Conference The 32nd annual AEA Europe Connect Conference is slated for April 24-25 in Prague, Czech Republic, at the Prague Marriott Hotel. Advance registration is now available for the premier avionics event in Europe that connects the general aviation avionics industry. With an exhibit hall filled with the latest avionics technologies and services, attendees feel a greater personal connection with the opportunity to see, touch and feel new products and visit face-to-face with the experts. More...

The ABCs of Modern Aircraft Antennas According to Dale Smith's article published in this month's Avionics News, antennas are one of the most important, yet equally overlooked and misunderstood part of an aircraft’s avionics system. How misunderstood, you ask? Well, the simplest problem with any of the 20-plus antennas on a modern business jet can wreak havoc on the most sophisticated avionics suite. “Most technicians never think about the antennas until they have a problem,” explained Don Jeckell, business development manager for Cobham Antenna Systems. “But since avionics technicians must routinely figure them out and make them work, they need to understand how they work. All the pilot knows is his/her radio isn’t working properly.”  More...

Regulatory Update All the latest from the international aviation authorities

The Importance of Employee Identification From the National Air Transportation Association Compliance Services blog: How many times have you turned on the TV or went online, only to hear of an individual impersonating someone else? In December 2017, The New York Post reported on a woman who walked into a major retail store, dressed as an employee, and then exited the store with more than $40,000 worth of iPhones. Law enforcement is still trying to identify her, but the most shocking detail about this story is the woman was never questioned or stopped. While the story above concerns criminal behavior, the impersonation of employees poses a real security risk to companies. For example, a person pretending to be a flight crewmember, maintenance worker or administrator could access secure areas, obtain proprietary data and even commit a violent act. This is why it is essential for companies to implement some sort of credentialing system for their employees, if they haven’t already. More...

View from Washington: Drones Ric Peri writes in this month's Avionics News: There are technology companies offering airborne ride-sharing, augmented package delivery, critical medical supply deliveries, and search-and-rescue support during natural disasters. The Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation and governments worldwide are responding to this new drone technology the same way they responded to ride-sharing: Our world is changing! This new technology is overwhelming society and governments. But is it truly new?  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. Advance registration is available through March 2. The event will take place at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas; make your hotel reservation before Feb. 21. More...

AEA Europe Connect Conference Prague, Czech Republic April 24-25, 2018 Save the date for the avionics industry event of the year in Europe. This conference is set for the Prague Marriott Hotel. Online registration is now available through April 17; make your hotel reservation before April 3.  More...

Global Connected Aircraft Summit San Diego, California June 4-6, 2018 The Global Connected Aircraft Summit brings together the world’s largest airlines and companies from across the aerospace and avionics industries to assess market lessons, potential demand and best practices in global connected solutions for the passenger, airline efficiency, and cutting-edge services.  More...

The Connection Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry

Satair Moves Into Business Jet Market Some 2,900 aircraft equipped with Honeywell Aerospace’s Primus II radio system worldwide still need to be upgraded to comply with the mandated 2020 FAA and EASA ADS-B deadlines. Satair Group, an aircraft parts supplier, plans to be at the forefront of helping service centers upgrade their customers’ aircraft on time and within budget. In January 2017, the company became the sole distributor for Honeywell Aerospace’s Primus II ADS-B equipment, supplying maintenance providers around the world. The five-year agreement brings Satair Group into the business aviation aftermarket arena for the first time, handling the global supply of new, exchange and rental units. More...

Azimuth Aerospace Solutions Offers Computer-based Training and CES Trainer Repair Services The Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, uses CES500, CES651 and CES702 trainers, and Azimuth Aerospace Solutions designs and develops both classroom and computer-based training using an innovative approach to give students a new experience in learning. In the spring of 2016, Azimuth Aerospace Solutions of Rockford, Michigan, acquired training equipment manufacturer CES Industries Inc. and has begun producing the Ed-Lab electronics trainers that CES customers have enjoyed for years.  More...

In the Classroom Professional development opportunities

Avionics Training Available at AEA International Headquarters

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.

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation Feb. 28-March 2, 2018 This course is designed for certificated repairmen, new avionics technicians, aviation maintenance technicians and recent graduates interested in improving or acquiring the skills necessary to perform avionics installations. 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.

The Static News from AEA member companies

ROCKWELL COLLINS' Corporate Aircraft Service Program was renewed by France-based TWIN JET for its fleet of 12 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft for the next three years. UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORP. launched a new blog, called the “UA Blog” as a way to provide first-person perspectives about top-of-mind industry topics from the company’s thought-leaders and guest writers. CONSTANT AVIATION Chairman Kenn Ricci was recently honored, as the Living Legends of Aviation renamed its annual award for lifetime accomplishments in aviation entrepreneurship the “Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award.”  DUNCAN AVIATION completed its second STC for the Gogo AVANCE L5 system. Designed for the Dassault Falcon 2000 and variants of the airframe, this STC covers the Wi-Fi certification and full equipment and antenna installation required to provide in-flight connectivity to the Gogo Biz 4G network. Duncan Aviation also named Keith Schell as manager of its components repairs and parts & rotables sales teams. GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP. began a 12-country tour this month at Dallas Love Field to showcase its new Gulfstream G500 business jet. The company also announced that its super mid-size G280 recently added to its long list of achievements with three new city-pair speed records. DAC INTERNATIONAL received the new AS9120B certification based on the ISO 9001:2015 standards. The AS9120B standard quality management systems certification builds on the ISO 9001:2015 certification with additional requirements that are specific to aviation, space and defense distributors.

FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS announced that its 1203C SBAS/GNSS sensor is approved for installation with L3's NXT Mode S transponder series. Stevens Aviation recently announced an AML STC for ADS-B Out installations across a wide range of Part 25 aircraft after the company's first successful install in a Citation 650. This product pairing provides legacy aircraft a way to equip with ADS-B for the upcoming mandate. PROFESSIONAL AVIATION ASSOCIATES, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, was awarded AS9120:2016 Rev.B quality management standards certification. AVIONICA successfully completed the first STC for its flagship Iridium transceiver, the satLINK MAX. The STC was performed on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. In addition, Korean Air selected Avionica’s satLINK MAX to meet flight tracking requirements mandated by South Korea’s Office of Civil Aviation that take effect in 2018.   HONEYWELL announced that United Airlines selected multiple Honeywell cockpit technologies to outfit is new fleet of more than 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes. STANDARDAERO signed a letter of intent with Rolls-Royce to provide engine MRO services for the RB211-535E4 program for the life of the engine type. This award designates StandardAero as the Rolls-Royce end-of-life engine maintenance service partner. In addition, the U.S. Air Force awarded its Rolls-Royce T56 Engine Depot Overhaul contract to StandardAero, allowing the company to continue its support of the USAF fleet of C-130H aircraft for an additional 8.5 as an exclusive provider.

JETSUPPORT was recently awarded for an additional four-year contract providing MRO services for the two Dornier 228-212s serving the Dutch Coastguard. GARMIN received two Supplier of the Year awards at the annual 2017 Embraer Suppliers Conference at Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Garmin was recognized as Supplier of the Year in two categories: Technical Support to Operators and Electric & Electronics Systems. These awards join seven Supplier of the Year awards previously presented to Garmin in various categories related to the support of the G1000 Prodigy and G3000 Prodigy Touch integrated flight decks in the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300, respectively. Garmin also announced expanded pilot training opportunities for 2018. GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION is expanding its wireless in-flight entertainment service, Gogo Vision, by introducing digital magazine content and a broader selection of business news. Customers who are on the Gogo AVANCE platform or who have Gogo Vision on board their aircraft can choose from a diverse selection of 30 digital magazines. KANNAD unveiled a new ELT solution for aircraft owners wanting to replace Ameri-King ELTs affected by a recent FAA Airworthiness Directive (Docket No. FAA-2016-6673). The new Kannad Ameri-Fit pack includes the INTEGRA AF emergency locator transmitter for fixed-wing aircraft or the INTEGRA AF-H for rotary wing aircraft, a universal mounting bracket, RC103 remote control panel, and adapter cable and coupler specifically designed for this application. FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL and Gulfstream announced that the first full flight simulator for the new Gulfstream G500 aircraft has received interim Level C qualification from the FAA. FLYING COLOURS CORP. has invested in additional equipment inventory and upped its team numbers, increasing its ADS-B Out installation capacity by approximately 30 percent in preparation of the FAA's 2020 mandate.

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