Mar. 11, 2020
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
AEA Convention Update
The Aircraft Electronics Association intends to proceed with the 63rd annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show as planned, March 24-27, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The AEA is pleased to report that convention registrations are still coming in on a daily basis, hotel reservations for the AEA room block at the Gaylord Opryland Resort are near full capacity, and the exhibitor retention rate is 96%.

In light of the recent circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, the AEA asks all attendees to monitor their condition prior to travel, as well as review the CDC travel guidelines. The association continues to monitor the advice from federal, state and local health professionals.

The emergency operations guidelines at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center are extensive, and the facility's emergency preparedness plans are thorough. Association staff is working closely with the resort and convention center to ensure all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the health and well-being of attendees remain the top priority. The Gaylord Opryland has on-site medical personnel and is providing extra cleaning crews. Hand sanitizer also will be available on-site. For attendees, the best advice is to continue to practice everyday preventative actions and consider an alternative to a handshake greeting. More...
Come for the Show, Support the Community
To help support the individuals and businesses impacted by the tornado that moved through downtown Nashville on March 3, a portion of the proceeds generated by the AEA Convention's silent auction will be donated to the disaster relief effort. 
 
Garmin is showing its support by donating the very first certified GTN 750Xi. The unit was pulled off the production line and held for donation to the auction. It has a suggested retail price of $17,995. Garmin joins a growing list of AEA member companies in supporting the silent auction and the Nashville relief efforts. 
 
The silent auction is administered by the AEA Educational Foundation and will take place inside the exhibit hall during the AEA Convention in Nashville. In addition to the disaster relief donation, the silent auction will benefit the AEA Educational Foundation's ability to award scholarships for avionics and aircraft maintenance technicians. More...
AEA and Industry Groups Support Workforce Legislation in Congress
The AEA and more than 100 aviation groups recently sent a joint letter to congressional leaders on Feb. 27 to support legislation that would create a National Center for the Advancement of Aviation.

In part, the letter stated: "We strongly support the creation of a national, independent forum to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between all sectors of aviation and aerospace stakeholders and related partners to coordinate, promote, and support the future of aviation. In particular, we value the National Center’s focus on four key areas: aviation and aerospace STEM curriculum; workforce development, economic and safety data and research sharing, and being a forum for cross-disciplinary collaboration." More...
Women in Aviation Conference Draws Record Number of Attendees and Exhibitors
According to Women in Aviation International, the organization held another successful annual gathering during the 31st Annual International Women in Aviation Conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, March 5-7, 2020.

Event organizers reported that a total attendance of nearly 4,500 individuals were on-site, including 142 international representatives from 31 countries including Nigeria, Canada, Ghana, Australia, Iceland, and others. The exhibit hall hosted 180 separate companies and organizations, representing all aspects of the aviation community, including drones. Next year's event is set for March 11-13, 2021, in Reno, Nevada. More...
Pam Meyers Joins AEA Team as Member Services Representative
The AEA named Pam Meyers as its new member services representative to help support member companies from the association's headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri. She will serve as the primary point of contact for a variety of member inquiries and support numerous training events that take place on-site at the AEA's Dan Derby Center for Professional Development.

Meyers joins the AEA team after previously serving as the member relations coordinator and member experience specialist for the International Association of Assessing Officers. AEA members will have the opportunity to meet her face-to-face in Nashville during the AEA Convention, March 24-27. More...
Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo to Proceed as Planned
According to Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo officials, the annual event will proceed as planned in Lakeland, Florida, March 31 through April 5.

Event organizers wrote, "While we are aware of and monitoring the current circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 Virus, the 2020 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo will proceed as scheduled. As the primary fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence, we remain dedicated to creating limitless opportunities for today’s youth but are also committed to public health and safety. Sun ‘n Fun is in constant communication with medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and government agencies to coordinate and plan for a safe event with appropriate precautions and safeguards in place." More...
Save the Dates for 2020 AEA Connect Conferences
Avionics professionals will want to save the following dates for the 2020 AEA Connect Conferences that were recently announced. Online registration will be available in the near future. The schedule is as follows:

Sept. 10-11: AEA Canada (Calgary, Alberta)
Sept. 23-24: AEA East (Naples, Florida)
Oct. 19-20: AEA Central (Kansas City, Missouri)
Oct. 27-28: AEA West (Irvine, California)
Nov. 10-11: AEA South Pacific (Queenstown, New Zealand) More...
AEA Scholarship Applications Due April 1
The Aircraft Electronics Association will award more than 20 scholarships totaling more than $100,000 for the 2020-21 school year to students pursuing a career in avionics or aircraft maintenance, as well as students from AEA member companies.

Since its inception, the AEA scholarship program has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships. Numerous awards are available, ranging from $1,000 to more than $35,000 each. Scholarship applications are available online, and the deadline to submit an application is April 1, 2020. More...
Request Your FREE AEA Pilot’s Guide
The AEA Pilot’s Guide is a consumer’s directory loaded with educational articles, timely information and data about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies. In addition to a complete directory of AEA-member government-certified repair stations, avionics manufacturers and distributors located in more than 40 countries, the publication features educational articles to help pilots and aircraft owners make better buying decisions. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last. More...
On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
AEA International Convention & Trade Show
Nashville, Tennessee
March 24-27, 2020
Aviation's technology experts will convene at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for the 63rd annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. Avionics professionals will have access to more than 100 hours of technical training and professional development courses. More...
Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo
Lakeland, Florida
March 31-April 5, 2020
The Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo, an aviation tradition for the past 45 years, will have a name change for its 2020 event. The largest fundraising event for the Aerospace Center for Excellence will be renamed the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo to reflect the mission to engage, educate and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals.  More...
AUVSI XPONENTIAL
Boston, Massachusetts
May 4-7, 2020
At the world’s largest event for unmanned and autonomous systems, explore today’s proven capabilities and tomorrow’s advancements through hands-on exhibits and interactive demos. More...
European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
Geneva, Switzerland
May 26-28, 2020
EBACE takes place at Geneva’s magnificent Palexpo. Meet with exhibitors featuring every product and service for your flight operation, network with peers and business aviation leaders, compare the latest aircraft on display, learn about the newest innovations from industry experts, and see what’s ahead, from urban mobility vehicles and drones, to electric and solar-powered vehicles. More...
FAA UAS Symposium
Baltimore, Maryland
June 16-18, 2020
The Symposium will bring together representatives from the FAA, other government agencies, industry, and academia. The presenters and panelists will discuss the latest information and advancements related to the diverse uses of unmanned aircraft, and how these new entrants are being safely integrated into the National Airspace System. More...
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 20-26, 2020
Experience the largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts. From unique, historic aircraft to world-class daily air shows, you don’t want to miss the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. The AEA will be distributing free copies of this year's AEA Pilot's Guide in Hangar B, booth 2035/2036.  More...
Eagle Aircraft Turns Challenges Into Advantages
In southern Ontario, aircraft maintenance engineers at Eagle Aircraft’s two locations help keep Canadian and U.S. general aviation and commercial operators flying. At Billy Bishop City Airport (also known as Toronto Island Airport) and Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport, the technicians provide maintenance and repairs as well as avionics installations, calibrations and troubleshooting. The aircraft include Cessna Caravans and Citations, Piper Aztecs and Navajos, Beechcraft Barons and Pilatus PC-12s, virtually any aircraft below 12,500 pounds.

“We also handle sheet metal repairs and structural repairs,” said David McDevitt, founder of Eagle Aircraft who also serves as director of maintenance and president of the company. “There are two other maintenance facilities at Parry Sound. We do things for their customers that they can’t such as radio installations and 24-month pitot-static calibrations. There just isn’t anyone close to us who does that. A lot of the other shops will call us or send us their customers for things they can’t service.” More...
FAA Warns of Illegal Charter Schemes
In December 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration cautioned BlackBird Air, a web-based application, which claimed it “facilitates” the lease of aircraft and, separately, the securing of pilot services, that the pilots participating in the company’s business model are illegally “holding out” commercial air transportation without proper authority. The agency also published a notice warning passengers and pilots of the risks of illegal charter operations.

This is just the latest in FAA action regarding illegal charter operations. There are many flavors of illegal air charter models, and the proliferation of web-based applications and the “gig” economy have led to even more creative schemes, with the FAA and legitimate players in the charter industry trying to keep up.

What is a “legal” charter operator? What schemes make up illegal charter operations? How can you identify and avoid illegal charter operations? Why does it even matter? More...
$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge
Attention avionics technicians! How well do you think you know your avionics inside and out? New and old? Then put your knowledge to work.

What is the product make and model shown in this image?

The first individual who submits the correct answer will be awarded a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, and the winner will be announced in the next edition of AEA Wired.

In addition, each award recipient in 2020 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card at the end of the year, also from Southeast Aerospace. Email your answer...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Register quickly, as most classes sell out!
Bench Basics and Flight Line Troubleshooting
May 4-6, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Basic Wiring course and/or have a couple of years of basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics flight line testing. ADS-B transponder systems, nav/ILS and VHF comms will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel, a bench test harness, and a transponder test harness that they will use in the course. Attendees will keep their fabricated test panel and harness projects.
Pitot-Static and Transponder Testing and Inspection with ADS-B Implementation
May 7, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. 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. With so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know.
IFR6000 Operations
May 8, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate the IFR6000 to verify and maintain Transponder, UAT, TCAS, and DME systems.
Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft
May 13-15, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for the homebuilder or avionics technician who is looking for guidance in completing an avionics installation on an experimental aircraft. While the Garmin G3X Touch system is used as an example in the course, the wiring principles and general guidance can be applied to any experimental avionics system. From the do-it-yourselfer to the avionics shop looking to carve a niche, this class has something for everyone.
Certified Repair Station Training
June 1-5, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This weeklong course provides an interactive environment to learn, understand and implement the regulations that govern repair station design and operations. 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 should attend. This course will include a complete review of the FAA guidance and policy regarding the procedures to assure a repair station is operating within the criteria of its manuals.
Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation
June 15-17, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting
June 18-19, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for entry-level avionics technicians or those looking for basic training on pitot-static and aircraft transponder systems. This two-day course covers the history and theory of operation of pitot-static instruments and transponders, as well as system setup, hands-on testing, and the troubleshooting skills necessary to perform Federal Aviation Regulations 91.411 and 91.413 checks.
Avionics Installation and Integration Training
Aug. 17-19, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation Course and/or have a couple years of basic avionics installation practice and are looking for more experience integrating common general aviation installations. Technicians will learn how to plan, install, interface, configure and check out an installation consisting of a Garmin GTN 650 touch screen nav/com/GPS, Garmin GTX 345 transponder and an Aspen EFD1000 primary flight display.
The Regulations of Maintenance
Oct. 22-23, 2020
Orlando, Florida
Understanding the regulations of the repair station is only part of the equation. Like pieces of a puzzle, each regulation is needed to fit together in order to fully view the repair station’s requirements. Understanding the regulatory relationship between the business (Part 145); the maintenance it performs (Part 43); the parts it uses (Part 21); as well as the needs of customers (Part 91) are essential to provide regulatory compliant services in aviation maintenance. This session will cover the basics of the maintenance and modification regulations, but more importantly, it focuses on their integrated relationship with the business.
News from AEA Member Companies
True Blue Power announced that Devon Gall has joined the team as a technical support engineer. He will be working one-on-one with customers to provide expert technical support for its advanced power solutions. 

Garmin was awarded the Elite Supplier Award from Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. for its support and development of the G5000H integrated flight deck on the KUH-1 Surion helicopter. In addition, the GTX 3000 and GPS 3000 Garmin ADS-B Out solution for the Dornier 328 has received EASA approval and is available immediately.

ACI Jet announced that, following a greater than $1 million investment in parts inventory, accompanied by additional stock inventoried by Bombardier Business Aircraft, the company has established a new 5,000-square-foot parts depot from its San Luis Obispo Regional Airport headquarters. 

Universal Avionics announced European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification for its ClearVision Enhanced Flight Vision System with SkyLens Head-Wearable Display. In addition, Don Milum was appointed U.S. senior sales manager, where he will oversee the company's sales team as well as the authorized dealer and integrator network in the U.S.

Spirit Avionics Ltd., operating as Spirit Aeronautics, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary providing maintenance, avionics, certification, and engineering.

Thomas Global Systems expanded the application of its pioneering plug-and-play CRT-to-LCD flight displays innovation with the launch of the TFD-4000 Series LCD display solution for Bombardier CRJ Series and other Collins Aerospace Pro Line 4 flight decks.

West Star Aviation promoted Dan Prieu as senior project manager at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, facility. 
Duncan Aviation has developed larger and dedicated airframe aircraft on ground teams at each of its main facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Provo, Utah. Duncan Aviation also rolled out Straight Talk podcasts for customers, team members, and the communities they call home to enjoy on a variety of platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the company’s website. 

Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems was awarded full Mexican Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil approval for the company’s facility in Macon, Georgia. This authorization allows Stevens to fully work and return to service Mexican-registered aircraft. 

FlightSafety International announced that training for the Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet is now available at its Paris Le Bourget Learning Center. 

StandardAero launched a new business aviation engine exchange program with multiple options for all operators of legacy aircraft powered by TFE731, CFE738 and PW305 engines. The program also covers Honeywell 36-100/150 series auxiliary power units. 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Women in Aviation International announced a new, self-paced Massive Open Online Course tailored to learners ages 8-17. The free course leverages Embry-Riddle expertise and instructional design to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. 

Avmax leased a newly converted Boeing 737-400 Freighter to its sister company, TUM AeroCarga, in Mexico. The Boeing 737-400 MSN 25100 was recently converted from a Combi to an 11 Pallet Full Freighter configuration at the PEMCO facilities in Tampa, Florida.
AEA Opens the Door to Your Future: AEA.net/Jobs
For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the job listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA jobs board 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 job 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? The AEA jobs board makes it easier for AEA members to find their next avionics technician, quality manager, inspector, sales representative or engineer. 

AEA members may submit a free job posting after entering their username and password at AEA.net/Jobs. Member companies that optionally choose to upgrade their job posting for a premium will have preferred online placement and also will be published in the next edition of Avionics News. For more information about premium job listings, contact Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive, at rachelh@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:
Rachel Hill, AEA director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
Email:  rachelh@aea.net

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