SmartSky Networks has completed the nationwide rollout of its air-to-ground network in the United States with hundreds of ground-based sites as it works with shops and resellers on equipage.

The SmartSky air-to-ground service uses the unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum band and both 4G and 5G technology in a scalable system that can operate even in the high-interference environment over congested cities. The network uses advanced beamforming technology, innovative network architecture and 60 MHz of spectrum to deliver consistent and secure connectivity to aircraft in the continental U.S. More...

At DNT Avionics in western Colorado, the Pinson family works together to keep pistons, turboprops and light helicopters flying. Stop by the shop at Grand Junction Regional Airport and you’ll find Danny and Tina Pinson and their sons, Nathan and Milton, and even occasionally their 19-year-old granddaughter, Brianne, helping in the office, and 14-year-old grandson, Bobby, washing airplanes.

It’s been a family business since 2016, but for Danny Pinson, working with aircraft began 42 years ago when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served 10 years primarily troubleshooting electrical systems on the SA-3 surface-to-air missile system. After the military, Danny developed an extensive knowledge of avionics while working for and managing several other avionics shops. At one point, he and Tina even owned and operated Omega Avionics at the same airport. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Repair Station Section, will host a webinar, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. EST, to provide information on the United Kingdom Part 145 Maintenance Implementation Procedures for United States-based Part 145 repair stations. The webinar will consist of a presentation covering the upcoming revision to the UK MIP, and live Q&A session. The webinar is available to all 14 CFR Part 145 repair stations based in the United States, specifically repair stations that hold European Union Aviation Safety Agency Part 145 approval.

When attendees register, they will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom information. They will also receive two automatic reminder emails with the Zoom info (24 hours before the event and 10 minutes before the event). To register for the Nov. 15 webinar, click here.

With year-over-year inflation rates hovering near or above double digits in most countries around the world, approved maintenance organizations have increased both their shop and labor rates in 2022. According to the AEA Rate and Labor Survey, government-certified repair stations raised their service rates in the United States, Canada and the South Pacific. Labor rates also rose across the board for avionics installers who are in high demand.

The overall outlook for 2023 remains positive, as more than 60% of shops in the United States expect their business to increase in the next 12 months. In Canada, 53% of AMOs expect business growth next year, while 56% in the South Pacific region expect increased business. AEA members may download the survey results with their member login and password. More...

Earlier this year, ACR Electronics strengthened its position as a leader in emergency locator transmitter technology by securing agreements with Embraer and Boeing to use the Artex ELT 5000 Distress Tracking for GADSS compliance on their commercial aircraft, as well as by releasing a new portable ELT – the non-lithium survival ELT 4000S.

“The two contracts secured by ACR Electronics to supply the Artex ELT 5000 DT to the world’s major aircraft manufacturers are a powerful endorsement for our multifaceted distress tracking ELT program,” said ACR Electronics President John Nguyen. “It demonstrates the high confidence in the industry that the development of the next generation ELT 5000 DT will future-proof aircraft with a state-of-the-art emergency distress signaling and tracking solution.” More...

What do 18th century sailing ships and 21st century business aircraft have in common? Attacks by pirates. Of course, the crew of a Brigantine, Frigate or Galleon had the advantage of knowing when they were going to be attacked. Seeing the Jolly Roger is a dead giveaway that dreadful things are going to happen.

Today’s digital pirates are a lot more subtle. In most cases, you don’t even realize you’ve been hornswoggled until they’ve got their booty and are over the horizon. Blimey! Seriously though, unfortunately, like in every other sector of your expanding digital life, cybercrime in aviation is on the rise. So much so that the International Civil Aviation Organization designated 2020/2021 as the Year of Security Culture. More...

Avionics professionals will gather at the AEA South Pacific Connect Conference in Sunshine Coast, Australia, Nov. 17-18. The AEA Connect Conferences 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; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business. Advance registration is open for attendees and exhibitors. More...

Registration has opened for the 66th 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 2023. The event will take place April 24-27, 2023, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Attendees must register by Dec. 31, 2022, to receive the early-bird discount price of $695 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $200 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...

Honeywell’s 31st annual Global Business Aviation Outlook projects up to 8,500 new business jet deliveries worth $274 billion from 2023 to 2032, which is up 15% in both deliveries and expenditures from the same 10-year forecast a year ago. Learn all the key findings from Javier Jimenez Serrano, strategy and market research manager at Honeywell Aerospace, in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company, AEA Amplified is a podcast for aviation’s technology experts. Learn more about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies from industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts. Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podbean or Spotify. Listen...

Holding off on switching your third-party administrator or moving your anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program to a TPA due to setup costs? Well, NATACS has a treat just for you!

Set up your anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program with NATACS before the end of the year and your setup fee will be waived! Benefit from the 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...

Need some financial assistance with your education? The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2023-24 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, 2023. More...

The AEA’s online training platform called AERO, short for the Aerospace Education Resource Online system, allows users to train at their own pace and operates like a personal learning management system. A brand-new course on Indoctrination Training: Regulatory Familiarization has been released and is free for AEA members with a member login and password.

In addition, a dozen new courses that took place at this year's AEA Convention in New Orleans are now available, including OEM technical sessions; Troubleshooting Antennas & Transmission Lines; Marketing Beyond the Runway; How to Succeed in Business (Aviation) Without Really Trying; Clarity is Magnetic -- A Discussion in Leadership & Personal Development; and Airplanes or Marketing: It’s All About the LIFT.

Convention attendees may access the sessions recorded at AEA New Orleans for free, and those AEA members who could not attend the convention may purchase them. Training content is exclusive to AEA members. AEA AERO will continue to add and update content to help members accomplish their training goals. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide was recently unveiled. This year marks the 20th annual edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide, 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...

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 (12 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.

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 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.

Transponder Service Training (9 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 (9 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 (10 seats remain)

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. Preparing and performing RVSM inspection tasks. ADS-B session covering installation, wiring and return to service review.

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.

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. The training will provide a solid overview of modern safety principles, the International Civil Aviation Organization guidance on SMS implementation and the use and operation of the proprietary AEA SMS program.

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (7 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.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (13 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.

Aircraft Instrument Systems (14 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.

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)

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.

Digital Databus Theory & Analysis (15 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.

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.