If you are a serious avionics professional, the place to be the morning of April 24 is the New Product Introductions session in Orlando during the 66th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show.

Sponsored by Gogo Business Aviation, the opening session is one of the most popular events every year during the convention and has evolved into a must-see showcase for AEA members and the aviation media. Avionics manufacturers know the key to a successful product launch means bringing their products to the AEA Convention & Trade Show. To see the list of companies that have committed to launch their new products at AEA Orlando, click here.

On April 11, 2023, the AEA submitted comments on the Federal Aviation Administration’s notice of proposed rulemaking to expand the applicability of safety management systems. Technically, the NPRM is proposing the expansion of 14 CFR Part 5.

As previously reported in multiple regulatory updates to the AEA membership: On Jan. 11, 2023, the FAA proposed to update and expand the requirements for safety management systems and require certain certificate holders and commercial air tour operators to develop and implement an SMS program. Noticeably absent from the NPRM was the inclusion of certified repair stations. While absent from the direct effects of the NPRM, the FAA did request comments and information regarding a future rulemaking project to expand the applicability of Part 5 to include repair stations certificated under Part 145. To read the AEA's comments in their entirety, click here.

Time and finding the appropriate niche are a proven measure of business success. In 1993, when Jeanne Rau-Flattery and her partner and mentor, the late George Bunting, founded Aero Express in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, the company originally focused on aftermarket aircraft parts. However, where opportunity meets preparation, Aero Express ventured into test equipment with their aviation background.

The aperture to a more-focused market revealed itself at an aerospace contractor’s auction, where Aero Express made a founding investment in aviation test equipment that integrated well with the company’s aviation experience. Equally important, it focused on a niche that provided a need for both new and used test equipment that universally serve every aviation market from general aviation, business, commercial aviation, and the military. More...

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 Sun Lobby of the Gaylord Palms in Orlando at the following times:

Sunday, April 23: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday, April 24: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 26: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 27: 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.

For those AEA Convention attendees and exhibitors staying at the alternate hotels in Marriott Village Orlando, shuttle transportation to and from the Gaylord Palms will be available on the following days and times. Morning departures take place at the bus stop located at the end of the Village Square.

Morning Departure: 7:30 a.m.

Evening Departure: 5:30 p.m.

Morning Departure: 7:30 a.m.

Evening Departure: 5:30 p.m.

Morning Departure: 7:30 a.m.

Evening Departure: 5:30 p.m.

Morning Departure: 7:30 a.m.

Evening Departure: 4:30 p.m.

When aircraft operators want to modify their systems or install new technology in older aircraft to increase safety, they turn to certification specialists like Bartronix. While Bartronix may be a new name in avionics and electrical systems engineering, design and certification, the expert behind the company has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. He’s also a familiar face at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show and the association’s regional meetings.

Kevin Barton, a Transport Canada design approval representative and member of the AEA board of directors, founded Bartronix in 2022. Previously, Barton led the certification and engineering team in support of helicopter modifications and manufacturing for a large maintenance repair organization in Canada. He also spent seven years as an aircraft maintenance engineer installing and maintaining avionics and electrical systems on fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. More...

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 Orlando beginning Monday, April 24, at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Watch the opening session as 32 companies will unveil new products and services, and the association will honor its Member of the Year Award recipients.

ANN's livestreaming coverage continues from the AEA Exhibit Hall Tuesday, April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. EDT, and again Wednesday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT. Watch Live...

Members of the Aircraft Electronics Association recently elected new representatives to the board of directors. The following individuals will serve a three-year term through March 2026.

The 66th 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 Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Florida, April 24-27, 2023. 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 130 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...

Repair stations and aviation maintenance professionals across the industry use ASTM NCATT 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 the Daytona 2 room at the Gaylord Palms during the AEA Convention at the following times:

Tuesday, April 25: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 26: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 27: 8:30 a.m. - noon (last test begins at 10 a.m.)

All AEA Convention attendees and exhibitors are invited to the First-Nighter Event on Monday, April 24. Join us from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Coquina Lawn at Gaylord Palms for a taste of Key West. Enjoy drinks, food and live music.

Pick up your registration packet before the registration desk closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 24, as your convention badge is required for entry. 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.

For decades, these events were well-known by AEA members as Regional Meetings, but they were more recently branded as Connect Conferences. Following feedback from members in a survey conducted earlier this year, the AEA Regionals will return in 2023 on dates and locations preferred by the membership with a refreshed schedule and training format. Registration is now available online along with hotel information and reservation links. More...

Registration has now opened for the EASA-FAA International Safety Conference, which takes place June 13-15 in Cologne, Germany.

How do we model the path for the future? How can we ensure safety while considering sustainability? What actions are we taking to manage and further develop a safe, modern and sustainable aviation system?

This year’s conference will gather senior aviation professionals from regulators, manufacturers, airlines and associations from all over the world to discuss global aviation safety and sustainability topics from the perspective of the regulators and industry. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 45th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2022. 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.

Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (course 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. The 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 (12 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.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (7 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.

In-flight Connectivity Foundations (14 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.

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (15 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.

Certified Repair Station Training (10 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.

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (14 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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (14 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.

Transponder 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 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.

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.

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.

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide marks the 20th annual edition. It is 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...

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.