AEA Wired by Aircraft Electronics Association
June 14, 2017
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
The Current 
News from the general aviation industry
 

AEA President, Chairman Discuss ATC Privatization with Missouri Senators
Paula Derks, Aircraft Electronics Association president, and David Loso, AEA chairman of the board, along with Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry relations, recently visited the Washington, D.C., offices of Missouri Senators Roy Blunt (R) and Claire McCaskill (D) to discuss the AEA's opposition of a proposed plan to privatize air traffic control in the U.S

At the conclusion of the meetings on Capitol Hill, Derks invited both senators to further discuss this issue, along with other general aviation related issues, at the AEA's international headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri.


AEA Reiterates Concerns Over ATC Privatization Proposal
Immediately following the June 5 announcement by President Donald J. Trump that he supports a proposed plan to privatize U.S. air traffic control, the AEA and a host of general aviation associations joined together to send a letter of response to the president. 

The 16 general aviation organizations reiterated "real and long-standing concerns, which include but are not limited to user fees." In part, the general aviation industry is concerned with the president's proposal that is backed by the commercial airlines, which would turn over congressional oversight of the nation's aviation system to an entity governed by a private board of directors. 

"With the airlines in charge of air traffic control, it's increasingly possible that airport access to general aviation aircraft could become restricted, and that a private organization could be empowered with taxing authority," AEA President Paula Derks said. "The volume of air traffic in the United States, including general aviation traffic, far exceeds that of any other nation. Modernizing the nation's aviation system should be the focus and is much more important than privatizing the system, which is the safest in the world."  More...


Delta Air Lines Publishes White Paper Outlining the Costs of ATC Privatization
In addition to united opposition from the general aviation industry to any ATC privatization proposal, not all commercial airlines are supporting the idea either. For example, Delta Air Lines recently published a white paper outlining the costs of ATC privatization

According to the Delta white paper, "Lawmakers and consumers should understand that a move to privatize ATC would likely formalize silos between divisions within the FAA, add unforeseen transition costs and increase operational costs within the industry. It could also result in additional taxes on airline fuel and other air travel necessities, as has been seen in some other countries. 

"Effects of privatizing ATC could also place a greater financial strain on smaller airports that serve rural communities and other populations located outside major urban centers. If those smaller airports were forced to limit flights or close due to high costs, many would be forced to drive much further to large urban airports in order to access the same service they are currently accustomed to receiving around their communities."  More...  


AEA Recognizes Members for Training Commitment
The Aircraft Electronics Association announced the recipients of the annual Avionics Training Excellence Award, which recognizes AEA member companies for their total commitment to training as evidenced by participation in AEA-approved training. More than fifty member companies received the 2016 AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award. 

"The AEA develops high-quality, cost-effective regulatory and technical training for technicians to meet their employer's training program requirements and their own professional development goals," said Mike Adamson, AEA vice president of member programs and education. "Interest in AEA training expands beyond our membership and our borders as our reputation for excellence becomes more widely known."  

For a member company to be eligible for the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award, all of its technicians must have completed at least one AEA-approved training event in the previous year, which includes the courses conducted at AEA headquarters; the AEA International Convention & Trade Show; AEA Connect Conferences; the Avionics News Technical Training Exam; AEA computer-based training; original equipment manufacturer training from AEA associate member companies; and AEA partner training.   More...

Regulatory Update
All the latest from the international aviation authorities


ATC Transponder Tests and Inspections
The Federal Aviation Administration has asked the Aircraft Electronics Association for data on the test and inspection results specific to 14 CFR 91.413 ATC transponder tests and inspections. In early July, the AEA will distribute a survey to capture the information requested. The association would like to know what discrepancies are found during the § 91.413 test and inspections.  As AEA member companies capture the data, please list the transponder brand, make and model, the technical standard order, and the discrepancy so the information can be submitted to the AEA in early July .   More...  


Frequently Asked Questions in the U.S.
What is reciprocal acceptance? Learn the answer in this month's Avionics News More...


Inhofe, Duckworth Introduce FLIGHT Act
On June 8, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee and certified pilot with over 11,000 flight hours, and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced S. 1320, the Forward-Looking Investment in General Aviation, Hangars, and Tarmacs (FLIGHT) Act of 2017. The FLIGHT Act will give general aviation airports more flexibility to facilitate infrastructure investment by using existing sources of funding. 
 
"Our general aviation airports are vital to aviation safety and positively impact the efficiency of large commercial airports, emergency medical operations, law enforcement activities and agriculture and small businesses activities throughout the United States," Inhofe said. "These airports also manage military-related air operations, which directly supports the readiness of our armed services. To enjoy these benefits, it is vital that our GA airports are equipped to handle their day-to-day demands. 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.

On the Radar
Upcoming AEA and industry events


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...


Register Now Button AEA U.S. West Connect Conference: 
Reno, Nevada
Sept. 6-7, 2017
The Grand Sierra Resort plays host to this two-day event. Attendees must register in advance by Aug. 30, and hotel reservations should be made prior to Aug. 7. The AEA Connect Conferences offer a forum to see, hear and learn about all the new technology on the market, network with industry peers and discover best practices for the aviation repair station industry. More...


Register Now Button AEA U.S. East Connect Conference:
Jacksonville, Florida
Sept. 18-19, 2017
Attendees must register in advance by Sept. 11, and hotel reservations should be made at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverside no later than Aug. 26. More...

Garmin Ad for Wired The Connection
Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry


Mobile Avionics Technologies Sees Ancillary Sales, Installations
In recent years, Mobile Avionics Technologies has grown substantially, increasing sales some 300 percent. The Federal Aviation Administration's ADS-B mandate is the reason why, according to Matt Saban, avionics technician and owner of the suburban Chicago repair station. 

"Most of our growth can be attributed to the implementation of ADS-B and its approaching 2020 deadline," Saban said. "People are beginning to realize this deadline is right around the corner. With the looming deadline, pilots are using this as an opportunity to do full-panel retrofits to their aircraft. Many are choosing to go full-glass at the same time they have their planes readied for full ADS-B compliance, and it's helping increase our sales significantly." 

Located at Lake in the Hills Airport, between Chicago and Rockford, Illinois, Mobile Avionics Technologies began as Mobile Air Radio in the 1970s. Mike Voltl, who still serves as an inspector, owned the company from 1994 to 2014 under the name Mobile Avionics. He focused on pitot-static and transponder inspections performed on location, bringing his services directly to the customer. It earned Voltl t he nickname Mob ile Mike . More...  

In the Classroom 
Professional development opportunities


Register Now Button 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... 


Register Now Button Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation:
Aug. 7-9, 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...


Register Now Button ADS-B Broadcast Surveillance: All the Ins and Outs
Aug. 10, 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...


Register Now Button IFR 6000 Operations Training:
Aug. 11, 2017
This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate the IFR 6000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, and DME systems. More...


Register Now Button Avionics Installation and Integration Training:
Aug. 21-23, 2017
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA's Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation Course and/or have a couple of 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 33 ES remote transponder and an Aspen EFD1000 primary flight display. More... 


Register Now Button Pitot-static and Transponder Certification Training with ADS-B Implementation Session:
Aug. 24, 2017
Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder certification testing. 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. More...
 

Register Now Button RVSM Maintenance and Advanced Transponder Training:
Aug. 25, 2017
Attendees will be introduced to the regulations, documentation, test equipment and maintenance practices associated with performing RVSM maintenance and will follow with an in-depth look at Mode S transponders. This course assumes the attendee has good operating knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations 91.411 and 91.413. More... 

Avionics Careers
Job postings, career resources and scholarships


Looking for a Job in the Avionics Industry? 
For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the career listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. Avionics technicians are specialists who install, maintain and repair an aircraft's electronic instruments, such as radio communication devices, radar systems and navigation aids. With the advancement of digital technology, technicians are required to maintain and configure complex computer systems. The AEA careers page 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 career 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? Looking for a new avionics technician or A&P mechanic? Want to buy or sell a business in the general aviation industry? Post these professional opportunities to a target-rich environment: the AEA's career listings website.  For $200 a month, you can place a listing online AND receive a print advertisement in Avionics News for FREE! For more information, contact Lauren McFarland, AEA director of advertising, at laurenm@aea.net
 
The Static
News from AEA member companies


GARMIN  introduce d the versatile VIRB 360, a compact and fully spherical 360-degree camera. The waterproof VIRB 360 camera captures video up to 5.7K/30fps with four built-in microphones. Garmin also 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. 

CUTTER AVIATION named BOB BOUDREAU regional sales manager based at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and promoted MATT SORACE to flight department manager. 

AZIMUTH AEROSPACE unveiled the newly designed KV920 Aircraft Lighting Systems Lab trainer at the AEA headquarters in May. The KV920 is a versatile trainer that can be used in a wide range of subjects from introducing basic electrical circuits through advance troubleshooting, including using a multimeter to test voltage, resistance and current. The KV920 uses bright LEDs to depict the exterior lighting circuits of an aircraft, allowing students to learn how to wire, test and troubleshoot common series and parallel electrical circuits. 

GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION and ROCKWELL COLLINS announced that  Gogo's customers in the business aviation market can now get Airshow moving maps. Gogo's business aviation customer base can use the application without the need for additional hardware. 

PEREGRINE and the FAA's Denver Aircraft Certification Office signed a Partnership for Safety Plan that defines how they will continue to work together to employ timely and efficient type design approvals. 

COBHAM AVCOMM is offering factory-based training on its avionics and communication test equipment on July 17. For more information, including course outlines and pricing, visit the company's website. 

FIELD AVIATION celebrated its 70th anniversary at Canada's Global Defence and Security Trade Show in Ottawa, Canada. 

AVMAX purchased  three Bombardier CRJ-900LRs, one Classic and two NGs msn 15158, 15182 and 15271 from Suncor Energy Oil Sands Ltd. Partnership, Alberta. It also purchased one Boeing B737-3YO QC cargo aircraft msn 24255 from European Aviation Ltd., United Kingdom. Avmax leased one CRJ-200LR msn 7391 to Air Pohang Co., Ltd., South Korea, a new airline in the region, and recently purchased one Dash 8-103 msn 501 from Ryukyu Air Commuter Co., Ltd., Japan. Avmax also recently leased one Dash 8-103 msn 540 to Fly Viking AS, Norway. 

JETSUPPORT B.V. and Academy 147 will collaborate to offer technical training courses on Dassault Falcon aircraft, which will allow for Academy 147 to offer integrated EASA Part-147 theoretical and practical training courses under one roof. 

ESTERLINE Avionics Systems showcased its advanced displays and CMC Electronics brand integrated helicopter solutions at this year's CANSEC. 

STANDARDAERO Turboprops & Fleets business unit was selected to provide PW125B engine maintenance and field services support for Antwerp, Belgium-based VLM Airlines' fleet of six Fokker 50 model aircraft. StandardAero also achieved another STC for the first Honeywell JetWave Ka band global high-speed broadband connectivity solution available for Gulfstream G-IV business aviation aircraft operators. In November of last year, StandardAero received a similar STC for a JetWave system for Falcon 900/B/C/EX series aircraft. 

HONEYWELL  signed an agreement with VietJet Air for 98 auxiliary power units for the airliner's new fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. This new agreement runs through 2022 and includes maintenance servicing for 12 years. The total value of the contract is more than $100 million. 

CONSTANT AVIATION named MARK CAMPBELL as the second sales manager in the southeast territory of its regional sales force. 

DUNCAN AVIATION announced that SCOTT McKENZIE will take over the administration of all OEM aftermarket warranty programs. In addition, Duncan Aviation researchers discovered that as of March 31, 2017, roughly 73 percent of the business jets registered in the U.S. have not yet complied with the ADS-B mandate. That means that a little more than 10,000 business jets do not yet have ADS-B Out capability. 

METRO AVIATION's Helicopter Flight Training Center expanded its international reach to New Zealand. The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand recognized and approved the new EC145 Level D simulator training provided to HeliOtago, the country's largest helicopter operator based at Taieri Airfield in Mosgiel, Otago.  Authorities from the FAA, Argentina and Canada have also certified the simulator. 

HONDA AIRCRAFT CO. announced that the HondaJet received its type certificate from Transport Canada June 1. 

JEPPESEN and Tapestry Solutions signed an agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force to integrate Mission Management Suite (formerly Jeppesen Operations Solution) to operate missions more efficiently. 

TEXTRON AVIATION announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration have certified the Cessna Turbo Skyhawk JT-A with next-generation Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. 

ACR ELECTRONICS launched the ARTEX TPS 8715, a specially designed test and programmer set for the general aviation market. The ARTEX TPS 8715 will program, test and decode ARTEX 406 MHz ELT models: the ME406, ELT 1000 and ELT 345. 

VECTOR AEROSPACE  recently commenced a contract with the Pakistan Navy for the return to service of three Leonardo Helicopters (ex-Westland) Sea Kings at its Fleetlands facility in Gosport, Hampshire, U.K. Vector Aerospace also announced that its Component Services team, based in Almondbank, Perth, has been officially accepted onto the U.K.'s Sharing in Growth programme. 

MID-CANADA MOD CENTER announced that the Satcom Direct Mobile Training and Hospitality Lab will be on-site at the MC2 Mississauga facility, June 21, 2017. Open times to visit are 0900 hours through 1500 hours. 

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT received FAA supplemental type certification for its non-FADEC Turboprop Autothrottle (patent pending) for retrofit in the PC-12. 

SATCOM DIRECT signed an exclusive agreement with TAG Aviation Ltd. to incorporate new connectivity services and technology across its U.K. fleet. 

ASTRONICS CORP. received installation approval by the EASA, Transport Canada, and Direccíon General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC Mexico) for its webFB Wireless EFB device for use on Boeing 737 aircraft. The FAA granted the initial STC for the webFB in 2016. 

GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP. named STEVEN PLUMRIDGE general manager of its service center at London Luton Airport in Luton, England.
 
Sponsored by AVWeb 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... 

Aircraft Electronics Association 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:
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.