On Monday, April 22, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it is issuing new requirements for Part 135 operators, air tour operators, and certain aircraft manufacturers to implement a safety management system. According to the FAA, "SMS provides a means for a structured, repeatable, systematic approach to proactively identify hazards and manage safety risk. By incorporating SMS, these aviation organizations will be better able to develop and implement mitigations that are appropriate to their specific environment and operations."

The FAA’s final rule mandates that these organizations develop a SMS within one to three years, depending on the operation. The FAA has required U.S. airlines to have SMS since 2018, and some manufacturers already developed and implemented voluntary SMS programs, which the FAA accepted. More...

Attention avionics subject matter experts, the Aircraft Electronics Technician standard is due for revision. Join the ASTM committee responsible for updating the standard at its annual in-person meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, and share your experience, expertise, and insights.

The avionics industry has evolved and expanded dramatically over the last 20 years, and the AET standard will be revised to reflect the needs of the industry providing a more accurate assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of today’s and tomorrow's technicians. Join the committee meeting May 21-22, 2024, at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham. Captain Barrington Irving will give the keynote address. He is celebrated for his pioneering work in education and technology, and is the founder of The Flying Classroom, Experience Aviation, and the Barrington Irving Technical Training School in Miami, Florida. All ASTM Committee meetings are open to members and non-members. The meeting schedule includes a tour of the Southern Museum of Flight. More...

There’s more to earning and keeping your best customers than you might realize.

It happens. A year or more goes by and you haven’t heard from one of your core customers. Calls and emails asking about the proposal you sent go unanswered, and then one day you spot the airplane in a social media post sporting new gear installed by a competing shop. It’s a sinking feeling realizing that one of your best customers went elsewhere. What went wrong? The list of possibilities is long – but avoidable. More...

This episode of AEA Amplified discusses the installation of avionics in light general aviation aircraft with a focus on classifying the alteration, availability of installation data, and the approval requirement for radios. Brian Yablon of Air Sense Avionics, a practicing electrical engineer, founded his repair station in 2018 after a rewarding career in electrical design and engineering management with a Fortune 100 company. He left the corporate grind to combine his passion for aviation and electronics.

As the owner of an FAA-certified repair station, Yablon has expanded his knowledge and understanding by frequently asking questions on the regulatory front to Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs. Yablon leads a discussion with Peri to share some of his questions with the AEA membership. Join us for the first installment of “Shop Talk” in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

Based on California’s central coast with its notoriously high cost of living, aviation services company ACI Jet has always faced challenges when trying to recruit aircraft maintenance workers to the area. The ramping up of the maintenance technician shortage over the past decade only exacerbated this situation within their MRO department.

ACI Jet leaders realized that if they were ever to find a dependable source of maintenance talent within their region to help keep their repair station running smoothly, they would need to create it themselves. Over the past decade, they’ve had success in creating a mutually beneficial partnership with nearby Cuesta College to attract young people to aviation maintenance careers, as well as build a dependable aviation talent pipeline for the benefit of the entire region. More...

Passengers and pilots alike want their smart devices connected while flying. It’s showing up in the numbers. Demand for in-flight connectivity continues to grow across every sector – commercial, business, general aviation and military. IFC is expected to be a $16.58 billion industry by 2029, according to a 2022 report by Fortune Business Insights.

By leveraging its secure and robust enterprise software, existing product designs, and dynamic team, CCX Technologies of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, has begun curating a product lineup to help meet that enormous demand. At the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in late March, CCX Technologies unveiled its new AP-561 Micro-WAP, a secure wireless access point for data communications over Wi-Fi. Designed to democratize connectivity across aircraft types, the Micro-WAP works where connectivity makes financial sense, typically turboprops up through commercial airliners. More...

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association recently announced the publication of a white paper entitled “Recommendations for Accelerating the Development of the Electric Aviation Sector in Europe.” According to GAMA, the paper proposes important recommendations for European regulators and policymakers to support the emerging sector of electric aviation. To read the white paper, click here.

A Reliable Robotics 12-minute demo flight in civil airspace with an uncrewed Cessna Caravan shows how automatic control and remote pilot supervision might work in the real world with a variety of certified aircraft. The short flight took off from Hollister Municipal Airport in Northern California and landed there after a 12-minute flight in Class D airspace. Hollister is a city-owned general aviation airport where the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection bases aircraft to fight wildfires. It has two asphalt runways but no air traffic control tower. The automated flight was conducted under Federal Aviation Administration supervision after safety inspectors approved the plan.

Reliable Robotics, a company founded in 2017, used a control center at its headquarters in Mountain View about 50 miles away from Hollister to conduct the flight. The company’s automatic system using fly-by-wire software is installed to move the Caravan’s traditional cable and pulley control system typically found in aircraft certified under Part 23. “So while the underlying cable system is single channel, we are adding on top of that highly redundant and reliable actuation,” said Robert Rose, the chief executive officer and co-founder of the company. More...

Garmin recently unveiled a new series of TSO’d slimline design Comm and Nav/ Comm radios aimed at both the fixed-wing and helicopter markets. According to Garmin, the new GTR 205 Comm radio and GNC 215 Nav/Comm radio offer easy-to-read full color LCD displays, an intuitive user interface and worldwide frequency database, all in a slim 1.3-inch bezel height form factor.

These new radios feature pilot-selectable 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz channel spacing for global capability and fit into a variety of panel installations creating more room in space constrained panels. The display on either radio indicates the currently tuned active and standby frequencies, as well as the ID of the station, such as “KOJC TWR” or “KSLE ATIS1.” The vibrant display and the dual concentric knobs and backlit keys mimic those found on other modern Garmin avionics products. More...

Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration canceled the NOTAM (notice to air missions) that prohibited general aviation or business aviation aircraft from participating in the en route Controller Pilot Data Link Communications arena, or CPDLC. This new to business aviation system is the equivalent of air-to-ground texting connecting pilots and air traffic controllers and is now available to cockpit crews flying in domestic U.S. airspace.

CPDLC was designed to reduce frequency congestion between cockpit crews and ATC, as well as frequency changes, altitude changes and route changes from being misunderstood. More...

The U-2 created by aircraft design superstar Kelly Johnson at the Lockheed Skunk Works is still flying after 68 years in service and is now getting a new cockpit and enhanced sensors. The total price tag for the new cockpit and sensor upgrades, including a game-changing open systems mission computer plus a new active antenna and processor for an imaging radar, is about $800 million in the defense budget. Meanwhile, the Air Force aims to retire that aircraft from service starting as early as October 2025, according to British aerospace journalist Chris Pocock.

He and many of his readers who are fans of the U-2 think it is crazy to think about retiring an aircraft undergoing $800 million in upgrades. Raytheon is providing the new active array radars with new antennas and processors that will replace an electronically steered antenna. More...

Later this year, approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators will come together for two days of training, networking and professional development. More specifically, the AEA Regionals are where aviation’s technology experts gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. These two-day events allow technicians and business owners the opportunity to 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. Register Now...

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the AEA jobs board is your one-stop resource. Search the AEA's job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available for job-seekers.

Here's a brief sampling of some of the outstanding opportunities currently listed:

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, visit aea.net/insider.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 46th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2023. 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.

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (10 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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (11 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 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. Register Now...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 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...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (11 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...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (13 seats remain)

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 4.8% 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...

AET Prep Course and Exam (15 seats remain)

This is a virtual-live class for aviation technicians who want to earn their NCATT AET certification. Students who register in advance will have access to online modules to self-study the AET coursework before attending the one-day virtual-live class. The online modules take approximately two weeks to complete. After the course, students will be fully prepared to take the AET certification exam. The $175 value for the exam is included in the course registration. Upon registration, instructions to access the AET Prep online modules will be emailed to the attendee. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (10 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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (15 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 Service and Testing Fundamentals (12 seats remain)

This intensive three-day course is designed for experienced avionics technicians seeking comprehensive training in avionics testing, troubleshooting and service. Led by industry expert Don Dominguez of Radioman Avionics, participants will gain hands-on experience in bench testing LRUs, flight line testing, and aircraft troubleshooting across various avionics systems. From fundamental concepts to advanced techniques, this course covers a wide range of topics including navigation, communication, and transponder equipment service. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (14 seats remain)

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This two-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...

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...

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.

Published annually, the 2023-24 edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide is available upon request.

This year marks the 21st annual edition of the publication, 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. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, delegated engineering firms, and consultants for the industry. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last. Get the Guide...

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.