The second of three AEA Regionals in the United States this year gets underway Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel. 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 training schedule and list of exhibitors for the Central Regional, click here.

Garmin announced it will expand its portfolio of G5000 integrated flight deck retrofit upgrades to include the Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2 aircraft. According to Garmin, the G5000 integrated avionics suite modernizes the cockpit with additional capabilities, reduces operational costs, increases situational awareness of the flight crew and solves long-term concerns related to legacy avionics parts obsolescence.

“The G5000 upgrade program for the Citation Excel and XLS has transformed more than 120 aircraft since its certification in 2019, bringing significant technology and financial benefit to operators around the globe," said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. "We look forward to expanding this program to include the Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2, bringing the same advanced avionics capabilities and lower operating costs to more Citations in the fleet.” More...

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and True Blue Power hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the company's 28,000-square-foot facility expansion. Company executives, employees and local officials took part in the event at its headquarters in Wichita, Kansas.

First announced in July 2023, the large-scale expansion will provide additional space for Mid-Continent’s growing battery and avionics manufacturing facilities, in-house design, testing capabilities, and engineering capabilities. The plans accommodate substantial personnel growth in all areas and will significantly increase global market share. Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics has worked closely with Alloy Architecture to design the addition. Alloy designed the company’s original building in 1997. More...

Aircraft Electronics Association repair shop owners know L3Harris Technologies for its general aviation avionics and its longtime membership in the association, but few probably know the company also makes space-qualified avionics about to put American astronauts back on the moon.

L3Harris has been providing products to NASA since the early days of the space program from Mercury to Gemini to Apollo followed by the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station and Mars missions. More...

For now 27 years and counting, veteran repair station owner Ronny Salamon has been helping customers enhance the value of owning and operating their airplanes, all directly from the cockpit. In part, his efforts have involved addressing the seemingly complex mysteries of avionics, resolving issues with finicky electronics, and verifying and certifying required instruments and related equipment.

Today, Salamon is consumed with assisting operators in retrofitting new instrument panels into their aircraft, thereby making new the capabilities and functionality of airframes with time to spare. Avionics services are a win-win for the pilot and aircraft operator, putting more tools in the places they need them the most.

With today’s frenzied focus on the electronic cockpit, nearly every pilot-owner has some amount of wanderlust for a glinting new glass cockpit. Digital instrumentation for pilots has progressed lightyears since the pre-silicon era of analog gauging and assessment. More...

Rugged fiber optic cables that send data at the speed of light throughout military and commercial aircraft and naval ships are capable of withstanding harsh operating environments. They’re field tested to withstand extreme conditions, including high impact, vibration, temperature, humidity, ice, fluid, fungus, even rodents.

“These aren’t your backyard fiber optics,” said Brice Wilson, lead aviation instructor for KITCO Fiber Optics.

What many people don’t realize is that fiber optic cabling isn’t a one-size-fits-all design. The fiber and its connectors come in different types and styles, depending on use. More...

It wasn’t that long ago – 2019, to be precise – when the Federal Aviation Administration originally accepted the AEA’s petition to recognize ASTM’s Aircraft Electronics Technician certificate as equivalent to formal training to show eligibility for the issuance of a technician’s repairman certificate.

“The AET certification and its endorsements are an important element in promoting technicians’ careers in avionics and developing a workforce with a culture of quality, safety and excellence,” explained William Tramper, president of Tramper Avionics. “We all benefit from well-trained technicians who take pride in everything they do, and that is exemplified by their dedication to their craft though achieving these certifications.”

Granted, it’s still early in the AEIT’s history, but it’s already gaining considerable momentum among avionics shops and manufacturers.

“Avionics technicians who have earned the AEIT endorsement have proven they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities they need and are receiving recognition for their achievements,” Tramper said. “AEA member shops benefit as well. Shop managers can easily assess job candidates simply by knowing the applicant has the skills they need." 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...

Membership has its privileges. The AEA brings all ASTM aviation standards to the repair station members that need them for the continuing airworthiness of the general aviation fleet, from light-sport aircraft to the new Part 23 as well as the foundational maintenance of electrical wire interconnect systems for the legacy GA fleet. This unique partnership also includes access to standards for technician certification.

More information can be found on the AEA website with a member login and password. After connecting to the website, click on the button to access ASTM’s Compass. Once at the Compass site, you must register an account that will be set up under the AEA’s access. Once you are registered and logged in to Compass, you will be able to search for standards at no cost. More...

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...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (8 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 (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...

Certified Repair Station Training (8 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 (14 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 (6 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. Register Now...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (14 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 (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 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 (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. Register Now...

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. Register Now...

Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (13 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 (13 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.