Oct. 9, 2019

Keeping the general aviation industry connected

AEA Scholarship Applications Now Online 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...

Early-bird Registration Now Open for AEA Convention Registration has opened 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. It is the place to be for the introduction of new avionics products and services coming to market in 2020. The event takes place March 24-27, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. Attendees must register by Dec. 31, 2019, to receive the early-bird discount price of $675 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $180 per person savings off the on-site registration fee. 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 manufacturing and distributors. More...

AET Certification and Endorsement Exams Available for FREE at AEA Connect Conference in Daytona Beach All attendees at the upcoming AEA Connect Conference in Daytona Beach (Nov. 4-5) will have the opportunity to take the Aircraft Electronics Technician certification and endorsement exams free of charge, a $175 value, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation. Advance your career and industry knowledge by earning a certification provided by ASTM's National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT). These certifications demonstrate the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician and promote integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce. The FAA formally recognizes the AET certification as equivalent to formal training when showing eligibility for the issuance of a repairman certificate.  More...

AEA to Distribute ASTM Standard F3361 to Attendees at Connect Conference in Daytona Beach Upon publication of ASTM standard F3361, Classifying Alterations for In-Service Aircraft Under FAA Authority Oversight, the AEA recently petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration to recognize it as an acceptable means of compliance for the evaluation of alterations while making a determination of major or minor. As an FAA-recognized acceptable means of compliance, this document is essentially the same as if it was published as an advisory circular. The AEA will be conducting training on this new ASTM standard at each of the AEA Connect Conferences in the United States. In addition, AEA repair station members attending the AEA Connect Conferences will receive a copy of this ASTM standard. The next Connect Conference takes place Nov. 4-5 in Daytona Beach, Florida. More...

AEA South Pacific Connect Conference set for Nov. 18-19 in Adelaide, Australia The AEA plays host to its sixth and final Connect Conference of the year, Nov. 18-19, in Adelaide, Australia. Aviation’s technology experts will gather for the AEA South Pacific Connect Conference at the Hilton Adelaide Hotel. Join us for the premier avionics event that connects shop owners, managers and lead technicians in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific region. Registration is now open to avionics professionals who want to attend and for companies to exhibit. More...

Transport Canada Civil Aviation Current Activities  During the past several months, there has not been visible regulatory activity coming from the TCCA. This does not mean there is no action at all. Last month, an update was provided on the regulatory modernization process and what to expect from that. The TCCA is also working on various other activities either directly related to this modernization process or other items that need attention.  More...

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program Question: Do noncertificated helpers who perform some maintenance duties as part of a process under direct supervision need to be covered under a drug and alcohol testing program even though they will not sign off the work? Answer: Yes. According to the FAA: “All employees who conduct maintenance or preventive maintenance are required to be covered by an FAA drug and alcohol testing program regardless of whether they sign off the work or not.” Applicable regulations include both 14 CFR Part 43 and 14 CFR § 120.105. 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

NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition Las Vegas, Nevada Oct. 22-24, 2019 NBAA-BACE will bring together more than 23,000 attendees for the largest business aviation event in the world. If you are an aircraft owner or considering using an aircraft for business; flight department personnel; a manufacturer or service provider; or a student considering this career path, experience three exciting days in Las Vegas. More...

AEA U.S. East Connect Conference Daytona Beach, Florida Nov. 4-5, 2019 Online registration is available through Oct. 29. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront. More...

AEA South Pacific Connect Conference Adelaide, Australia Nov. 18-19, 2019 Online registration is available through Nov. 8. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Adelaide Hotel by Oct. 17. More...

AEA Europe Connect Conference Cologne, Germany Jan. 23-24, 2020 Online registration is available through Jan. 17. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hyatt Regency Cologne. 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. Early-bird registration will save attendees $180 per person off the on-site fee and is available through Dec. 31. More...

Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) Shanghai, China April 21-23, 2020 ABACE brings together thousands of business aviation leaders, entrepreneurs and other purchase decision-makers. In partnership with the Shanghai Airport Authority and co-hosted by the National Business Aviation Association and the Asian Business Aviation Association, ABACE takes place at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre. More...

BendixKing Takes Aim at GA Avionics Market When Bendix Avionics acquired King Radio back in the mid-1980s, the new company, BendixKing, was proclaimed as the next ruler of the vast general aviation avionics realm. During its reign, hardly a piston, turboprop or light jet was built in Wichita, Independence, Kerrville or Vero Beach without a Bendix radar or piece of Silver or Gold Crown avionics in its panel. And the villagers throughout Olathe, Kansas, rejoiced.  For the past several years, BendixKing, now as part of Honeywell, has made its way as a niche avionics manufacturer concentrating on its unparalleled expertise with airborne weather radar and supplying repairs and replacements for the thousands of King radios flying around the world. More...

uAvionix Innovates Across Markets While most companies have been focused on developing ADS-B solutions for certificated aircraft to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s upcoming mandate, uAvionix has been shrinking the technology’s footprint for unmanned aircraft systems. At about one-tenth the size and weight and requiring significantly less power than typical ADS-B solutions for manned aircraft, the company’s small ADS-B systems include an integrated barometer to sense pressure altitude and are configurable as UAT solutions or Mode A, C or S transponders.  To pack so much in such a small space, uAvionix engineers started with a custom-created digital radio chip to power the ADS-B devices. 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 2019 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!

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (This course is sold-out!) Oct. 28-30, 2019 Lee's Summit, Missouri 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 popular 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.

Certified Repair Station Training Dec. 9-13, 2019 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 program will review the regulations applicable to a U.S.-certificated repair station engaged in maintenance, preventive maintenance and alterations of U.S.-registered aircraft, components or accessories. It 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 and Avionics Installation Dec. 9-11, 2019 Grand Rapids, Michigan This course is designed for certificated repairmen, new avionics technicians and aviation maintenance technicians interested in improving or acquiring the skills necessary to perform avionics installations. It takes place at the Kent Career Tech Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and 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 and Transponder Theory, Testing and Troubleshooting Dec. 12-13, 2019 Grand Rapids, Michigan 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 takes place at the Kent Career Tech Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and 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 FAR 91.411 and 91.413 checks. Equipment from DFW Instruments and Laversab will be used in the course.

Avionics Installation and Integration Training Jan. 27-29, 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 touchscreen nav/comm/GPS, Garmin GTX 345 transponder and an Aspen EFD1000 primary flight display.

Pitot-Static and Transponder Testing and Inspection with ADS-B Implementation Jan. 30, 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 to meet the mandate.

RVSM Maintenance and IFR6000 Operations Jan. 31, 2020 Lee's Summit, Missouri Attendees will be introduced to the regulations, documentation, test equipment and maintenance practices associated with performing RVSM maintenance for aircraft. This course assumes the attendee has good operating knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations 91.411, 91.413 and 91.227 paragraph (d). This course also 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.

News from AEA Member Companies

True Blue Power announced the company’s newest ultra-fast charger, the TA360 Series USB-PD Charging Port. Designed to power new and future electronic devices, the high-speed charging ports use USB Power Delivery technology to provide 60 watts of power per port. West Star Aviation named Robbie Johnson as the new regional sales manager in the Mid-Atlantic territory. West Star also named Mike Ditmeyer as the new Gulfstream operations manager at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, facility. The company also was recognized for economic enhancements by RiverBend Growth Association in southern Illinois, one of only six honorees with this achievement. Banyan Air Service was recently honored by the City of Fort Lauderdale with a proclamation recognizing Banyan’s 40th anniversary at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.  uAvionix received approval from the FAA Spectrum Office to develop and test an “ADS-B like” solution for Unmanned Aircraft Systems remote identification and detect and avoid capability that leverages L-Band distance measuring equipment protected spectrum. uAvionix also acquired AeroVonics LLC, a startup avionics company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Elliott Aviation announced its mobile response team for Phenom 100 and 300 operators, which is available for AOG situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

StandardAero Component Services recently shipped its first GE90-115 engine fan case module unit for one of its airline customers. StandardAero and Thales recently signed a long-term partnership agreement for the certification and distribution of the Thales TopMax wearable Head-Up Display for use in business aviation aircraft. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the appointment of Peter Vasconcelos to regional senior vice president of sales for the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada. Gulfstream also announced the Philippine Air Force has established a contract through the United States government to purchase a Gulfstream G280 as well as parts, tooling and contractor logistics support. Avotek brought back the out-of-print textbook, Helicopter Maintenance, which has been used by many professionals and schools throughout the years and is regarded as the go-to resource in the helicopter maintenance training field. Carlisle Interconnect Technologies announced the award of a new FAA STC for installation of satellite communications provisions on Boeing B777-300 and B777-300ER series aircraft.

Duncan Aviation named Sandra Phelps as its international parts and rotables sales representative dedicated to the European Union member states, and Stefanie Sedam joined Duncan Aviation's Bombardier airframe service sales team. Astronics Corp. acquired the primary operating subsidiaries from mass transit and defense market test solution provider, Diagnosys Test Systems Ltd. (Diagnosys).  The Federal Aviation Administration completed its final implementation milestone with ADS-B, the state-of-the-art surveillance system that enables air traffic controllers to track aircraft with greater accuracy and reliability. The last two of the 155 airports to receive ADS-B, Akron-Canton Airport and Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport, both in Ohio, became operational last month.

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 advertising executive Phone: 816-366-5109 Email:  rachelh@aea.net Subscribe to "AEA Wired"   The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.

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