The Aircraft Electronics Association released its third-quarter 2023 Avionics Market Report. In the first nine months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to more than $2.4 billion as reported by the participating companies. During the third-quarter months of July, August and September, sales increased 9.9% compared to the same time frame one year ago. Although third-quarter sales decreased 1.1% sequentially from the second quarter of 2023, the more than $814 million in sales during the third quarter marked the second-highest quarterly sales volume in the history of the report and is only surpassed by the previous quarter.

The figure represented a 15.9% increase in total sales compared to the first nine months of 2022, which was driven by a 26.2% increase in forward-fit sales compared to the same time frame one year ago. Also of note, quarterly forward-fit sales topped $400 million for only the fourth time in the history of the report.

"The industry continues to produce robust forward-fit sales," said AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson. "However, the retrofit market has grown only 3.6% year-over-year in sales. Even with persistent challenges in the supply chain, avionics manufacturers have done an extraordinary job managing issues and report improvement in product lead times compared to last year. While it's encouraging that more products are able to get to market, we still face capacity issues due to workforce needs. Our members report their backlogs continue to increase as their need for technicians grows." More...

Registration has opened for the 67th 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 2024. The event will take place March 19-22, 2024, at Marriott's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Attendees must register by Dec. 31, 2023, to receive the early-bird discount price of $695 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $230 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...

The AEA's Ric Peri authored a thought-provoking commentary in this month's View from Washington column in Avionics News. According to Peri: "The public perception of aviation today is one of a system engaged in the transportation of large numbers of people and that aircraft are simply the vehicles used by this system. While not focused on urban transportation, commercial aviation meets the definition as a member of the mass transit community. Information provided by multiple sources indicate that, at any given time, there are approximately 500,000 people airborne on commercial airlines. This accounts for more than 4.5 million people flying daily and over 180 billion passengers annually...

"Our challenge is to break the stereotype of our mass transit cousins and promote the excitement of working in this emerging technology field and the appealing work-life balance that most of the general aviation industry provides. We do offer both exciting and appealing opportunities; some might even consider it sexy." More...

Why did the industry pause on the Federal Aviation Administration’s long-awaited MOSAIC NPRM? Contrary to what you may read on any active industry forum, it is not for the purpose of delaying the rule nor any self-serving purpose to squeeze more benefit for our represented businesses. MOSAIC promised to be a greater-good rule with benefits across the board bringing more new pilots into the industry along with new more-capable aircraft. Who doesn’t want that?

However, before the cork pops on the champagne and we hang the masterpiece in the museum, there are some details to go over; specifically, the amendment of nine separate regulations, including definitions, certification standards, maintenance standards, airman certification, operating rules and the certification of commercial operators. Our pause on an otherwise exciting rule for the industry gives us time to read through the voluminous stack of regulations impacted by this proposal and suggest fixes that protect its intent as well as the interests of those who have been flying and fixing legacy aircraft for decades. More...

AEA members should plan to attend an exclusive members-only webinar for an informative and educational session in which we will review the MOSAIC NPRM that proposes to amend nine separate, and not always related, regulations. This two-hour session will provide an overview of the FAA’s proposal and a thorough discussion on elements affecting the avionics industry. Sign up to participate with your AEA member login and password. Register Now...

With avionics delivering more sophistication and capabilities than ever, the need for increased and specialized training has become more necessary now than ever. And just because you can use your iPhone, don’t think you’re a master of your plane’s panel.

That is, of course, unless you’ve invested the time and effort to learn your avionics suite’s ins, outs, and WTFs. Or, better yet, have joined a growing number of pilots and taken advantage of the array of training offerings developed by Gary “GPS” (Guy in the Pink Shirt) Reeves and found exclusively at PilotSafety.org.

With more than 8,300 hours and two decades of CFI experience (he was also named the Federal Aviation Administration’s National CFI of the Year in 2019), Reeves’ goal with PilotSafety.org is to provide the highest level of real-world inspired situational instruction to IFR pilots flying the coolest new glass and digital avionics from Avidyne, Aspen, Garmin, L3Harris and other manufacturers. More...

Gogo Business Aviation aims to expand the use of its connectivity services by putting its 5G network and full service online in 2024 and adding broadband connections using OneWeb’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation for operations starting in the second half of next year. These and other initiatives are creating a bow wave of new installation work, including the fitting of Gogo’s new AVANCE connectivity platforms like the L5, L3 and SCS, which can use 5G with an added 5G LRU or OneWeb broadband with one of two new antennas.

“And Gogo’s link to OneWeb low Earth orbit satellite constellation is going to be the most disruptive global LEO satellite technology and service on the market,” said David Salvador, Gogo vice president of aftermarket channel, last spring at the AEA International Convention and Trade Show in Orlando. “This is because there is not another high-performance satellite solution out there that can be installed on everything from a King Air to a BBJ.” More...

Amid ongoing inflationary pressures and workforce challenges, approved maintenance organizations raised their service rates in the United States, Canada and the South Pacific, according to the 2023 AEA Rate and Labor Survey. Labor rates also rose across the board for avionics installers who are in high demand.

The annual AEA Rate and Labor Survey reports shop and labor rates by region, along with employee benefit/compensation package information, a profile of technician experience, regional employment demand and a business outlook perspective. The quick-glance layout allows owners and managers of approved maintenance organizations to easily compare their businesses to others in their regions of operation. AEA members may download the survey results with their member login and password. More...

Thanks to Sporty's, the value of AEA membership continues to grow, as members can now take 50% off the purchase of the following Sporty’s pilot training courses:

This exclusive AEA member offer will help you ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, become a better technician and a better pilot with Sporty’s pilot training courses. Each course has hours of 4K videos and animations to explain everything you need to know to earn your private pilot certificate and feel confident in the left seat. Combine that with powerful test prep tools, a comprehensive document library, and convenient app options, and you have aviation’s most complete training course. More...

Avionics technician Ben Koop has spent too many hours to count preparing for this next venture – Vero Avionics. In August, he opened the Transport Canada approved maintenance organization at Springbank Airport, a busy general aviation reliever west of Calgary, Alberta, in Canada, providing avionics installations, maintenance and repair for small fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

Koop began preparing early in the year while still at Aries Aviation International, working nights and weekends on the paperwork and writing the AMO manual. He anticipated it would take at least six months.

“I started the process in earnest in February 2023 and received Transport Canada approval in May; it came through much faster than expected,” said Koop, who has 11 years of experience in avionics, including at Rocky Mountain Aircraft and regional airline WestJet. “I continued working at Aries for a couple of months to give them the opportunity to find someone. It’s quite difficult to find good avionics technicians at the moment, and I didn’t want to leave them without help.” More...

Peregrine, a Denver-based aircraft certification service provider with over 14 years of supplemental type certificate development experience and an AEA member company since 2009, recently received its Organization Designation Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration. This designation allows Peregrine to develop and approve many types of STCs for Part 23, Part 25, Part 27 and Part 29 aircraft on behalf of the FAA.

David Rankin, Peregrine founder and ODA administrator, explains how this delegation allows the company to process engineering approvals on a streamlined, expedited basis and mitigate the effects of the FAA’s heavy workload and long lead times in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen Now...

The AEA Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2024-25 school year to students pursuing a career in aviation electronics 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, 2024. More...

The AEA recently announced a new membership health insurance benefit for members in the United States that can help keep you, your family, and even your business cost-effectively covered and healthy. The association has partnered with LIG Solutions to be able to offer exclusive health insurance and related coverage options, including major medical, short-term health plans, vision and dental plans, critical care coverage, life, and several different supplemental health options.

If you are a business owner looking for coverage options for your employees, there are solutions throughout the year with the LIG HRA group program. Call the LIG team at 800-306-0163 or visit LIGmembers.com/AEA to discuss coverage options for you, your family and business. 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...

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...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

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. Learn More...

AET Prep Course and Exam (13 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 (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...

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...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (11 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 (9 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 (13 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 (12 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 (11 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 (12 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 (14 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...

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.