Avidyne and Daedalean are pioneering the development of an avionics product that will use cameras to identify aircraft and other hazards nearby in what may be the first safety-critical aviation artificial intelligence/machine learning system ever certified.

The new product, Avidyne PilotEye Vision System, could be certified and on the market as early as this year, probably before any other artificial intelligence systems are certified for eVTOLs being developed with billions of dollars of private equity money. More...

Attendees must register by April 5 to receive the advance registration rate of $795 (AEA member rate), a savings of $100 for a full convention registration. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of seminars and technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; opening session with new product introductions; AEA First-Nighter event; and networking with manufacturing and distributors.

Can’t be in Orlando all four days of the show? Daily registration options are available for $275 per day for AEA members and $375 per day for non-members. To register as an attendee, click here.

It’s hard to believe the Robinson R44 has been around since January 1991. In those 32 years, over 7,400 of the model’s various versions have left the Torrance, California, factory, making it the most-popular four-place piston helicopter ever built.

While the current-generation R44 Raven II and Clipper II can be equipped with an array of the latest digital touchscreen avionics, thousands of pilots flying legacy R44s are still struggling with the old and unreliable analog radios and instruments they were built with. Why? Well, there just hasn’t been a cost-effective R44 panel upgrade available. Until now. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration published a long-awaited notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on Jan. 11, 2023, that would amend the applicability of safety management systems. Noticeably absent from the proposal is Part 145 approved maintenance organizations.

But what does this truly mean for AEA member companies and the aviation industry? Learn the latest on this important topic from Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, Moog Company. Listen...

With advancements over the last few years in airborne video and data recording, operators are discovering another view of the technology beyond law enforcement surveillance and aerial surveying. Tour operators are able to generate income by providing patrons with a recorded memento of their sightseeing. Flight departments can use a cockpit recorder to rule out or identify pilot involvement in an incident. Instructors are able to review flight data with student pilots as part of training. Original equipment manufacturers are accelerating aircraft development with flight test video.

In Cedarburg, Wisconsin, just north of Milwaukee, Rugged Video helps make it all possible. The privately owned and operated company designs, develops, produces and sells airborne video and data recording equipment for rotorcraft, fixed-wing aircraft and other applications. More...

From technical training to new product introductions, regulatory updates and the First-Nighter Event, take in the opening-day experience in Orlando on Monday, April 24. Begin the first day of the AEA International Convention & Trade Show with the Regulatory Rise & Shine, which offers a thoughtful, substantive and insightful source of regulatory news and information that affects you, your customers and your business. The opening session immediately follows where the AEA Member of the Year Awards will be presented and more than 20 companies will unveil new products and services to the marketplace.

Don't miss the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. Learn the latest in product information, troubleshooting tips, installation recommendations, answers to certification issues and much more. Hear from the experts on opening day from such companies as Aspen Avionics; Avidyne; FreeFlight Systems; Genesys Aerosystems; Gogo Business Aviation; Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics; SKYTRAC Systems; Tel Instruments; uAvionix; VIAVI Solutions; and WBParts Express. More...

For business aircraft operators, being able to improve and simplify the pilot workflow so they can save time and focus on flying missions is invaluable. Universal Avionics is striving to meet that need for customers by providing a dependable and automated way of delivering data with its FlightPartner and FlightReview applications.

UA has designed FlightPartner and FlightReview to meet two fundamental objectives – to enhance mission preparedness, both on the ground and in flight, and to optimize the day-to-day operations and maintenance of aircraft. The company has positioned the two programs as the first phase of its FlightPartner Connectivity Ecosystem, which will ultimately tie together its various avionics solutions to give customers 24/7 access to services and data. More...

Join the AEA via virtual-live courses or in the classroom for upcoming avionics training. Continue your professional development, network with other shops and technicians, and learn in a true hands-on environment.

In-person class sizes are limited at the AEA’s Dan Derby Center for Professional Development in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Interested parties are encouraged to register well in advance to reserve a seat. More...

Bangor, Maine-based C&L Aviation Group recently stepped up to the plate when it announced a $24,000 full-tuition scholarship to be awarded to some lucky Bangor area high school senior. The financial nudge will cover the cost of earning an airframe and powerplant license during a 14-month program at the Rome, New York, campus of Mohawk Valley Community College. Once the scholarship winner completes the program at Mohawk and earns their A&P certificate, C&L will add that newly licensed technician to their staff at the Bangor MRO. C&L is a full-service maintenance and repair facility servicing regional and corporate aircraft. As well as offering parts and maintenance, the company focuses on aircraft painting and interior work and avionics installation and upgrades.

Students interested in more information about the program can visit the C&L scholarship website at careers.cla.aero/scholarship or speak with their high school guidance departments. More...

The AEA has negotiated a contract to bring all of the ASTM aviation standards to the approved maintenance organization 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 unique partnership also includes access to standards for technician certification.

More information can be found on the AEA website with a member login and password. After connecting to the website, click on the button to access ASTM’s Compass. Once at the Compass site, you must register an account that will be set up under the AEA’s access. Once you are registered and logged in to Compass, you will be able to search for standards at no cost. More...

Need some financial assistance with your education? The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2023-24 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. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is April 1, 2023. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide was recently unveiled. This year marks the 20th 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 government-certified repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, engineers and consultants for the industry.

Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy of the AEA Pilot's Guide at aeapilotsguide.net/request.asp while supplies last. More...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (5 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. The training will provide a solid overview of modern safety principles, the International Civil Aviation Organization guidance on SMS implementation and the use and operation of the proprietary AEA SMS program.

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (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.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (sold-out)

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.

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.

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (13 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.

Digital Databus Theory & 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.

In-flight Connectivity Foundations (15 seats remain)

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 support in-flight connectivity system installations and maintenance. This eight-hour training enables aircraft technicians and operators to gain understanding on the basic airborne networks, IFC systems, and the services they provide.

Certified Repair Station Training (19 seats remain)

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.

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.