The FAA recently published the long-anticipated and often-discussed proposal to expand Light Sport Aircraft opportunities: Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. While there has been significant media attention regarding this proposal, the NPRM is wide-ranging, affecting everybody from airports to airmen. Affected by this proposal are 14 CFR Parts 1, 21, 22, 36, 43, 45, 61, 65, 91 and 119. The primary media attention has initially focused on Part 21, Certification Procedures for Products and Articles and the expansion of the aircraft that may be eligible for future certification as a Light Sport Aircraft; and Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors with the expanded authority of a sport pilot.

Lost in the current noise of celebration are the changes to Part 1, which has a direct effect on every segment of aviation, including airports and FBOs; the establishment of Part 22, which sets the certification foundation for all future “consensus standard”-based aircraft certifications; the expansion of the environmental standards applicable to the initial certification and modification of all LSA; slight changes to Parts 43 and 45; significant changes to Parts 61 and 91 on the pilot certifications and flight operations; a change from a prescriptive hour-based approach to qualifying LSA repairmen to a performance-based approach more in line with certificated mechanics; and the introduction of commercial space to Part 119. 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking to develop the next generation of aviation professionals through two grants aimed at creating a more diverse pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants fund programs that prepare people to be aviation maintenance technicians. In addition, the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants fund programs that educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. Representatives of eligible organizations can submit applications at www.grants.gov through Aug. 16, 2023.

Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $500,000 for each grant per fiscal year. Last year, the FAA awarded $10 million in grants to more than 20 schools and organizations.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant provides detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, evaluation criteria and application procedures. To ensure fair and open competition for the grants, answers to frequently asked questions will be posted on the FAA website at www.faa.gov/go/awd. Potential applicants should visit the site to review answers to frequently asked questions, eligibility requirements and guidelines that may assist them in completing their grant application. More...

The FAA's Flight Standards Service recently unveiled an unapproved parts notification. The affected products include Rockwell Collins Traffic Collision Avoidance System Transmitters/Receivers part number 822-1293-XXX (TTR-921) that are being sold by Aviation Parts LLC of Moscow, Russia, with counterfeit identification plates and subsequently distributed by various brokers in the United States.

FAA regulations require that all type-certificated products conform to their FAA-approved type design and be in a condition for safe operation. The FAA encourages aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and distributors to inspect their aircraft and/or aircraft parts inventory for any articles (i.e., parts) that have been distributed by Aviation Parts LLC of Moscow, Russia. If these articles are found within the existing inventory, the FAA recommends that they be quarantined to prevent installation until a determination can be made regarding their eligibility for installation or replaced with FAA-approved articles. 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...

Each year at the AEA Convention, one of the opening day’s events is the New Product Introductions, a series of presentations by avionics manufacturers, service providers, support organizations and many others, detailing what’s new in the avionics industry’s marketplace from the participating companies. On April 24 in Orlando, Florida, the 2023 edition of AEA’s NPI session featured 33 companies from around the world, updating their peers on the projects and breakthroughs they’ve worked on since last year. All 33 had something new, something of interest to the audience, and something of value to people in the industry or those shopping for the next big thing they’ll want in their aircraft.

Avionics News assembled a detailed summary of each company’s presentation and the latest news about their endeavors, a road map of what you can expect from the industry throughout the coming year. More...

When Bruce and Rae Botterman purchased the assets from a defunct aircraft window polishing and repair business in 1997, the couple set off on what has become a quarter century of steady growth and expansion. Today, based at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, NewView Technologies boasts 12 employees, another facility at nearby Appleton International Airport, and a broader vision of its services with the addition of aircraft maintenance and avionics retrofit solutions.

For the latter, the family-owned and -operated FAA-certified repair station services non-pressurized single- and twin-engine aircraft, primarily those manufactured by Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft and Cirrus. More...

Over the last 30 years, Robert Baltus’ work has touched virtually every corner of aviation – regional airlines management, charter operations, fractional ownership, aircraft management, pilot training and more. He even earned a commercial pilot license and was type-rated in a Boeing 737. Today, Baltus focuses his experience and expertise on advocating for business aircraft operators in Europe as chief operations officer for the European Business Aviation Association.

Based in Brussels, Belgium, EBAA represents the interests of business aircraft operators in Europe and has more than 700 members comprised of aircraft operators, manufacturers, airports, fixed-base operators and others, with a total fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft. More...

On July 31, the FAA named Kyle A. deCant as senior labor policy advisor. He will oversee strategic planning on labor issues and advise the agency’s acting administrator and deputy administrator. This is the first time the FAA’s front office will have a permanent position focused on these issues.

Prior to joining the FAA, deCant served as senior labor policy counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor. There he helped draft labor legislation including the Protecting the Right to Organize Act and worked on its passage twice in the House of Representatives. More...

Considered one of the AEA’s most vital missions is representing members in the regulatory arena. With an office in Washington, D.C., the AEA is your voice in FAA and worldwide regulatory matters. By serving on rulemaking committees and advisory boards, the AEA helps guide new and pending regulations. Your email inbox, AEA Wired, Avionics News and the AEA website are where to watch for continual news on regulatory and legislative issues.

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 Testing Fundamentals (5 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 (10 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 (5 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 (4 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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (12 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 (4 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 (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. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and 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. Register Now...

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. 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...

On July 13, the AEA hosted a members-only webinar that offered an overview from the FAA of ongoing work pertaining to ADS-B In and Out, including an update on regulatory work for allowing certification and use of ADS-B version 3 avionics.

As a follow up to this update from the agency, AEA members can now replay the webinar in its entirety and download the PowerPoint presentation on the AEA website with their member login and password. 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.

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.