AEA members should plan to attend an exclusive members-only webinar for an informative and educational session in which we will review the MOSAIC NPRM that proposes to amend nine separate, and not always related, regulations. This two-hour session will provide an overview of the FAA’s proposal and a thorough discussion on elements affecting the avionics industry. Sign up to participate with your AEA member login and password and email questions you would like to have answered in advance. Register Now...

Registration has opened for the 67th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of aviation electronics manufacturers, distributors and approved maintenance organizations in the world. It is the platform of choice for the introduction of new avionics products and services coming to market in 2024. The event will take place March 19-22, 2024, at Marriott's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Attendees must register by Dec. 31, 2023, to receive the early-bird discount price of $695 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $230 per person savings off the on-site registration fee. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; and networking with manufacturers and distributors. Register for the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. More...

Applications are now open for AEA members interested in running for a position on the board of directors. To apply, your company must be an AEA member in good standing, and you must complete an application form by Dec. 15, 2023.

To be considered for a position on the slate of nominees, AEA members must submit an application to the AEA president and chief executive officer. The applications are reviewed by the trusteeship committee, which then assembles a final slate of nominees for a vote before the full membership. The slate is assembled based on certain needs or areas of expertise that may be needed on the new board. Member voting takes place via the AEA website in January, and the winners of the election will be notified in early 2024. More...

In June 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration published a 167-page document outlining the agency’s desire to replace dozens of 40-year-old airport control towers around the country with new environmentally friendly brick and mortar structures. These towers are, of course, where hundreds of air traffic controllers ply their trade ... ensuring the aircraft within their local airspace are safely separated from each other during landing and takeoff.

The FAA’s report was part of President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted on Nov. 15, 2021. That bill set aside a whopping $25 billion spread across five years to cover the cost of replacing these towers.

The FAA said it considered a number of alternatives about how to spend that $5 billion each year, rather than on brick-and-mortar buildings. One alternative the agency only addressed briefly before rejecting it was a relatively new concept called a remote tower, originally created by Saab in Europe in partnership with the Virginia-based VSATSLab Inc. More...

When Anthony Arispe finished his last ice-clearing mission for the United States Coast Guard’s Lake Michigan Sector, he made himself a promise that he’d never work on a boat again. When midwinter Lake Michigan gets angry, she’s as rough as the North Sea and just as deadly.

“I still wanted to serve my country, but I wanted to do it working on airplanes,” Arispe said. “After my honorable discharge, I spent the next three years training to get my A&P (ratings) at a repair shop, working on everything from light pistons to biz jets. I also spent two more years working in an avionics shop.

“I reached out to a connection of mine and was offered my dream job to become a civilian contractor to help maintain aircraft for the U.S. war in Afghanistan. I was no longer in the military, but I was finally offering my service and supporting the men and women who were truly serving our country."

Like so many ex-military personnel looking for a career change, Arispe was left with the decision of finding a steady job or working for himself. But he had a head start with his decision. More...

On Nov. 17, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it is taking immediate action to enhance air traffic controller training and safety reporting following the release of the National Airspace System Safety Review Team report.

“Aviation is safe because we are continuously looking for ways to improve,” said Administrator Mike Whitaker. “The independent safety review team made some excellent recommendations and we are adopting some of them immediately.”

The independent safety review team completed a thorough assessment and presented its recommendations this week on enhancing safety and reliability in the nation’s air traffic system. The team examined the FAA’s internal safety processes, staffing levels and practices, as well as needs for facilities and equipment and how the agency’s air traffic budget is funded. The FAA commissioned the panel of aviation experts following the agency’s Safety Summit in March. More...

Members of the AEA recently elected Danny Santiago to the board of directors. Santiago, who has 17 years of experience in aviation, serves as director of avionics and oversees technical sales for both maintenance and avionics for Banyan Air Service.

Based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida, the high-volume, full-service Part 145 repair station specializes in business aircraft, from Bombardier Challenger, Gulfstream and Falcon business jets to the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Airs as well as many others.

On the avionics side, Santiago oversees business development, production, high-profile projects and marketing as well as customer and employee relations. In February, Santiago assumed responsibility for sales of avionics and maintenance services. In his dual roles, Santiago manages the avionics service team, installation team, engineering team and the MRO sales team, more than 15 employees in all. More...

Some universities have aviation programs where they teach students to fly and work in the aviation business, but few have programs that teach students about the world of avionics. Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, has both.

The university has been training pilots and aviation managers for more than 70 years, and its graduates work in Part 91,121 and 135 sectors. Its graduates staff major and regional airlines, fractional jet companies and corporate flight departments and the U.S. military. More...

The annual Avionics Training Excellence Award recognizes AEA members for their total commitment to training. Pilots and aircraft owners may not be aware of the avionics industry’s dedication to technician training. For decades, the AEA has led the way with comprehensive programs to cover everything from the basics to advanced avionics instruction. A total commitment to training by AEA member companies and the recognition of the Avionics Training Excellence Award allow members to demonstrate their dedication to professional career development and assure their customers of a higher level of service.

To qualify, an AEA member company must submit a completed ATE Award application and provide proof of participation in an AEA-recognized training event for every employed technician from January to December of the award year. Applications for the 2023 award are due Dec. 31, 2023. More...

In Last month’s Theory & Practice column in Avionics News, author Thomas Inman started a series of stories describing autonomous navigation systems. The article covered micro-electro-mechanical accelerometers, laser gyros, attitude heading reference systems, and air data heading reference systems.

Mostly, it discussed these systems in terms of heading determination and presentation. To control an aircraft, the pilot needs more information. This month, Inman looks again at those systems in the context of attitude. More...

Amid ongoing inflationary pressures and workforce challenges, approved maintenance organizations raised their service rates in the United States, Canada and the South Pacific, according to the 2023 AEA Rate and Labor Survey. Labor rates also rose across the board for avionics installers who are in high demand.

The annual AEA Rate and Labor Survey reports shop and labor rates by region, along with employee benefit/compensation package information, a profile of technician experience, regional employment demand and a business outlook perspective. The quick-glance layout allows owners and managers of approved maintenance organizations to easily compare their businesses to others in their regions of operation. AEA members may download the survey results with their member login and password. More...

If a Part 145 certificated repair station holds an Airframe Class 3 rating, all-metal construction of small aircraft, does this rating authorize the repair station to conduct maintenance on all type certificated, small fixed-wing single/multiengine airplanes and rotorcraft?

Learn the answer in this month's issue of Avionics News. More...

Thanks to Sporty's, the value of AEA membership continues to grow, as members can now take 50% off the purchase of the following Sporty’s pilot training courses:

This exclusive AEA member offer will help you ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, become a better technician and a better pilot with Sporty’s pilot training courses. Each course has hours of 4K videos and animations to explain everything you need to know to earn your private pilot certificate and feel confident in the left seat. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, and convenient app options, and you have aviation’s most complete training course. More...

The AEA Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2024-25 school year to students pursuing a career in aviation electronics 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, 2024. More...

Peregrine, a Denver-based aircraft certification service provider with over 14 years of supplemental type certificate development experience and an AEA member company since 2009, recently received its Organization Designation Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration. This designation allows Peregrine to develop and approve many types of STCs for Part 23, Part 25, Part 27 and Part 29 aircraft on behalf of the FAA.

David Rankin, Peregrine founder and ODA administrator, explains how this delegation allows the company to process engineering approvals on a streamlined, expedited basis and mitigate the effects of the FAA’s heavy workload and long lead times in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen Now...

The AEA recently announced a new membership health insurance benefit for members in the United States that can help keep you, your family, and even your business cost-effectively covered and healthy. The association has partnered with LIG Solutions to be able to offer exclusive health insurance and related coverage options, including major medical, short-term health plans, vision and dental plans, critical care coverage, life, and several different supplemental health options.

If you are a business owner looking for coverage options for your employees, there are solutions throughout the year with the LIG HRA group program. Call the LIG team at 800-306-0163 or visit LIGmembers.com/AEA to discuss coverage options for you, your family and business. More...

AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson joined other business and general aviation leaders to unveil Climbing. Fast., a new advocacy campaign aimed at setting the record straight on the industry's many societal benefits, from driving opportunities for today’s workforce, to leading sustainability innovations to achieve a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The new multi-media advocacy campaign – intended to coordinate and elevate a message about the game-changing technologies that are fostering business aviation sustainability on the ground and in the air – was launched during the annual Media Kickoff Breakfast held at the National Business Aviation Association's 2023 Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Oct. 17. 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...

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...

AET Prep Course and Exam (6 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...

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...

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...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (11 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...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (9 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 (11 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 (12 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 (11 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 (12 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...

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 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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (13 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...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (15 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...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (14 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...

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.