Feb. 26, 2020
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
AEA Unveils 2019 Year-end Avionics Market Report
The Aircraft Electronics Association released its 2019 year-end Avionics Market Report, and total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales for 2019 amounted to $3,005,839,505, or more than $3 billion as reported by the participating companies.

The figure represented a 10.2% increase in total year-end sales compared to 2018. During the fourth-quarter months of October, November and December, sales increased 5.3% compared to the same time frame one year ago. More...
General Aviation's Contribution to U.S. Economy Remains Strong
A group of seven general aviation associations welcomed an updated study detailing the contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, determined that general aviation supports a total 1,179,200 jobs and a total of $246.8 billion in total economic output in the U.S.

"As leaders in product innovation, the contributions to the U.S. economy by AEA member companies are significant, and we are pleased to join our partners in general aviation to help share this story with policymakers at all levels," said AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson. "Equally important, though, is our members' continued development and installation of next-generation lifesaving technologies that will make flying even safer and more accessible while creating opportunities for future aviators and entrepreneurs." More...
Register for AEA Convention by March 2 and Save $100 Per Person
Are you attending the biggest show of the year for the avionics industry? If so, be sure to register by March 2 to save $100 per person off the on-site fee. This year's AEA International Convention & Trade Show comes to Nashville, Tennessee, March 24-27.

Join aviation's technology experts in Music City for training, regulatory updates, new products, and networking opportunities at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of seminars and technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; and networking with manufacturers and distributors. More...
What Drone Avionics Mean for General Aviation
Startup avionics companies are coming up with innovative, lightweight, inexpensive sensors to help the drone industry and the Federal Aviation Administration solve a critical problem known as detect and avoid.

While general aviation pilots flying under visual flight rules depend at times on their own eyes to see and avoid other aircraft and to remain well clear of them, the civil drone industry has to find a way to see and avoid other drones and aircraft relying entirely on technology since there is no pilot aboard the air vehicle. More...
Buying and Selling Your Shop
Unlike buying a house, you don’t typically open your business with the thought of selling it for a profit. According to one successful businessman, Bret Tredway, that may be a mistake. Tredway knows, as he built a successful career starting, building and then selling small businesses. Through it all, he’s seen the good, the bad, and the “you wouldn’t believe it if I told you” sides of buying and selling a business. 

To help his fellow AEA members avoid some of the potential issues, he’s agreed to share his experiences with the recent purchase, reclamation, and even his plans for ultimately selling his business acquisition, Freedom Air Avionics of Broomfield, Colorado. 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...
EASA-FAA MAG Change 7 Effective February 2020
The most recent revision of the Maintenance Annex Guidance, part of a bilateral safety agreement between the European Union and the United States, is effective Feb. 17, 2020. Though many changes were only minor editorial changes, a couple of revisions require action from repair stations and approved maintenance organizations. 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
International Women in Aviation Conference
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
March 5-7, 2020
The 31st annual event takes place at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Participants gain extensive networking opportunities and a diverse schedule of educational sessions and social activities. More...
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. Register by March 2 and save $100 per person off the on-site fee. 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...
Aero Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen, Germany
April 1-4, 2020
Join more than 600 exhibitors from 35 countries, 33,000 visitors and 600 journalists from all over the world for AERO Friedrichshafen. At Lake Constance, numerous companies will be displaying their latest products and innovations, covering the whole industry from ultralights and gliders to business jets, helicopters and electric aircraft as well as avionics and maintenance.  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...
ADS-B at the Deadline: Progress, But Not There Yet
No surprise, general-aviation operators in the United States closed in on full compliance ahead of the Jan. 1 deadline to equip with ADS-B. Compared to a year earlier, the data show significant progress in ADS-B equipage rates, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration and the air-traffic tracking service FlightAware.

As of New Year’s Day, FAA numbers indicate 118,162 of all aircraft are equipped with ADS-B Out, with 108,648 shown as “good installs,” meaning they function at the required level. FlightAware’s data for the end of November show that 88% of business- and general-aviation turbine-powered aircraft – 15,520 – were in compliance. That is up from 85% compliance reported in October and 64% reported one year earlier in November 2018. Clearly, operators showed significant progress in getting their aircraft up-to-date with the FAA mandate, which was set by a rule released in May 2010. Still, there’s a ways to go before the fleet achieves full compliance. More...
AEA Announces Winners of Monte Mitchell Scholarship
Three employees of AEA member companies were awarded the Monte Mitchell Scholarship by the AEA Educational Foundation. Each of the recipients will receive a free registration to the upcoming AEA Convention in Nashville, along with hotel and airfare accommodations. The scholarship honors Mitchell's service of more than 40 years to the general aviation industry. Mitchell first served as the AEA executive director and later as president of the association from 1977 to 1996.

Congratulations to Peter Brown of Green Mountain Avionics; Justin Stewart of Heinen Avionics; and Christin Botelho of Precision Avionics. More...
$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge
Congratulations to Gene Sinacori of Air Methods Corp., who won a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, for being the first person to submit the correct answer in this month's Mystery Make and Model challenge featured in the previous issue of AEA Wired. The unit is a Collins DCP-85G.

Avionics technicians can put their "inside" knowledge to work in the next issue of AEA Wired. Stay tuned for the next Mystery Make and Model challenge! 
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.
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
FreeFlight Systems has joined the ACR Group’s portfolio of aviation companies that includes ARTEX, Flight Data Systems, Latitude Technologies, and SKYTRAC Systems. 

Duncan Aviation announced that Aaron Hilkemann, president, will retire July 1 and move to chief executive officer and chairman of the board of advisors, a newly created part-time position. He will be succeeded by Jeff Lake, the current chief operating officer for Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebraska, facility. Duncan Aviation also announced that Honeywell has recently granted the company approval to facilitate repairs, overhauls, and exchanges on all Honeywell line replaceable components and parts on behalf of its customers. The company also appointed Frank Logsdon as the technical representative for Textron products.

Robotic Skies announced a partnership with Matternet, a pioneer in drone delivery for medical applications, to provide field service and repair support for operators who fly the Matternet M2 drone logistics system. The company also announced a strategic investment from CerraCap Ventures to support the company’s continued growth and technology development.

Hawker Pacific Avionics, a Jet Aviation Company, in Cairns, Australia, developed equipment through an agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada to help Jet Aviation's Hawker Pacific facility add service capabilities with FAA approval covering the installation of engine aural alerting equipment aboard Pratt & Whitney Canada-equipped aircraft.

uAvionix introduced a new ADS-B transponder to its general aviation and urban air mobility lineup. tailBeaconX, the new Mode S Extended Squitter ADS-B Out transponder is intended to address global air traffic surveillance system requirements for current and future ADS-B mandates. Integration with the uAvionix AV-20-E and AV-30-E electronic flight instrument systems introduces transponder control into the multifunction displays. Christian Ramsey, president of uAvionix, was appointed to the FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee. 

Avotek announced a new online course called Principles of Sound, which joins its list of converted programs previously offered only on DVD for classroom use that make them more accessible to professionals, professors and students.

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies received FAA approval for the amendment to FAA STC ST04334CH, which provides for the installation and activation of an ARINC 791 SATCOM Antenna System on the Airbus 319, 320, and 321 series aircraft. 

Air Plains Services will feature its newest avionics packages as well as its line of Cessna engine upgrade STCs at the AOPA Fly-In in San Marcos, Texas, May 29-30. 
Trig Avionics attended the National Warbird Operators Conference in partnership with its warbird sponsorship team, the Trojan Phlyers, in Mobile, Alabama.

Genesys Aerosystems received supplemental type certification for the VFR HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System on the Bell 505.

Spirit Aeronautics completed the first aftermarket installation of the Bongiovi Aviation Speaker-less Audio system in a business class aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 7X. The company also was awarded a firm fixed price contract supporting the United States Air Force.

Garmin received supplemental type certification for the GFC 500 autopilot in additional models of the Piper PA-28, PA-32 and select models of the Cessna 177. Garmin also announced the addition of new features within the Garmin Pilot app that incorporate professional IFR navigation tools found within Garmin avionics. Garmin also announced the GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi received FAA approval for select helicopter models. 

Elliott Aviation completed its industry-leading, 10th Garmin G5000 equipped Citation Excel/XLS aircraft. The aircraft work also included a Doc 6, engine hot sections, cabinets, Gogo Avance L3 along with Elliott Aviation’s Wi-Fi enablement STC. The company also established an agreement with Duncan Aviation, expanding its dealer network to 10. 

FlightSafety International announced that Brad Thress has joined the company as president and CEO. He assumes this responsibility from David Davenport.

West Star Aviation promoted Amber Kasting to human resource manager for the Midwest region.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. promoted its chief information officer, Sheryl Bunton, to senior vice president and is now a member of the company’s senior leadership team. Gulfstream also announced the all-new Gulfstream G700 made its first flight. Gulfstream also will expand its operations in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area with the construction of a service center at Fort Worth Alliance Airport.
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.