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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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Dates and Locations Announced for 2018 AEA Connect Conferences
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The Aircraft Electronics Association unveiled the dates and locations for its 2018 AEA Connect Conferences, and the schedule is as follows:
- April 24-25 Europe Connect (Prague, Czech Republic)
- Sept. 6-7 Canada Connect (Calgary, Alberta)
- Sept. 12-13 U.S. East Connect (Tampa, Florida)
- Sept. 24-25 U.S. West Connect (Reno, Nevada)
- Oct. 3-4 U.S. Central Connect (Kansas City, Missouri)
- Nov. 5-6 South Pacific Connect (Gold Coast, Australia) More...
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AEA President Paula Derks Announces Retirement Transition
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During her annual State of the Association address at the 61st annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, March 26, AEA President Paula Derks announced that she will retire in one year, after the conclusion of next year's convention in Palm Springs, California. Derks was named the association's president in 1996.
"I have stood at this podium every year for the last 22 years as the president of this association, and prior to that, I have worked for this great organization since the day I graduated from college nearly 40 years ago," Derks said during the opening session. "As you might imagine, the AEA is my passion. Aside from my family and my faith, the AEA is a huge part of my life. I will be retiring approximately 12 months from now. This may seem unusual to announce 12 months out, but I want this succession to be as smooth as possible for the AEA. This 12-month transition will allow the board of directors time for a thoughtful and strategic search for the next president. It is the right time for me, and it's the right time for the next generation of executive leadership."
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AEA Names 2018 Award Winners
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Two prestigious industry awards were presented during the opening session of the 61st annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, March 26. Efrain Lopez of Georgetown Instrument Services and Castleberry Instruments & Avionics was named the 2018 AEA Member of the Year, while Genesys Aerosystems was honored as the AEA Associate Member of the Year.
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Demystifying the FAA for Entrepreneurs
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Are you an inventor always coming up with something new; the vendor marketing the next great invention; the customer who designed a solution but doesn’t know the next step? The AEA Technology Incubator is designed to demystify the path forward to producing parts for certified aircraft with a focus on producing these parts under the FAA oversight. The best and most successful way to demystify anything in aviation is to open the path for communication. The AEA Technology Incubator will include presentations and discussions focused on understanding the FAA regulatory structure, as well as the Part 23 and production regulations, guidance and policies. In addition, the AEA Technology Incubator will offer ample opportunity to interact with the association staff, FAA personnel and other attendees. Space is extremely limited for this event, and applications are being accepted online.
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2017 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey Cleared for Takeoff
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The 40th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway. It is the Federal Aviation Administration's primary source of information about the size and activity of the general aviation and on-demand Part 135 fleet. The survey is conducted on behalf of the FAA by Tetra Tech, an independent research firm, and all survey responses are confidential. Tetra Tech would like to hear from everyone who received an invitation to complete the survey to prepare accurate statistics on aviation activity. The GA Survey is a scientific sample of aircraft from the Civil Aviation Registry. If you have questions, please contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email
infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com. To see survey results from previous years,
click here.
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On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
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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.
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AUVSI XPONENTIAL
Denver, Colorado
April 30-May 3, 2018
An intersection of cutting-edge innovation and real-world applications, XPONENTIAL is the one event that brings all things unmanned into sharp focus. Join more than 8,500 industry leaders and forward-thinking users from both the defense and commercial sectors to learn the latest on policy, business use cases and technology applications.
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EBACE
Geneva, Switzerland
May 29-31, 2018
The 2018 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition will take place at Geneva’s magnificent Palexpo. Thousands of business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel and all manner of people involved in nearly every aspect of business aviation will meet to conduct business and make buying decisions for the year ahead.
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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.
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ADS-B Market Drives Achievement Aviation to Earn Part 145 Certification
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When Joshua Johnson set out to obtain a Part 145 repair station certificate for his aircraft maintenance business, he didn’t expect it to take so long or be so frustrating. Johnson submitted his application, spent some 150 hours writing and editing the repair station manual to the Federal Aviation Administration’s specifications, and took the Aircraft Electronics Association’s technical training in preparation. The process, which started with a casual conversation at AirVenture Oshkosh, wore on for nearly a year.
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Avionics Training and Professional Development Available in April at AEA International Headquarters
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Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation
April 23-25, 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.
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ADS-B Broadcast Surveillance: All the Ins and Outs
April 26, 2018
The ADS-B Broadcast Surveillance course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel. This course will describe and define ADS-B systems and the FAA’s guidance and specifications on both ground stations and airborne equipment. It is designed to provide the student with history, theory of operation, basic implementation, configuration, certification, compliance testing of surveillance systems.
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Digital Databus Theory and Analysis Training
April 27, 2018
As today’s modern airplanes become more-technologically advanced, so must the professionals who maintain them. The advanced avionics and instrumentation systems used in these aircraft rely on various forms of digital databus communication. Understanding digital databus theory is becoming more and more important for avionics technicians, and even A&P mechanics, to effectively test and troubleshoot these highly advanced aircraft systems.
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News from AEA Member Companies
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ELLIOTT AVIATION expanded its sales team by hiring industry veterans
Bill Forbes as avionics sales manager and
Mike Mettscher as parts sales specialist.
GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION recently completed the 100th installation of its Gogo AVANCE L5 system, achieving the milestone in six months. Constant Aviation completed the installation on an Embraer Legacy 500. More than 275 AVANCE L5 systems have been shipped with hundreds of additional systems on back order and scheduled for delivery in 2018.
PS ENGINEERING introduced the PMA450B audio panel. According to the company, the key to the PMA450B’s capability is a second Bluetooth module, which can serve as either an
additional music input, or stream audio to a device such as a Bluetooth-enabled video camera,
capturing the sights and sounds of the flying experience.
DAC INTERNATIONAL INC., a subsidiary of Aero Precision Holdings LP, received supplemental type certificate for the LCR-100 AHRS for the Citation 560 EXCEL/XLS aircraft.
UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORP. released the External Configuration Editor for the InSight Display System. The new web-based configuration tool makes the pre-design and system configuration process simple and intuitive, according to the company. Universal Avionics also announced that Elbit Systems Ltd. is in the process of completing the acquisition of Universal Avionics through an asset acquisition agreement. The parties have received the applicable government approvals and closing is anticipated to occur in the coming weeks. Under the ownership of Elbit Systems, Universal Avionics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary. Universal Avionics announced FAA and EASA sign-off for Chicago Jet Group's amendment of its AML STC to include the ATN B1 Module for the UniLink UL-800/801 Communications Management Unit. Transport Canada and ANAC approvals are imminent. Universal Avionics FMS was selected for the U.S. Army's Black Hawk FANS program.
GENESYS AEROSYSTEMS celebrated the 1,000th delivery of its HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System and Two-Axis Autopilot to an EMS operator of an Airbus EC130T2. Genesys Aerosystems also earned FAA STC approval of the S-TEC 3100 on: Cessna 210K through R models; Beechcraft Bonanza A35/36 series models; and Cessna 182 series.
BECKER AVIONICS received certification for the BXT6500 family Mode S Transponder, which is designed specifically for single antenna applications across all fixed- and rotary-wing applications.
GARMIN received FAA STC approval for the GFC 500 autopilot in several more aircraft models. The latest approvals for the GFC 500 autopilot include the Beechcraft Bonanza S35, V35, V35A and V35B; and Piper PA-28-150/151/160/161/180/181. Garmin also announced another addition to its portfolio of G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrades to now include the Embraer Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 equipped with the Prodigy Flight Deck.
JETTECH is offering a modification to the glare shield on Citation 500, 501, 550, 551, S550 and 560 series aircraft to accommodate a relocation of the annunciator panel to free up center panel space for additional avionics. JETTECH also announced that FlightSafety International has targeted April to complete the installation of JETTECH's Garmin touchscreen GTN 650/750 GPS/NAV/COM modification update to its Citation 550 full motion simulator. JETTECH also is offering an engineered solution for replacement of the Command Display 125 on the Citation 500, 501, 550, 551, S550 and 560 series aircraft that allows vertical speed and indicated airspeed adjustments while the autopilot is engaged. JETTECH also will soon release its STC for a Garmin G700 TXi touchscreen display modification and upgrade for the Citation 500, 550, S550 and 560 aircraft fleet.
METRO AVIATION, under contract with Airbus Helicopters, recently completed a new H145 for Boston MedFlight, a critical care transport service in New England. This is the third aircraft Metro has completed for Boston MedFlight at its completion center in Shreveport, Louisiana.
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AVMAX leased one Dash 8-Q202 msn 454 to Avioandes S.A. of Ecuador. The aircraft was formerly operated by LC Peru.
ASPEN AVIONICS is reducing the price of its primary flight displays through April 30, 2018. The Evolution Pro 1000 PFD price is reduced from $10,995 to $8,995. The Evolution 1000 Pro Plus PFD is the company’s flagship product, which comes with Evolution Angle of Attack and Synthetic Vision software and is reduced from $13,995 to $10,495. Aspen introduced the Evolution E5 Dual Electronic Flight Instrument. The STD’d, non-TSO Evolution E5 consolidates attitude indicator plus DG/CDI into a single display with a rechargeable backup battery. It also includes GPSS, air data computer, and attitude heading reference system. Aspen also is now a Part 23 reseller of the Lynx NGT-9000.
APPAREO announced a five-year warranty on the company’s Stratus ADS-B Out transponders during the AEA Convention in Las Vegas.
SMARTSKY NETWORKS was awarded FAA parts manufacturer approval for SmartSky Networks’ radio and antenna manufacturing partners, enabling full-rate production of the SmartSky 4G LTE aircraft system and catalyzing STC projects on numerous business aircraft. Avidyne secured a PMA for the production of the airborne radio, while AeroAntenna received PMA for the manufacture of SmartSky’s aircraft antennas.
JEPPESEN introduced a new mobile version of its Jeppesen Distribution Manager flight data update technology, and announced a new strategic alliance with Bad Elf, a provider of aviation hardware and software solutions. Together, Jeppesen and Bad Elf have now established a wireless data transfer system for aircraft owners and operators, using JDM Mobile and the Bad Elf Wombat portable device to update avionics data cards.
HONEYWELL is expanding its GoDirect connected services to the ground. A new agreement with global telematics company Pinnacle will enable the two companies to connect an airport’s ramp service into one single, managed solution that provides airlines and ground handlers with real-time insights into vehicle activity anywhere at the airport. Honeywell also announced that it is providing business jet, airline and helicopter operators with better connectivity choices thanks to the introduction of the Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 satellite communications systems. Honeywell also announced the availability of its newest satellite communications system, the Aspire 400, which provides aircraft flight crews and passengers with access to worldwide voice and data connectivity and provides pilots with critical cockpit safety services.
DUNCAN AVIATION announced two promotions at its Battle Creek, Michigan, facility:
Alan Monk has accepted the position of airframe sales manager, and
George Bajo has accepted the position of modifications sales manager. Duncan Aviation also was named a Gogo Business Aviation Top Dealer for 2017, and received the highest Gogo dealer honor, the Gogo Business Aviation 51,000 Five. Duncan Aviation also expanded its initiatives to support UAS by signing an agreement with Robotic Skies to focus on the need of larger unmanned airframes for maintenance and repair. Duncan Aviation's satellite avionics shop in Atlanta, Georgia, has moved into a new facility at the Hill Aircraft FBO.
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ESTERLINE Control & Communication Systems announced that
Denise Millard was selected as the business group’s vice president for sales and marketing.
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL announced the entry into service of a new Boeing 777-300ER full flight simulator the company built for use by the Japan Air Self Defense Force to train crews for operation of their new VIP transport aircraft.
AVIATION SPECIALTIES UNLIMITED and Harris Corp. entered into a distributor agreement, making ASU an authorized reseller for Harris’ TSO Night Vision Goggles.
HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY and ANA Holdings Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership supporting the expansion of the business jet market around the globe by using Honda Aircraft’s HondaJet.
JETSUPPORT B.V. extended the part 145-approved maintenance organization approval with the Beech King Air 200 series.
SOUTHEAST AEROSPACE announced
Luke Gomoll as its new aircraft modifications sales representative.
FIELD AVIATION is providing a solution to add ADS-B Out capability and upgrade the FMS on the entire fleet of 41 Dash 8 aircraft at Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS (Widerøe) of Norway, to comply with the upcoming ADS-B Out mandate and provide further fleet standardization. The FMS upgrade will consist of the latest Universal Avionics FMS hardware and 1002 software.
ACSS delivered the 5,000th production unit in its NXT-600/-700/-800 Mode S Transponder family. The NXT Mode S Transponders provide commercial and military aircraft and helicopters with the capabilities to operate in ADS-B airspace.
ACR ELECTRONICS expanded the ARTEX range of safety products for the aviation market with the introduction of the ARTEX Personal Locator Beacon. Its small size and weight fits into a pocket or life vest without impeding activity and taking up minimal space, ensuring it is accessible in an emergency. ARTEX also introduced the world’s only 406 MHz approved transport-grade alkaline battery-powered emergency locator transmitter.
CUTTER AVIATION was appointed as the Authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Center for the Southwest United States. It also named
James Fisher to the regional engine sales management position, and
Iggy Burkhardt to the HondaJet regional sales management position for New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.
D.L.S. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS added a new chamber dedicated to support MIL-STD and RTCA DO-160 EMI testing. With this new chamber, the 16th at the D.L.S. facilities in Wheeling, Illinois, the company is able to support current demand for MIL-STD 461 and RTCA DO-160.
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SMARTSKY NETWORKS announced the new SmartSky LiTE system that delivers the power of 4G LTE connectivity to the market for the first time.
TRUE BLUE POWER introduced a 2,000-watt, AC-to-DC voltage converter at the AEA Convention. The TC2000 is ideal for aircraft with AC electrical systems that require 28-volt DC power. This includes executive aircraft, airline and passenger configurations. The company also is offering a limited lifetime warranty on all new True Blue Power TA102 Series and TA202 Series USB Charging Ports.
MID-CONTINENT INSTRUMENTS AND AVIONICS introduced the MD32 Magnetometer designed specifically for the company’s MD302 Standby Attitude Module. The MD32 Magnetometer delivers independent heading reference without orientation limitations or the need for special installation hardware.
LATITUDE TECHNOLOGIES unveiled the ENode, a new engine data acquisition unit built to enable engine condition trend monitoring, flight data monitoring, and fuel management programs for aircraft.
PRO STAR AVIATION welcomed two new hires to its maintenance team:
Zac Cote and
Tyler Mullens.
FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS will provide its certified RANGR ADS-B receivers to Avidyne customers. Avidyne will bundle an IFD system and a ADS-B Out capable Mode S transponder with FreeFlight Systems RANGRRX ADS-B receiver to offer a complete ADS-B solution. The company also launched the Avail Performance Package that provides a complete ADS-B solution for King Air and twin turboprop aircraft.
TRIG AVIONICS introduced its new ADS-B Express Lane Service geared to a rapid installation to save time and money.
CONSTANT AVIATION entered into an agreement naming Constant Aviation as the launch dealer for the debut of Innov8’s CABINFLEX COMMAND and CAST cabin control and entertainment product solutions.
THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT announced an enhancement of its air data computers. The THOMMEN AC32 Air Data Computer is now available with additional capabilities, supporting supersonic flight operations and providing Angle of Attack computation to prevent critical flight attitudes at low speed.
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP. is extending its Student Leadership Program to Dallas-Fort Worth, home of the company’s mid-cabin completions facility and a service center. Gulfstream also delivered the 300th aircraft in the Gulfstream G650 family.
CLAY LACY AVIATION installed a state-of-the-art Gogo AVANCE L5 4G technology platform in a Gulfstream G450.
ALTO AVIATION introduced the ALTO Cadence In-Line Relay Controller at the AEA Convention in Las Vegas. The switch panel plugs directly into the controller or may be used as a discrete, stand-alone controller. Local relays preserve existing aircraft wiring.
GUARDIAN AVIONICS announced the addition of new flush panel-mount models for the Apple iPhone X and Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch models to the smartPanel Mount line of mounting solutions to install an iPad or iPhone within the instrument panel on any FAA-certified Part 23 or experimental aircraft.
STANDARDAERO signed a 20-year memorandum of agreement with Rolls-Royce to provide MRO services for the AE 2100, AE 1107 and T56 Series IV engine models through 2038. StandardAero Component Services will unify its Jet Aviation Specialists and PAS Technologies brands underneath a single StandardAero Components Services brand name, effective immediately. StandardAero also expanded its line replaceable unit and engine health monitoring service offerings for the Bombardier CRJ, Embraer E-Jet and other regional aircraft platforms.
ROCKWELL COLLINS announced that Oman Air’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is the first to feature Rockwell Collins’ new Air Rest luxury business class seating solution for narrowbody aircraft.
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Looking for a Job in the Avionics Industry?
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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?
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Need to Post a Job? The AEA Works for You!
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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.
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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.
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Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
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Advertising:
Lauren McFarland, director of advertising
Phone: 816-347-8400
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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