May 27, 2020

Keeping the general aviation industry connected

Worldwide Avionics Sales Exceed $660 Million in First Three Months of 2020 The Aircraft Electronics Association recently published its first-quarter 2020 Avionics Market Report. In the first three months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to $660,428,548.41, or more than $660 million as reported by the participating companies. The figure represented an 8.8% decrease in total sales compared to the first-quarter 2019 amount of $724,168,387.64, or more than $724 million. It also ended a streak of 12 consecutive quarters with a reported increase in year-over-year sales. However, this year's first-quarter sales showed a 3.2% increase compared to the same period two years ago in 2018, when sales were $639,796,979, or more than $639 million. More...

Survey: AEA Members Respond to COVID-19 Impact on Business Nearly 150 AEA member companies recently completed a survey to gauge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business. Repair stations in the United States accounted for nearly two-thirds of the respondents. Some of the key findings of the survey indicated that 48% of the businesses have operated with limitations since the start of the pandemic, but 76% forecast no operational limitations in the next three months. In addition, 79% of the companies have maintained a customer backlog of at least one month, while 14% currently have a backlog of more than three months. Nearly half (49%) of the companies have not made any changes to the size of their workforce during the pandemic, and 11% expect to increase staffing to meet returning customer demand. A little more than half (52%) reported a reduction in sales during the pandemic, but only 20% have been forced to reduce their spending. The companies that participated in the survey will receive the complete survey results from the AEA in the near future.

Next AEA Members-Only Webinar Set for June 2; Previous Webinars Now Available Online The AEA has scheduled a series of members-only webinars to cover a variety of regulatory topics. Members can find a link to register for this free webinar on the AEA website with their member login and password. Below is the schedule for the next few weeks, and more sessions will be added later in the spring. The Ins & Outs of Drug & Alcohol Program Management - Tuesday, June 2 (3 p.m. EDT) With more than 15 years of managing anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention programs, NATA Compliance Services has seen a thing or two! Join us as we review the impacts of marijuana legalization in our industry, common errors and oversights, training requirements and much more. ASTM's Compass - Tuesday, June 9 (3 p.m. EDT) The AEA has negotiated a contract to bring all of the ASTM aviation standards to the repair station members that need the standards for the continuing airworthiness of the general aviation fleet from light-sport aircraft to the new Part 23 as well as the foundational maintenance of electrical wire interconnect systems for the legacy GA fleet. This session will educate the membership on how to navigate, locate and use the ASTM electronic standards library called Compass. More...

Theory & Practice: Flip-flop Circuitry In the realm of politics, we tend not to like politicians who flip-flop. In electronics, flip-flops have many uses. Those studying for ASTM International’s Aircraft Electronics Technician certification exam should spend time memorizing the truth tables associated with flip-flop circuitry. Flip-flop circuits are constructed from logic gates. When engineers tie flip-flops together, they can be used as counters or registers. In other words, they can do math. In addition, like the bistable multivibrator discussed last month, they can be used as memory. The following includes descriptions of four types of flip-flop circuits: the R-S, D, T, and J-K types. Although flip-flops can be constructed from individual logic gates, engineers will design circuits using chips that contain two or more flip-flops within them.  More...

2019 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey The 42nd 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.

ADS-B Internationally: Deadlines and Requirements Vary by Country Outside the United States, the ADS-B rule’s applicability still varies, widely. Countries in line to switch to satellite-informed ADS-B air-traffic surveillance from ground-based radar acknowledged that their progress – or lack of it, actually – prompted some nations to delay their implementation of the changeover. Their reasons vary, but in general, the logic of these authorities stems from local issues – not with the accuracy, function or reliability of the ADS-B system. Consider these variations when advising aircraft owners on the form and function of international operators getting, planning or already using ADS-B. More...

Forging Ahead: Honeywell Introduces Forge Analytics Platform for Business Aviation Honeywell recently unveiled its all-new Forge analytics platform, which is the next generation of its popular GoDirect portfolio of solutions. According to the company, Forge will evolve to include a suite of “state-of-the-art enhanced offerings, partner integrations, and a better user experience.” Honeywell Forge provides business aviation customers with an easy-to-use, integrated dashboard that sends real-time alerts on connectivity issues and flight plan changes. With full visibility into their services, customers can use the platform to tap into data that helps flight departments troubleshoot and fix issues as soon as they arise. Based on these insights, Honeywell Forge can improve the passenger connectivity experience, help manage profitability, and give flight departments a better understanding of their fleet. More...

Registration Open for AEA Connect Conferences Join aviation's technology experts at one of the upcoming AEA Connect Conferences later this year. Online registration is available for both attendees and exhibitors. 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...

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

FAA UAS Symposium Virtual Event July 8-9 and Aug. 18-19, 2020 Due to ongoing concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and for the health and safety of the unmanned aviation community, the FAA and AUVSI made the decision to host the 5th annual FAA UAS Symposium virtually instead of in-person in Baltimore. The event was originally scheduled for June 16-18. Episode I will take place July 8-9 with a focus on UTM and international UAS integration. Episode II will take place August 18-19 with a focus on updates to the Integration Pilot Program and public safety operations. More...

AEA Canada Connect Conference Calgary, Alberta Sept. 10-11, 2020 Join shop owners, managers and lead technicians for the latest regulatory and technical training at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel. Advance registration is open through Sept. 2 for individuals to attend and for companies to exhibit. More...

AEA U.S. East Connect Conference Naples, Florida Sept. 23-24, 2020 Join shop owners, managers and lead technicians for the latest regulatory and technical training at the Naples Grande Hotel. Advance registration is open through Sept. 18 for individuals to attend and for companies to exhibit. More...

AUVSI XPONENTIAL Dallas, Texas Oct. 5-8, 2020 (rescheduled date and new location) 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...

NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition Orlando, Florida Oct. 6-8, 2020 Join over 23,000 industry professionals for the most important three days of business aviation. Ranked as one of the largest trade shows in the United States, NBAA-BACE will bring together current and prospective aircraft owners, manufacturers and customers into one place where they’ll get critical work accomplished, be inspired during engaging keynote sessions and advance their careers through dozens of education sessions. More...

AEA U.S. Central Connect Conference Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 19-20, 2020 Join shop owners, managers and lead technicians for the latest regulatory and technical training at the Hilton Kansas City Airport. Advance registration is open through Oct. 14 for individuals to attend and for companies to exhibit. More...

Mission Aviation Fellowship-U.S. Marks Major Milestone In March 2019, Cyclone Idai battered the port city of Beira, Mozambique, leading to hundreds of deaths and the destruction of homes and schools, businesses and infrastructure. Mission Aviation Fellowship-U.S. was there, surveying the damage and helping to deliver food and supplies and rescue those who were stranded by the storm. After the winds calmed, Rick Emenaker, an MAF pilot and disaster response team member, flew over the area in a Cessna Caravan, reporting back what he saw. Photos from his assessment flights alerted world relief agencies of the massive relief efforts that would be needed to save lives.  More...

AEA’s Resources and Information in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, civil aviation authorities, worldwide, have responded quickly to the needs of their industries. This will allow those able to continue some form of business to do so within the bounds of their specific requirements.  To help keep up with the volume of information that each authority has produced, as well as many other government business resources, the AEA has developed a website for member companies that includes national resources, links and information for North America, Western Europe, and the South Pacific regions. More...

$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge Congratulations to Eric Olson of Duncan Aviation, 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 KVN-395. 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!

Certified Repair Station Training July 13-17, 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 July 27-29, 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 July 30-31, 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 for Experimental Aircraft Aug. 5-7, 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.

Avionics Installation and Integration Training Aug. 12-14, 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.

Bench Basics and Flight Line Troubleshooting Aug. 17-19, 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 Aug. 20, 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 and IFR4000 Operations Aug. 21, 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 system, and to operate the IFR4000 for ILS, VOR, COMMs and ELT.

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

Appareo released an architectural upgrade to Appareo EnVision, the company’s analysis software system for Flight Data Monitoring or Flight Operations Quality Assurance programs. Appareo EnVision is a web-based application that allows fleet operators to access past and current flight data, generate detailed reports, and trend the safety improvements in their operations. Prior to this release, the software accepted flight data captured by Appareo’s Vision 1000 cockpit recorder. With this architectural rewrite, the Appareo EnVision web app can now accept flight data from other devices, including other Appareo flight data recorders and even third-party sources. Garmin announced FAA certification and availability of the Garmin Autoland system in the G3000 integrated flight deck in the Piper M600. In the event of an emergency, Autoland will control and land the aircraft without human intervention. Garmin Autoland system is also featured on the Cirrus Vision Jet and Daher TBM 940 and will soon be available on these aircraft, with additional aircraft approvals to follow. Garmin also received FAA supplemental type certification in several aircraft models for the GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots. Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics announced the promotion of Cindy Highbarger to senior vice president of finance and operations and the addition of Matthew Harrah as senior vice president of technology and products. The company also promoted David Copeland to vice president of sales; Chad Ohl to vice president of operations; and Brett Williams to vice president of engineering. It also was named the authorized service center for BendixKing’s AeroCruze autopilots, including the AeroCruze 100/230 and xCruze 100/110, formerly known as TruTrak Vizion and Gemini.  Universal Avionics announced the restructuring of its executive team with Gil Rivnai appointed as vice president of engineering and Marc Bouliane’s previous role as vice president of business development expanded to include marketing and services. WireMasters won a Bronze Tier Award for exceptional performance and contributions to supply chain success in 2019 for BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector. The company was selected from a pool of more than 2,200 suppliers that worked with the sector in 2019. West Star Aviation completed its first 12-, 24- and 48-month inspection on a G650 at its East Alton, Illinois, facility.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance and its partner, Fulcrum Labs, have been awarded the 2019 Excellence in Practice Award from the Association for Talent Development. Genesys Aerosystems and XP Services commenced certification flight testing, marking the final phase in the certification process of the Genesys avionics suite for the UH-60A and EH-60A Black Hawk. After many months of ground and flight testing, XP Services and Genesys Aerosystems are jointly testing the final version of the cockpit architecture to achieve the FAA STC this summer. Precision Support Services appointed Grayson Barrows, a 20-year aviation professional, as its new general manager of the FAA Part 145 repair station. Air Plains Services gained parts manufacturer approval from the FAA for an improved Cessna 172 airbox support bracket providing a tighter fit and longer service life than the original part. The bracket is approved for certain Cessna 172 L and M models as well as for all B through M models upgraded with the Air Plains 180hp Lycoming O-360 engine. Pro Star Aviation recently completed the first installation of the new Gogo AVANCE L5 into a Pilatus PC-24 aircraft. Aero Dynamix was selected by Helicopter Institute as the preferred NVIS provider for its training rotorcraft. Women in Aviation International CEO Allison McKay was appointed to the newly formed Women in Aviation Advisory Board. The 30 board members were appointed by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and will serve for approximately two years.

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

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