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April 12, 2017
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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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The Current
News from the general aviation industry
 EASA Reorganizes CS-23
The European Aviation Safety Agency published Decision 2017/013/R to improve the efficiency of the certification process by reorganizing CS-23 "Certification Specifications for Normal-Category Aeroplanes."
This reorganization of CS-23 introduces a new concept. The current EASA CS-23 is replaced by objective requirements that are design-independent. These objective requirements, due to their higher level of abstractness, also are suitable for aeroplanes within the scope of the current CS-VLA "Certification Specification for Very Light Aircraft." Therefore, CS-23 Amendment 5 also replaces CS-VLA.
This amendment will contain only CSs. The related acceptable means of compliance will capture the technical details and, when applicable, provide differentiated AMC for the variety of aeroplane designs within the scope of the new CS-23. This AMC will be annexed to a separate decision. The aim is to incorporate consensus standards into the AMC, which will allow for a faster adoption of new technologies and better up-to-date standards. This improved flexibility is intended to encourage the introduction of safety-enhancing features into new designs and reduce the certification costs for the aeroplanes at stake
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More...
FAA Inspection Items: What you Need to Know
Has it been a while since your last FAA inspection? Or are you new to the requirements and regulations you need to follow?
If so, you may be shocked by the FAA Inspection Items that your company is required to provide; and even if it's not "required by regulation," you will undoubtedly get through the inspection a lot easier with the extra documentation.
Over the last two years or so, the FAA-issued Inspection Items have evolved to be more in-depth and require more preparation than in years previous. So what should you expect for your next inspection? Documents
and more documents!
You may reach out to NATA Compliance Services for further questions or concerns on this topic.
More...
 AEA Convention Presentations Now Available to Members
Many of the regulatory and technical presentations made during the 60th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, March 13-16 in New Orleans, are available online. AEA members must use their member login to access this information
. More...
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 Regulatory Update
All the latest from the international aviation authorities
 Data Comm to New York
The Federal Aviation Administration recently announced that Data Comm, the NextGen technology that enhances safety and reduces delays by dramatically improving the way air traffic controllers and pilots talk to each other, is up and running at five airports in the New York metropolitan area: JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Teterboro and Westchester. These airports were among the first to receive the critical system upgrade. The new technology supplements radio voice communication, enabling controllers and pilots to transmit important information such as clearances, revised flight plans and advisories with the touch of a button. More...
2016 General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey Cleared for Takeoff
The 39th 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 AEA and industry events
EBACE: Geneva, Switzerland
May 22-24, 2017
The 2017 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition takes place at Geneva's 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. EBACE exhibits will showcase more than 500 exhibitors and 60 business aircraft on static display. More...
ASA Annual Conference: Reston, Virginia
July 9-11, 2017
The ASA Annual Conference is for the aviation distributor industry. Each year, ASA provides attendees with a variety of business development and management, quality assurance, legal/regulatory and general industry topics in one event.
More...
EAA AirVenture: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 24-30, 2017
For seven days from sunrise to well past sunset, Oshkosh is filled with dazzling displays of aerobatics, informative programs and hands-on workshops, diverse aircraft spanning all eras of flight, concerts and more.
More...
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 The Connection
Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry
 Cutter Aviation Nears 90 Years in Business
When the Aircraft Electronics Association was formed in 1957, Cutter Aviation had already been in business for nearly 30 years. By that time,
William P. Cutter's little flying service had grown substantially, training pilots and providing charter service to ranchers and business owners, selling fuel and helping to maintain the rising number of general aviation aircraft in the Southwest.
Cutter's long-lived company parallels aviation itself, starting just two years after the
passage of the Air Commerce Act of 1926. The Act aimed to tame aviation's messy,
unregulated environment by creating safety standards and supporting legitimate businesses. Cutter's company thrived during this golden age of aviation, sharing the era with daring barnstormers and record-setting flights, and watching as wood and fabric biplanes gave way to more modern metal aircraft.
More...
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 In the Classroom
Professional development opportunities
 Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft:
May 3-5, 2017
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 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. More...
Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation:
May 15-17, 2017
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. More...
ADS-B Broadcast Surveillance ... All the Ins and Outs:
May 18, 2017
This
course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel. It will describe and define ADS-B systems and the FAA's guidance and specifications on both ground stations and airborne equipment. More...
Digital Databus Theory and Analysis Training:
May 19, 2017
As today's modern airplanes become much 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. More...
Certified Repair Station Training:
July 10-14, 2017
A weeklong course divided into training modules designed for startup repair stations as well as mature operations looking to improve their understanding of the regulations, perform internal audits and edit the repair station manual. More...
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 The Static
News from AEA member companies
GARMIN
announced the approval of the G5 electronic flight instrument for installation as a replacement directional gyro or horizontal situation indicator in type-certificated fixed-wing general aviation aircraft. Garmin also announced a new addition to the G3X Touch glass flight display family, the 7-inch G3X Touch portrait display. It also introduced the GMA 345 and GMA 342 all-digital audio panels designed for fixed-wing aircraft, and the company added visual approach guidance to the GTN 650/750 touchscreen navigators. Garmin also received EASA approval of the GTX 345 and GTX 335 all-in-one ADS-B transponders in fixed-wing general aviation aircraft and helicopters. Garmin also announced several global enhancements and an expanded feature set for the Garmin Pilot application on Apple and Android mobile devices.
PS ENGINEERING added another dimension to cockpit audio with the PAC45 Audio Controller with Multi-Talker. Designed with a singular focus on special mission audio requirements, the PAC45 specifically addresses the needs of airborne law enforcement, medical transport, or fire suppression with features for the demanding environment. The company made the announcement at the AEA Convention in New Orleans. In addition, PS Engineering lowered prices on its Plug and Play audio panels, while standardizing some options, and is offering a free flight trial offer and an incentive to avionics shops to make the switch.
UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORP. named MIKE MARIE regional sales manager for the central United States. He is based in the Columbus, Ohio, area and joins Universal Avionics with more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry.
ASPEN AVIONICS
is offering its FAA-TSO- and STC-certified VFR primary flight display for $3,995 during April, a $1,000 discount off list pricing.
FDS AVIONICS introduced the Glass Cabin at the AEA Convention. Using a smartphone or tablet, passengers can explore the surrounding terrain by pointing their device in any direction. Panning the device left, right, up, or down changes their view. Glass Cabin is the newest feature of the do CAPSULE. It also unveiled two new moving maps for business and private aviation. Both maps, do 3D Moving Map and do 2D Moving Map, are stand-alone hardware solutions that use technology developed for the do CAPSULE. The company also introduced the Penta Converter, an advanced hardware video converter for the company's ultra-thin, high-resolution EDGE Series displays.
GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION announced that it
continues toward its scheduled launch of its 4G service in the first half of 2017 and Silverhawk Aviation will develop supplemental type certificates for the new system.
Silverhawk will develop STCs for Gogo's 4G system for Cessna Citation 560 series aircraft, and will participate as a partner for hardware sales and installations on other business aircraft. In addition, Gogo announced that Timec Aviation will develop an STC for Gogo's 4G system for Gulfstream G200 aircraft and will participate as a partner for hardware sales and installations on other business aircraft.
DUNCAN AVIATION's Lincoln, Nebraska, facility was approved by Aruba's Department of Civil Aviation as an approved aircraft maintenance organization. In addition, Duncan Aviation's three full-service MRO facilities each have at least one Bombardier Global aircraft currently undergoing a pre-purchase evaluation. Duncan Aviation's satellite avionics shop in Kansas City, Missouri, recently upgraded a G150 for ADS-B. As part of the upgrade, the shop sent the aircraft's TDR-94D transponders to the Lincoln, Nebraska, location, to be upgraded. The company also published a new edition of its Business Jet Model/Market Summary. DAN RYBA, a multimedia artist specializing in 3D illustrations, joined the in-house aircraft interior and paint design team at its Lincoln, Nebraska, facility.
TRUTRAK FLIGHT SYSTEMS is now offering PMA'd autopilot install kits for the Cessna 172 F through R models and the Cessna 177. The EAA was awarded the STC for the install kits March 28. TruTrak received its PMA April 3. TruTrak is continuing to work with the EAA on the remainder of the Vizion autopilot approval, which is expected later this summer.
BLUE AVIONICS' BA-440 Router/Filter is FAA and EASA certified to provide Terrain Awareness Warning System Mode 5 alerting during LPV approach and RNP approach using the existing EGPWS. The system is designed to meet the LPV TAWS Mode 5 alerting FAA and EASA LPV approach mandate.
CLAY LACY AVIATION added ADS-B Out to its FANS 1/A+ STC for Gulfstream GIV, GIV-SP and GV business jets.
GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP.'s G500 test aircraft, including a fully outfitted production aircraft, have surpassed 2,600 flying hours and accumulated more than 600 flights, making progress toward the aircraft's anticipated 2017 FAA certification.
STANDARDAERO entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PAS Technologies, a high-technology components provider, to expand its portfolio of MRO service offerings. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
SMARTSKY NETWORKS announced the closing of more than $170 million in a multitranche Series B financing, completing the equity funding for the deployment of its nationwide network.
AVIDYNE announced that installation and delivery of the first IFD550 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM with Attitude Reference Sensor was completed by Murfreesboro Aviation in a Mitsubishi MU-2. Avidyne also
announced that Staffordshire, United Kingdom-based Tatenhill Aviation selected Avidyne IFD540 and IFD440 avionics systems for its fleet of aircraft. The company also received EASA certification of the Release 10.2 software for the IFD540 and IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM systems.
ACSS, a joint venture managed by L3 Aviation Products, along with the FAA and Northrop Grumman, announced a series of successful flight tests of the sense-and-avoid avionics system for unmanned aerial systems.
The flight tests led by Northrop Grumman were conducted at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. Participating were FAA staff from federally funded research and development centers, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, which developed the algorithms and software for ACAS Xu.
WESTERN AIRCRAFT of Boise, Idaho, will celebrate its 60-year anniversary later this year.
JEPPESEN agreed to a new four-year year service agreement with Avianca. Jeppesen will provide Crew Pairing and Crew Rostering services to optimize crew planning operations for the airline's 5,000-plus crew members based in Colombia, El Salvador, Peru, Costa Rica, Honduras, Ecuador and Guatemala. In addition, Jeppesen teamed with Bytron to now offer Jeppesen flight planning data through the Bytron skybook software system, which provides a complete crew briefing and flight monitoring solution to maximize operational efficiency for airlines, business aviation and military aviation operators. Jeppesen also teamed with Wingly to encourage the connection of private pilots and passengers interested in sharing the costs and benefits of general aviation flight, and Jeppesen will offer discounted VFR coverage for pilots sharing flights through Wingly. Jeppesen also signed a multiyear agreement with AirAsia to provide digital charting and EFB services for all AirAsia Group affiliates.
GARMIN and JEPPESEN announced new wireless data transfer capabilities for Jeppesen terminal charts that are accessed through select Garmin avionics and the iOS-based Garmin Pilot app.
CONSTANT AVIATION announced the completion of its acquisition of StarPort, a full-service MRO and FBO based in Sanford, Florida.
SOUTHEAST AEROSPACE announced a partnership with Wisetouch Interiors to provide aircraft interior design, refurbishment, and manufacturing for its customer base. Coupled with Southeast Aerospace's DER interior design capabilities, the partnership offers a complimentary package for aircraft modifications inside and out.
DAC INTERNATIONAL received Transport Canada Part 25 AML STC for the Esterline CMA-6800 Display for the Hawker 800/800XP, Bombardier's Challenger 601-3A/3R, Bombardier's CL-215-6B11, Dash 8-100/200/300, Cessna Citation 650, Dassault Falcon 900, and the Gulfstream III.
AVMAX purchased two Embraer Legacy 600 model aircraft with msn's 14500988 and 14501010. Both aircraft were acquired from Unicredit Global Leasing Export GmbH, Austria, and are currently on lease with Air X Charter Ltd., Malta. Avmax also purchased two CRJ-200LR aircraft msn 7774 and 7796 from SAF CRJ-200LR Holdings LLC. Both aircraft were formerly operated by SkyWest Airlines, Utah.
FLYING COLOURS CORP. named DAVE STEWART vice president and general manager of its St Louis, Missouri, facility.
FIELD AVIATION was awarded a contract by CAE to upgrade the fleet of 22 CT-156 Harvard trainer aircraft, which are used for the NATO Flying Training in Canada program.
HONEYWELL released its latest global satellite communications system, the Aspire 300, delivering International Civil Aviation Association-approved cockpit voice and safety services that improve the overall safety of airline operations.
ELLIOTT AVIATION named MIKE MENARD vice president of operations at its headquarters in Moline, Illinois. The company also announced its FAA STC approval for the activation and use of GoGo ATG and 4G Wi-Fi products in Phenom 100, Lear 40/40XR45/45XR/70/75, Premier I/IA and the Socata TBM Series.
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY's Daytona Beach, Florida, campus will launch an undergraduate aerospace physiology program, in collaboration with Florida Hospital, for students who want to advance medical research and promote the health and well-being of pilots, astronauts, flight crew members and air or space travelers. The program is believed to be the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation.
CMD FLIGHT SOLUTIONS announced it has now sold 250 ADS-B Out solutions and received its seventh international order.
SATCOM DIRECT is celebrating its 20th year in business this year, beginning at the ABACE in Shanghai, China. The company also launched aeroCNCT, the industry's first Crewmember Network and Connectivity Training certificate program. The aeroCNCT, or "aero connect," course has been created to support industry professionals who work with, or are responsible for, connectivity during flight.
COMLUX COMPLETION signed two new projects, one Global 6000 and one BBJ, with repeat customers based in Asia. Both projects are for major refurbishments and will be performed in the Indianapolis facility. The company also delivered the first custom VIP Cabin EASA-certified SBJ from its Indianapolis facility.
JETSUPPORT B.V. opened a remote station at Lelystad Airport. The hangar facility with associated workshops and lounge will support the activities of JetSupport at this regional airport.
UNITED ROTORCRAFT and Bell Helicopter announced the delivery of a Bell 429 to Reignwood Investment Ltd. The aircraft will serve as the first Bell helicopter for Emergency Medical Service missions in China.
KUERZI AVIONICS AG and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions signed a cooperation agreement for avionics expertise and consulting in the field of avionics. As the preferred cooperation partner of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, Kuerzi Avionics AG specialists will act as loss adjuster, claims examiners for insurance cases such as avionics losses and electronic component damage. The consulting also includes second opinion regarding avionics repair and sale of avionics salvage.
ROCKWELL COLLINS signed a reseller agreement with Beijing Marine Communication and Navigation Company, Limited (MCN) to provide broadband satellite connectivity services to its ARINCDirect customers in mainland China.
HERITAGE AVIATION announced the development of Heritage Aware, a remote aircraft maintenance monitoring portal that allows customers real-time access to updates and work-in-progress reporting.
CUTTER AVIATION named NEIL SIMON avionics manager to its Phoenix Sky Harbor facility.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT received an FAA STC for its NextGen Flight Deck for retrofit in the Pilatus PC-12. The NextGen Flight Deck includes an integrated flight management system, electronic flight bag, integrated standby unit, synthetic vision and enhanced vision (FLIR).
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 GA Caucus
Industry advocates on Capitol Hill
In 2009, General Aviation Caucuses were formed in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate to inform congressional members and staff about the importance of general aviation to the nation's economy and transportation system. Today, the House GA Caucus has grown to become one of the largest caucuses in the House of Representatives. A listing of current House and Senate GA Caucus members is available on the AEA website. More...
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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.
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:
Lauren McFarland, director of advertising
Phone: 816-347-8400
Email: laurenm@aea.net
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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