As reported by the AEA at the beginning of August, the Federal Aviation Administration recently published the proposal for the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC). The primary purpose of the proposal is to expand the aircraft that may be eligible for future certification as a light-sport aircraft, and to expand the authority and opportunity of a sport pilot.

What has not been discussed, however, is that the agency is proposing to amend nine separate regulations. And, in supporting the proposal, the docket includes 17 supporting documents (including two draft advisory circulars), 129 footnotes with numerous standards and 26 Federal Register cites, and seven policy documents equating to well over 1,000 pages of directly relevant information. As such, the AEA along with more than a half-dozen industry partners have requested a 90-day extension of the comment period to support a thorough review. More...

At Aviation Design and Supply in Melbourne, Florida, co-founder Jaramey Ham and his team spend their days focused on how to help avionics installers and repair stations streamline processes, maximize efficiency and increase profits.

“In a time where skilled labor is hard to come by and at a premium, we provide products and services to help avionics installers and repair stations run as lean and as efficient as possible,” said Ham, who has 13 years in aviation parts distribution and five years in software as a service (SaaS) development and sales.

ADS builds on Ham’s previous work with Aircraft Maintenance & Inventory (AMI), a suite of software that combines a work order software system and an aircraft maintenance inventory system. Built on a SaaS platform, AMI tracks labor hours toward projects, parts inventory, invoicing, payments and more. The team plans to expand its capabilities in the near future. More...

The first of three AEA Regionals in the United States this year gets underway Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. 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.

To register, make hotel reservations, and see the continuously updated training schedule and list of exhibitors for the East Regional, click here.

While today there are many companies providing sophisticated high-end connectivity solutions for general aviation and business aircraft and fighting for business at the top end of the market, Airtext stands out as being one of the only companies exclusively targeting aviation connectivity sales at the low end of the service cost spectrum.

“We’re focusing on making hardware that provides functionality at a low cost for customers,” said Jonathan Pinson, Airtext general manager. “We try to offer the service as low as we can to differentiate ourselves. We’re a great solution for the people who don’t want to receive outrageous bills every month.”

For aircraft owners looking for a cost-effective solution, Airtext technology keeps passengers connected with onboard email, phone calls, and text messaging anywhere in the world. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration will play host to the 2023 FAA TSO Workshop, Sept. 20-21, in Denver, Colorado, to facilitate continued engagement and development of policy and guidance materials. The in-person workshop is free and offers opportunities for working discussions of agency policies, consensus standards management and developing improvements in the FAA's overall processes.

Registration for this event is now open, but due to room capacity, it will be limited to 200 attendees. The workshop will take place at the Grand Hyatt Denver hotel. A conference rate is not available; contact the hotel directly for room reservations. More...

Labor Day weekend marked the 50th anniversary of a crisis meeting in the deserted, unairconditioned Pentagon that redesigned the global positioning system in a couple of days to the design that is flying today.

The benefits of GPS have now crept into virtually every aspect of our society. Its loss would incur billions of dollars of economic hardship. Brad Parkinson, the person most responsible for making GPS happen, is well known among space navigation experts. But among the general public in the U.S., and around the world, he and his development team are virtually unknown and unheralded. Such is the fate of most of history’s engineers. Read the untold story of how Parkinson saved GPS in Avionics News. More...

The rapidly changing world of avionics installation is why ASTM’s Committee F46 on Aerospace Personnel created the new Aircraft Electronics Installation Technician standards as the latest endorsement to AET certification. The AET and its endorsements are an important element in promoting avionics technician careers and developing a workforce with a culture of quality, safety and excellence. Learn the ins and outs of the new AEIT endorsement from Nick Brown, AEA director of workforce development, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems. Listen...

If you are already an ASTM NCATT-certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET), you are eligible to take the new Aircraft Electronics Installation Technician (AEIT) endorsement exam for free at the AEA Regionals in the United States.

If you are not AET certified, you must pass that exam first. If you pass the AET certification exam at the AEA Regional, you can take the new installation endorsement exam along with other endorsements. All exams are free for attendees, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation. AET certification exams are normally $175, and AEIT endorsement exams are $150. More...

Ron Gatewood was recently presented with the Virginia Aviation Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Gatewood is the founder and owner of longtime AEA member Sky World Aviation & Avionics. Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, was in attendance at the event honoring Gatewood in Williamsburg, Aug. 9.

Before Sky World Aviation’s inception, Gatewood performed 34 years of decorated service in the United States Marine Corps, which included a combat tour in Vietnam, flying CH46 Boeing vertical helicopters, and a second combat tour flying the McDonnel Douglas A4 Skyhawk. In addition to being a squadron pilot, as a lieutenant, Gatewood was an operations officer in HMM 262. In VMA 211, Captain Gatewood was the aircraft maintenance officer. After an assignment as an instructor with Landing Force Training Command - Pacific, he served as a Naval Attache with the U.S. Department of State in Africa. To learn more about Gatewood’s distinguished career, click here.

The AEA and other leading aviation trade associations are issuing a survey to seek feedback from industry (manufacturers, maintainers, operators, lessors, etc.) that helps to identify current practices and regulatory issues associated with the digitalization of information within the aviation community. The associations will share the aggregated data gathered with the leading aviation regulators to identify regulatory barriers and provide recommendations for improvement.

This survey will close Oct. 15, 2023. Your responses will be compiled into a broader summary – individual responses and data will not be shared outside the associations sponsoring this survey. More...

Delaying switching your third-party administrator or moving your Anti-Drug & Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program to a TPA due to setup costs? Effective Oct. 1, set up your Anti-Drug & Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program with NATA Compliance Services before the end of the year and your setup fee will be waived. Benefit from their electronic custody and control forms, FAA audit preparation, subject-matter experts, online checklists and more. NATACS can also help with your non-DOT drug program(s). More...

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...

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...

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. Learn More...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (5 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...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (7 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 (10 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...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (15 seats remain)

This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure IFR6000 and IFR4000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, DME, ILS, VOR, Comms and ELT. Plus a complete review of all features and benefits of the AVX-10K Flight Line Test Set with emphasis on testing transponder (Mode S and ADS-B In/Out), UAT, TCAS and DME. 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. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (9 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. Register Now...

AET Prep Course and Exam (15 seats remain)

The Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Prep Course is a hybrid 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 live class at AEA. The online modules take approximately two weeks to complete. Students will attend a one-day review session in person and take the AET certification exam at AEA headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. ($175 value for exam is included in your course registration.) 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 touchscreen, 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 (15 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 (15 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 (14 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 (14 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...

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.