The Aircraft Electronics Association recently published its second-quarter 2023 Avionics Market Report. In the first six months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to $1,601,414,712.48, or more than $1.6 billion as reported by the participating companies. Second-quarter sales increased 5.9% sequentially from the first quarter of 2023. During the second-quarter months of April, May and June, sales increased 16.2% compared to the same time frame one year ago. With more than $823 million in sales during the second quarter, it marked the highest quarterly sales volume in the history of the report.

The figure represented a 19.2% increase in total sales compared to the first six months of 2022, which was driven by a 31.7% increase in forward-fit sales compared to the same time frame one year ago. Also of note, the industry garnered the largest quarterly forward-fit sales volume in the history of the report with more than $490 million in avionics sales to OEMs. It is only the third time that quarterly forward-fit sales topped $400 million. More...

Attendee and exhibitor registration is available for six AEA Regionals, including three outside the United States, as aviation’s technology experts will gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. 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. Dates and locations are as follows:

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

Here are the results of the poll question from the Aug. 9 edition of AEA Wired:

33.3% – Aircraft Electronics Installation Technician (AEIT)

21.1% – Onboard Communications and Safety Systems (OCS)

21.1% – Radio Communication Systems (RCS)

12.2% – Dependent Navigation Systems (DNS)

12.2% – Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS)

In the nearly 30 years that Cincinnati Avionics has been operating, it seems everything has changed and yet so much remains the same. Based at Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio, home to its parent company Sporty’s Pilot Shop, the service center specializes in single-engine piston and light twin aircraft as it has since the beginning. Loyal customers still travel up to 200 miles or more to have their aircraft maintained by the experienced technicians. The pristine white hangar still glistens under the lights.

“We started Cincinnati Avionics based on the needs in the area. At the time, there really wasn’t anyone catering to small piston airplanes,” said Chuck Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of Eastern Cincinnati Aviation and executive vice president of Sporty’s.

Cincinnati Avionics is a division of Eastern Cincinnati Aviation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sporty’s. In addition to the avionics shop, it operates an FBO and is responsible for managing and maintaining the airport. The flight school, called Sporty’s Academy, also falls under the ECA umbrella as does its dedicated repair station. More...

Delaying switching your third-party administrator or moving your Anti-Drug & Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program to a TPA due to setup costs? 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...

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...

The Global Positioning System, or GPS, can provide position information anywhere on Earth. Like satellite-based communication systems, GPS is divided into three segments. Anyone using GPS for navigation is in the user segment. The control segment includes hardware, software and personnel used to maintain the system. The space segment includes the space vehicles (satellites) themselves.

For the space segment, the Space Force maintains a minimum of 24 operational satellites in a medium-Earth orbit at approximately 12,500 miles in altitude. There are six orbital planes occupied by at least six satellites in each plane. Today, satellites are broadcasting up to four civilian signals. The original civilian frequency is known as L1, 1.57542 gigahertz. The latest version of this signal is called L1C. With older satellites still in orbit, both the L1 and the L1C signals are being broadcast on this frequency. Counterintuitively, L1 and L1C are considered the first and fourth GPS signals. More...

The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation recently announced the names of the individuals who were awarded scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year. The scholarship recipients are students pursuing a career in avionics or aircraft maintenance, as well as students from AEA member companies. Individuals interested in one or more of these scholarships may download an application after Oct. 1, 2023, by visiting aea.net/scholarship. The deadline to submit applications for the 2024-25 academic year is April 1, 2024. Congratulations to each of the recipients, and you can learn more about these individuals in Avionics News. More...

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency 2023 Annual Safety Review is now online. The 2023 edition looks at the safety performance of the European aviation system in 2022.

According to EASA, this, and other analyses carried out by EASA in collaboration with the national aviation authorities and industry, is used to support the decision-making that is reflected in the European Plan for Aviation Safety. Therefore, where risks are identified, further analysis is performed and when needed, mitigation actions are included in the EPAS. This is a continual workstream as part of the European Safety Risk Management Process. More...

Aviation Design and Supply was founded in 2023 by a team of visionary avionics professionals and electrical engineers with over 75 years of combined experience in the industry. Its mission is to revolutionize general aviation by making it easier for clients to install and maintain their avionics systems with autopilot installation hardware kits, tail number specific custom avionics engineering packages, and work management software. ADS President Jaramey Ham shares the company’s fast track to success in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems. Subscribe and listen via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podbean or Spotify. Listen...

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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (6 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...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (3 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. Register Now...

Inflight Connectivity Foundations (15 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 inflight connectivity system installations and maintenance. This eight-hour training enables aircraft technicians and operators to gain understanding of the basic airborne networks, IFC systems, and the services they provide. 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...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (8 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 (8 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 (12 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...

Certified Repair Station Training (14 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 (15 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 (15 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.