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Keeping the general aviation industry connected |
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New Avionics Products to be Unveiled, March 28
29 companies to participate in NPI session
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Advance registration is available for the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. The event will take place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, March 28-31, 2022.
Sponsored by Gogo Business Aviation, the New Product Introductions session is one of the most popular events every year during the AEA Convention and has evolved into a must-see showcase for members and the media. The NPI session takes place during the opening session on Monday, March 28, which begins at 9 a.m. in the New Orleans Theater (2nd floor of Convention Center). To see which companies have committed to launch their new products at AEA New Orleans, click here. |
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Health and Safety Update for AEA Convention
City of New Orleans lifts all COVID-19 restrictions
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On Monday, March 21, the City of New Orleans announced that the public health guidelines requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to enter certain establishments have been lifted. Residents and visitors are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test to enter bars, restaurants, event spaces, and other businesses previously covered under the regulations, according to the city.
The announcement follows the lifting of the city's indoor mask mandate that occurred March 2. As a result, attendees and exhibitors are not required to wear a mask or show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test during next week's AEA Convention.
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In Memory: Bill Barnes
Bill Barnes Memorial Scholarship established
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Bill Barnes, a longtime avionics technician, died March 12, 2022, at the age of 72. Barnes spent many years in the aviation industry and worked for King Radio Corp. and Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics in the capacity of field engineer, avionics shop manager, quality control, and product design/certification.
A memorial scholarship in his name has been established with the AEA Educational Foundation. Donations can be made to:
AEA Educational Foundation
c/o Bill Barnes Memorial Scholarship
3570 NE Ralph Powell Rd.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
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Reg Update: Canadian ADS-B Mandate |
The discussion on the ADS-B mandate in Canada has been somewhat quiet in the last 2 ½ years. Since November 2019 when Transport Canada Civil Aviation and Nav Canada announced that the phased plan being advertised at the time was being put on hold, there has been little information provided or communicated as to what will be happening.
The TCCA had written to Nav Canada stating there were two factors that determined the need to delay the ADS-B mandate. One was that operators were informing the TCCA that they would not be able to meet the proposed timeline. The other was that the mandate could not be put in place “until the proper regulation is in place.” So, it was a surprise to many that in early February 2022, Nav Canada announced a new two-phase ADS-B implementation program. More...
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Ask the Industry Poll Results
What are you looking forward to the most at this month's AEA Convention in New Orleans?
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Here are the results of the poll question from the March 9 edition of AEA Wired:
- Visiting with industry professionals at the AEA First-Nighter Event -- 36.9%
- Networking with more than 120 companies in the exhibit hall -- 23.1%
- Nearly 100 hours of technical training and professional development courses -- 13.8%
- Watching the New Product Introductions -- 10.8%
- Taking the AET certification and endorsement exams for free -- 10.8%
- Supporting the AEA Silent Auction to benefit student scholarships -- 4.6%
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AEA Convention Registration Desk Hours
Hall H Lobby
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Attendees and exhibitors at next week's AEA Convention can check-in and pick up their name badges at the registration desk located in the Hall H lobby at the following times:
Sunday, March 27: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday, March 28: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday, March 31: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
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Watch Live Coverage of AEA Convention
Livestreaming begins March 28 at 8:45 a.m. CDT
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Each year, several aviation media outlets attend the AEA Convention to extensively cover the latest news from the avionics industry. Aero-News Network will once again include livestreaming services as part of its show coverage from New Orleans beginning Monday, March 28, at 8:45 a.m. CDT. Watch the opening session as 29 companies will unveil new products and services, and the association will announce its Member of the Year Award recipients.
ANN's livestreaming coverage continues from the AEA Exhibit Hall Tuesday, March 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. CDT, and again Wednesday, March 30, from noon to 3 p.m. CDT. Watch Live...
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Podcast: AEA President Mike Adamson Previews AEA Convention in New Orleans |
The 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show is the place to be for avionics training, networking, new product introductions and more. The four-day event takes place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, March 28-31, 2022.
Avionics technicians and small-business owners will reconnect with their manufacturer and distributor representatives, train on the latest products, and learn industry best practices. Two full days of exhibits with more than 120 companies await. Tune in for a sneak peek of this year’s event with AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...
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Don't Miss AEA's First-Nighter Event, March 28 |
All AEA Convention attendees and exhibitors are invited to attend the First-Nighter Event on Monday, March 28. Join us from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom (2nd floor) in the New Orleans Convention Center. Enjoy this upscale cocktail party with a Speakeasy theme!
Be sure to pick up your registration packet before the registration desk closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 28, as your convention badge is required for entry. No proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required to enter this event. More...
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Shuttle Bus from Hotel to Convention Center |
Round-trip bus services will be available to the New Orleans Convention Center from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside during the following times. Buses will load from the side lobby door of the hotel and drop off at the Convention Center outside Hall G. There is approximately a 20-minute turnaround time for this service.
Monday, March 28: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 31: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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AEA Convention Hotel and Airport Transportation Information |
The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is the headquarters hotel for the AEA Convention. The deadline to make a hotel reservation in the AEA room block has expired, and the hotel is sold-out.
Please note: The AEA does not work with any housing agencies to make hotel reservations on your behalf. We strongly suggest you work directly with the hotel when making your room reservations.
Need airport transportation? Round-trip services are available from Airport Shuttle. In order to book your discounted airport transportation, you must book at least 48 hours prior to your flight arrival time. The discount only applies to reservations made through the web portal. |
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Take the AET Certification Exam for Free at AEA |
Advance your career and industry knowledge by earning a certification provided by ASTM. These certifications demonstrate the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician and promote integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce.
Repair stations and aviation maintenance professionals across the industry use these certifications to recognize qualified and competent individuals. In fact, the FAA formally recognizes the AET certification as equivalent to formal training when showing eligibility for the issuance of a repairman certificate. Exams are free for AEA Convention attendees, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation.
Testing takes place in Room 287 at the convention center at the following times:
- 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29
- 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30
- 8:30 a.m. - noon on Thursday, March 31 (last test starts at 10 a.m.) More...
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Clemens Aviation Keeps Expanding |
In April 2021, the Clemens family excitedly celebrated the opening of their two new, heated storage hangars at Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas. Joined by dozens of friends, family, customers and colleagues in a crisp white hangar, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a bigger expansion and a transition from their small home airfield to a larger airport closer to the city.
This smiling, energetic family of professional aviators has turned their love of flying into a thriving full-service aviation business. It all started in 2003 when two former test pilots for Beechcraft, Dwayne Clemens and Julie Clemens, began managing a Beechjet for a local operator. More...
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Podcast: VIAVI Solutions’ AVX-10K Delivers Multiple Functions, Wireless Convenience |
With a history that dates back to 1923 (1968 for IFR), VIAVI Solutions’ Avionics Test group out of Wichita, Kansas, is a leader in design and manufacture of avionics test equipment. The company provides accurate, reliable and cost-effective test solutions for maintenance needs.
One of the company’s latest innovations is the AVX-10K for testing navigation, communications and surveillance gear – in and around the aircraft or on the test bench. Learn more from Guy Hill, director of avionics test products at VIAVI Solutions, along with Kerry Crawford, product manager of avionics test products, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...
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Take the Avionics News Technical Training Exam
Are you up to the test?
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The annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now available for avionics technicians and AEA members. By completing the exam, which covers regulatory and technical topics featured in the 2021 issues of Avionics News, technicians can get a head start on their FAA-accepted training. Individuals who complete the exam and score 85% or higher receive credit toward their repair station training program requirements, IA renewal, FAA AMT awards, and the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award.
Access to the test takes place for AEA members through the AERO platform, which allows exams to be graded in real time, certificates to be downloaded instantly, and a record to be retained for each participant. Don’t have all 12 issues of Avionics News from the past year? No problem. They are all available in the digital archives right at your fingertips. To take the test, click here. More...
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AEA Scholarship Applications Due April 1 |
Need some financial assistance with your education? The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award more than 20 scholarships for the 2022-23 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, 2022. More...
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2021 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey Underway
FAA survey measures safety, determines funding, and informs the impact of aviation on the economy
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The Federal Aviation Administration’s 44th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2021. 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:
- Compute safety metrics, such as fatal accidents rates.
- Understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output, and investments in aviation infrastructure.
- Track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations.
- Determine funding for infrastructure and service needs.
- Assess the impact of regulatory changes.
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. |
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Become a Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician
Prepare for the AET certification exam
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If you are not quite ready to take the AET test, AEA has you covered.
Avotek, an AEA member and training partner, offers online courses to help avionics technicians prepare for the AET exam and is offering a member discount of 40% off.
The Fundamentals of Aircraft Electronics Part I - Electricity and Electronics and The Fundamentals of Aircraft Electronics Part II - Maintenance Practices and Aircraft Fundamentals are the essential guides to aircraft electronics associated with AET certification.
To access the coupon codes, you will need to be logged in to the AEA website. AEA members get 40% off each course with the coupon codes. More...
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On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events |
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AEA International Convention & Trade Show
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 28-31, 2022
Aviation's technology experts will convene for the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. Avionics professionals will have access to nearly 100 hours of technical training and professional development courses. More...
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NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
San Diego, California
April 5-7, 2022
Learn current best practices and trends in scheduling and dispatching flights from industry experts through top-level education sessions that will help you work smarter, not harder in the year ahead. You’ll gather with colleagues and fellow attendees to celebrate recent wins and discover new opportunities for professional growth. You’ll also connect with companies exhibiting the latest and most high-tech equipment and services geared to make your job easier. More...
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SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo
Lakeland, Florida
April 5-10, 2022
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind, and the second-largest air show in the world. Join over 225,000 aviation enthusiasts for six exciting days of cutting-edge technology exhibits, forums, workshops, career fairs, and breathtaking aerial displays by some of the best air show performers in the business. More...
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AUVSI XPONENTIAL
Orlando, Florida
April 25-28, 2022
From energy to transportation, construction to defense, and medicine to agriculture, XPONENTIAL is the place to share ideas, navigate changing policies, experience new innovations, and strike up new partnerships. This is your opportunity to break down barriers and define the next era of autonomous systems. More...
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FAA Drone Symposium
Orlando, Florida
April 28, 2022
Registration is now open for this year’s FAA Drone Symposium at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. In keeping with this year’s theme “Arise,” the symposium will focus on the expansion and advancement of how drones are helping businesses do business. Sessions at the Symposium will include discussions about the Beyond Visual Line Of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee’s recent report, remote identification requirements, UAS Traffic Management, and regulations that promote global harmonization. The FAA and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International are co-hosts of the symposium. More...
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Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes |
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Digital Databus Theory & Analysis (9 seats remain)
April 26, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (2 seats remain)
May 2-4, 2022
In-person course; 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.
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Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (5 seats remain)
May 5-6, 2022
In-person course; 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. 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.
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Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (8 seats remain)
May 11-13, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (11 seats remain)
May 18, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (13 seats remain)
May 19-20, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
This day-and-a-half course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure the AVX-10K Flight Line Test Set to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, DME, ILS, VOR, Comms and ELT. It will provide understanding and working knowledge of IFR6000 and IFR4000 operations.
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Certified Repair Station Training (11 seats remain)
July 18-22, 2022
In-person course; 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.
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Avionics Testing Fundamentals (14 seats remain)
Sept. 12-13, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 troubleshooting. Bench testing nav, VHF comm 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.
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Transponder Service Training (15 seats remain)
Sept. 14, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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NAV/COMM Equipment Service Training (15 seats remain)
Sept. 15, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Pitot-Static, Transponder, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (15 seats remain)
Sept. 16, 2022
In-person course; 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.
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News from AEA Member Companies |
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Cutter Aviation has broken ground on its $12 million dollar hangar complex at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport.
Garmin received FAA supplemental type certification for the GFC 500 autopilot in additional aircraft to include select Robertson STOL (short takeoff or landing) equipped Cessna 206 models and Piper Twin Comanche PA-30/39 models.
Pro Star Aviation announced that Kristi Auclair was promoted to production planning manager.
West Star Aviation announced Michael Farrell as an IT support specialist at its East Alton, Illinois, facility. Andy Pitstick was promoted to program manager at the Chattanooga, Tennessee, location.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced it is continuing to invest in its super-midsize Gulfstream G280 with the addition of an even lower cabin altitude and new LED exterior lights.
uAvionix announced its acquisition by DC Capital Partners LLC. It also announced the AV-30-E multimode indicator now includes digital autopilot and external magnetometer interface capabilities. It also announced a "Trade-up to Certified" avionics upgrade program enabling users of uncertified Mode A/C/S and ADS-B transponders models to trade up to the uAvionix ping200X.
BendixKing, Becker Avionics, and AvPanels announced the cooperative development of a new glass panel cockpit for the Robinson R44 helicopter, which was featured at Heli-Expo 2022.
Astronautics Corporation of America is providing its AeroSync wireless Airborne Communication System as the standard-fit connectivity solution for Airbus Helicopters’ new production H125 and H130 helicopters.
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies is introducing its new Octax LT 10 Gbps single-port Ethernet connector for commercial aviation applications at the AEA Convention, March 28.
Peregrine completed an STC covering the installation of flap and slat actuator heaters to ensure improved high-lift system operation in cold weather landing situations.
Honeywell will integrate flight planning and trip support data from Universal Weather and Aviation, an international trip provider, into Honeywell Forge for Business Aviation.
Duncan Aviation recently published an updated Airspace Modernization Straight Talk Book.
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AEA Jobs Board Offers Free Resume Posting |
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...
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Are You Hiring? 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. |
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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. |
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Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
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Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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