NextOp is hosting a Hiring Veterans in Aviation Seminar, July 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time. This virtual event is in collaboration with the Aircraft Electronics Association and will provide an opportunity for AEA members to learn about hiring and retaining veteran talent, the unique experience veterans bring to the table, and how NextOp can assist companies through this process. This session will be followed by a Q&A portion, where attendees can engage with NextOp staff.

For more information, contact patrick@nextopvets.org. To register for this event, click here.

To help owners of general aviation aircraft modernize their cockpits, the Aircraft Electronics Association will randomly award five aircraft owners with $1,000 toward an avionics upgrade during the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Oshkosh, July 25-31, in Wisconsin.

Aircraft owners may enter to win one of the five $1,000 awards at booth No. 2035/2036 in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport, beginning July 25. The AEA will announce one winner each day from July 25 through July 29 via its social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Aircraft owners must be at least 18 years old to register to win. Each of the five winners must use an AEA-member avionics repair station to complete the installation. Each entry gives aircraft owners a chance to win one of the five daily drawings. For official rules and contest entry forms, visit the AEA's booth at AirVenture. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide will be unveiled with free distribution at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, July 25-31. AEA staff members will distribute thousands of complimentary copies to pilots and aircraft owners at the AEA's AirVenture booth, No. 2035/2036 in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport.

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...

Kent McIntyre, owner and president of Bevan Aviation in Wichita, Kansas, died July 5, 2022, at the age of 63. McIntyre purchased the company in 2003 from Bob Patterson after working for him for 14 years. He was the recipient of the AEA Member of the Year award in 2013, which was presented at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A memorial scholarship in his name has been established with the AEA Educational Foundation. Donations can be made to:

AEA Educational Foundation

c/o Kent McIntyre Memorial Scholarship

3570 NE Ralph Powell Rd.

Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

It's that time of year again, as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh takes place July 25-31 in Wisconsin. Man does not fly without support, and avionics and electronics are among the areas likely to see new products introduced as new or new-and-improved, with all the major players and enough minor players to have their own event. Veteran AirVenture attendees know to watch for the announcements from both tiers of avionics makers and service companies.

The spectrum of introductions typically covers everything from instruments and gauges for the homebuilders and full-spectrum integrated avionics suites for everything from the homebuilder and factory buyer, alike. But with most avionics makers playing the card for surprise, you’ll need to be there or read the daily feed of press announcements that will dominate the first three days. Engines, props and sundry other pilot gear will typically enjoy the spotlight with their own announcements, so stay tuned. More...

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.

The AEA Canada Connect Conference is set for Aug. 25-26, at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites. Advance registration is open for both attendees and exhibitors. More...

Put a bunch of avionics shop managers in a room, and sooner or later, the talk will turn to what they would do to “fix” the Federal Aviation Administration. Well, with the recent retirement of former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, this was a good time to give a cross section of avionics experts the chance to audition for the job.

Who knows, one of the answers may grab the attention of someone on Capitol Hill, and then things could truly get interesting. But remember the old proverb, “Be careful what you wish for.” More...

Experienced instrument flight rules pilots will likely say the only reliable tool for knowing where you do and don’t want to point the airplane is onboard weather radar. The good folks at Garmin recently upped their game with the introduction of the truly new-generation Doppler-enabled, GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar system.

Like so many Garmin products before it, the GWX 8000 introduces an array of features and functions that give pilots a significant upper hand when it comes to seeing and avoiding weather. But more importantly, it makes those features much easier to use. More...

In this month’s Theory & Practice column in Avionics News, we continue with the third installment of a four-part series describing basic autopilot theory. Over the preceding two months, we described autopilots used in the roll axis and the pitch axis.

This month, we examine the third axis, or the yaw axis. The system in this axis is known as a yaw damper because it prevents slipping or skidding in turns, and the system is connected to the rudder. More...

For nearly four decades, Rick Conner has helped aircraft operators with their avionics. He spent the last 34 years with Duncan Aviation, serving as an avionics technician, radar team leader, customer account representative and now as an avionics technical representative.

In his latest role, Conner works directly with aircraft operators who have technical and troubleshooting questions about their radar units and systems, which are often installed in Learjet, Cessna Citation and Dassault Falcon business jets. In between calls and emails with customers, Conner answered questions about his background in aviation, his role as a technical advisor and the common troubleshooting question he hears from operators. More...

The Aircraft Electronics Association is collaborating with NextOp to connect U.S. veterans and military members with career opportunities in the avionics industry. NextOp recruits, develops and places high-performing middle-enlisted (E-3 to E-7) leaders into industry careers.

For qualified candidates, NextOp employment coordinators will partner with enlisted service members and veterans through every step of the process until the individual finds, receives and accepts an offer of employment. For AEA businesses looking to hire, NextOp will support each company to develop and execute their veteran hiring and retention strategies.

Learn more from Patrick McManus, employment coordinator for NextOp, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (5 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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (sold-out)

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 (6 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, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (14 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. With so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know.

Basic Wiring & 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.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (21 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 (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.

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.