Avidyne recently announced its Quantum Open Avionics Platform, which it said is an innovative new concept in avionics. According to the company, Quantum enables aircraft designers and system integrators to accelerate the development of advanced avionics systems that meet the unique requirements of their aircraft and missions. The Quantum platform includes a full suite of customizable avionics hardware, software, AI processors, licensable IP, a development environment, and engineering services. Quantum positions Avidyne as the partner of choice for aircraft developers and systems integrators developing the next generation of alternative energy, distributed propulsion, and highly automated aircraft.

“Developing these innovative new technologies and their associated certification basis requires avionics solutions that enable customization, rapid prototyping, and iterative experimental flight testing, and Quantum leverages Avidyne’s broad portfolio of products and IP coupled with our nearly 30 years of engineering and certification experience to bring to market a certifiable avionics platform explicitly designed to address these requirements,” said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn. “The Quantum solution is the direct result of our experience with multiple SVO, remote operation, autonomy, and eVTOL developers, as well as our own experience integrating new systems into existing platforms.” More...

To help owners of general aviation aircraft modernize their flight decks, the Aircraft Electronics Association will randomly award five aircraft owners with $1,000 toward an avionics upgrade during the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh, July 24-30, in Wisconsin. Aircraft owners may enter to win one of the five $1,000 awards in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport, booth No. 2035/2036, beginning July 24. The AEA will announce one winner each day from July 24 through July 28 via its social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Aircraft owners must be at least 18 years old to register to win. Each of the five winners must use an AEA member company to complete the installation. Each entry gives aircraft owners a chance to win one of the five daily drawings. For official rules and contest entry forms, visit the AEA’s booth at AirVenture.

On June 14, the AEA submitted comments to the Federal Aviation Administration on Draft Order 8000.95B Change 1, Designee Management Policy. To review the draft policy, click here.

To review the AEA's comments to the draft policy, click here.

Here are the results of the poll question from the June 7 edition of AEA Wired:

53.8% – No

46.2% – Yes

On June 7, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it has taken another key step toward safely enabling advanced air mobility by proposing a comprehensive rule for training and certifying pilots. According to the FAA, new rules are necessary because many of the proposed aircraft take off and land like a helicopter but fly en route like an airplane. The powered-lift proposed rule is designed to provide certainty to pilots and the industry on what the requirements and expectations will be to operate these aircraft once it is finalized.

The proposal would conform to International Civil Aviation Organization requirements, enabling U.S. pilots to operate in other countries. Individuals can comment on the proposed rule for 60 days after it publishes in the Federal Register. The proposed rule closely follows another integration milestone. Last month, the FAA released an updated blueprint for airspace and procedure changes to accommodate future air taxis. More...

In this month’s Theory & Practice column in Avionics News, author Tom Inman covers the localizer and marker beacon systems; both are components of an instrument landing system, which is precise enough to not only guide an aircraft to the airport but can allow certain aircraft to land themselves. The marker beacon system is the simplest of all aviation navigation systems. At a location the FAA would like to mark, a transmitter will be placed with an antenna pointed straight up. As the aircraft flies over the location, a light on the instrument panel will illuminate, and a tone will be generated for the pilot to hear. Like a treasure map, “X” marks the spot.

The ground portion of all marker beacons transmit on 75 megahertz. The signal will be amplitude modulated with a tone. The frequency of the tone depends on the location being marked. Three tones are available: 400 hertz; 1.3 kilohertz; and 3 kHz. More...

At South Metropolitan TAFE’s Aerospace Training Centre in southwestern Australia, aviation maintenance students tentatively work through the process of installing a generator on a Boeing 737. While they may need a fair amount of coaching right now, in a few years they’ll have the skills to tackle a wide range of avionics projects.

The students are enrolled in a rigorous four-year apprentice program at South Metropolitan TAFE, a vocational education and training provider funded by the Western Australian state government. In addition to training in the classroom, labs and hangar, students complete at-home studies as well as work full time for an outside employer to gain real-world, hands-on experience – and a paycheck. More...

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC Brazil) have signed a Letter of Intent to further cooperate on e-VTOL certification. The LOI was signed by the ANAC Brazil Acting President-Director, Tiago Pereira and Luc Tytgat, EASA Strategy and Safety Management Director, on June 14, 2023, during the EASA-FAA Safety Conference in Cologne.

The LOI underlines the intention of both authorities to work closely together on building the path toward the certification of e-VTOL by sharing experience and working in collaboration. More...

MITRE, a multi-faceted research and development organization, is creating algorithms under contract to the Federal Aviation Administration to enable a digital co-pilot on mobile devices in general aviation cockpits. This long-term R&D project that began in 2015 is continuing with new algorithms being developed to assist pilots in handling additional tasks in the cockpit.

“What the FAA asked us to do is to provide assistance to pilots in a portable tablet type device, not necessarily on installed avionics,” said Matthew Pollack, a software engineer at The MITRE Corporation. The tablet is a non-installed, uncertified piece of equipment. Pollack is part of a team at MITRE working on this project for the FAA. Some members of the team are general aviation pilots, and Pollack is also an active commercial multi-engine pilot and a CFII (certified flight instructor-instrument).

The team asked itself how a pilot would interact with a digital co-pilot to reduce workload and increase safety without any unintended consequences. The project started out as a response to the work of the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee. The MITRE team then suggested the digital co-pilot project to the FAA Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention. AVP supported the project, and exploratory work began to see what could be done. More...

Collins Aerospace brings repair stations in the United States up to date on its 5G resilient radar altimeters. With expected AML STC completion in the second quarter of 2023 on the ALT 1000+ and ALT 4000+, learn the latest from the company’s senior director of sales, Marc Ayala, in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company, AEA Amplified is a podcast for aviation’s technology experts. Learn more about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies from industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts. Subscribe and listen via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podbean or Spotify. Listen...

On June 8, President Joe Biden designated Polly Trottenberg to serve as acting FAA administrator. In addition, the president intends to appoint Katie Thomson, the FAA’s current chief of staff, as the deputy administrator. Keith Washington, currently DOT deputy assistant secretary for administration, will serve as the agency’s acting chief of staff.

The U.S. Department of Transportation also announced current Deputy FAA Administrator A. Bradley Mims is moving to the office of the secretary and will lead the office of small and disadvantaged business utilization at DOT. Tyra Redus will be the office’s permanent deputy director. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2023-24 edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide will be unveiled with free distribution at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, July 24-30. AEA staff members will distribute thousands of complimentary copies to pilots and aircraft owners at the AEA’s AirVenture booth, No. 2035/2036 in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport.

This year marks the 21st annual edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide, a consumer’s directory loaded with educational articles, timely information and data about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies. The publication helps pilots and aircraft owners make better buying decisions and locate nearly 1,300 AEA member companies in more than 40 countries, including approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics equipment in general aviation aircraft. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy at aeapilotsguide.net/request.asp while supplies last. More...

Attendee and exhibitor registration is now available for six AEA Regionals, including three outside the United States, as aviation’s technology experts will gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. These two-day events are where technicians and business owners learn industry best practices; connect with regional sales and product support representatives; satisfy training requirements; see the latest products and services in the exhibit hall; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business.

The AEA Regionals return in 2023 on dates and locations preferred by the membership with a refreshed schedule and training format. Registration is now available online along with hotel information and reservation links. More...

At the 2023 AEA International Convention & Trade Show, Garmin introduced PlaneSync, a connected aircraft management system that simplifies aircraft ownership by automating database updates, providing real-time aircraft status, and more.

Available for both forward-fit and retrofit applications, PlaneSync technology is designed to bring new levels of connectivity and convenience to aircraft owners and operators alike. Jim Alpiser, director of aviation aftermarket sales for Garmin, has the latest information about PlaneSync in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...

As an AEA member, every employee in your company may access the members-only section of the AEA website, which includes ASTM standards, online training, warranty forms, equipment exchange program (EEDirect), technical publications, in-depth regulatory information, STC resources and much more. The AEA gives everyone in your company full access to online member services and benefits.

If you work for an AEA member company and would like to become an AEA insider and register for a members-only web account, click here.

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (Course sold-out)

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. Learn More...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (9 seats remain)

The AEA has developed a proprietary SMS program designed for maintenance organizations, sized for small businesses and leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership. This program has been coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada Civil Aviation, as well as discussions with the Australian government's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for future acceptance. Register Now...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (10 seats remain)

This course is designed for entry-level avionics technicians or those looking for basic training on pitot-static and aircraft transponder systems. The 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 FAR 91.411 and 91.413 checks. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (Course sold-out)

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 plan to attend. Learn More...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (11 seats remain)

Technicians will learn how to plan, install, interface, configure and check out an installation of a primary flight display, EHSI and GPS/Nav/Com consisting of dual Garmin GI 275, a Garmin GTN 650 touch-screen, and a Garmin GTX 345 transponder. Designed for technicians who have experience with avionics installation practices and are looking for more training integrating common general aviation installations. Register Now...

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (12 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics trouble shooting. Bench testing Nav, VHF Com and transponders will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel that they will use in the course. Attendees will keep their fabricated test panel at course completion. Register Now...

Transponder Service Training (13 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in transponder LRU bench testing, transponder flight line testing and aircraft troubleshooting. ADS-B transponders systems will be the focus of study. Attendees will keep their fabricated wire harness at course completion. Register Now...

Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (9 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in avionics flight line testing, LRU bench testing and aircraft troubleshooting. VOR, localizer, glideslope, marker beacon and VHF comms will be the focus of study. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (10 seats remain)

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This full-day course offers a regulatory review and an explanation of the proper administrative procedures for completing these critical certifications. Preparing and performing RVSM inspection tasks. ADS-B session covering installation, wiring and return to service review. Register Now...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (15 seats remain)

This course is targeted for the homebuilder or avionics technician who wants to learn about performing an avionics installation in an experimental aircraft. The class focuses on the Garmin G3X Touch system, and a simplified example harness is constructed as part of the hands-on portion of the class. While the G3X Touch system is the primary focus, 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.

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 7% of all general aviation ADS-B installations are non-compliant based on the FAA’s ADS-B Performance Monitoring System. This course focuses on the proper configuration and testing of ADS-B installations to ensure your installation meets the performance requirements and regulations. Also included are troubleshooting tips and tricks that will help you resolve the common problems found in ADS-B installations. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (15 seats remain)

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. Register Now...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (14 seats remain)

This course is designed for avionics technicians or apprentices who want to learn more about aircraft instrument systems and better understand their operation, installation considerations, and maintenance to become more effective troubleshooters. From simple mechanical gauges to complex electrical and electronic systems, this course covers nearly every instrument system in an aircraft. Register Now...

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 45th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is taking place, reporting on calendar year 2022. The deadline for completing surveys is July 14. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft.

Data from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:

The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Participation is voluntary, and everyone who is contacted is encouraged to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. If you have questions, contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.

The sky is not the limit in aerospace. If you are ready to reach a higher altitude, visit this one-stop resource that was built by industry professionals and powered by the AEA. The site offers a spotlight on career paths in aviation and includes links to jobs, scholarships, aviation schools, veterans’ resources, information for educators, salary data and more. From the hangar floor to low-earth orbit, opportunities abound. More...

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. Free resume posting is available. Are you up to the challenge? More...

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.

Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of aircraft electronics systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of aircraft electronics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.