AEA Scholarship Applications Available Online

Apply by April 1, 2025

The AEA Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2025-26 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, 2025. Apply...

Shop Talk:

How the repair station regulations support and encourage workforce development

Many avionics repair stations have been successful in recruiting, hiring and training their own technicians. However, in light of the many challenges facing the industry, this episode discusses hiring challenges, rules governing training, recency of experience and documentation, training programs, and the “Moss interpretation” on supervision. Air Sense Avionics President Brian Yablon leads a Q&A discussion with the AEA’s Ric Peri in this edition of “Shop Talk” on AEA Amplified. Listen...

Ask the Industry

In last month's industry poll question, 32% of survey respondents reported that their company has never invested time, money or attention to addressing workforce development efforts (i.e., implement an apprentice program; adjust wages for staff to exceed competitor pay; attend a recruiting event to find more staff; hire a recent graduate from an accredited aviation maintenance program; etc.). For those who have never made the investment, why haven't you?

UK Acceptance of FAA/EASA Maintenance Release

Transition period ends Dec. 31

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is reminding U.K. maintenance and repair organisations that dual EASA/FAA release forms issued after 31 December 2024, will no longer be accepted. U.S. repair stations supporting U.K. customers will need to apply for a U.K. Part 145 approval to continue supporting G-registered aircraft.

It is recommended that U.K. organisations contact their U.S. suppliers to check if they hold a U.K. Part 145 approval and encourage them to apply for one if they have not already. A U.K. Part 145 can be issued based on a FAR 145 approval through a simplified procedure. More...

AEA East Regional Begins Next Week in Jacksonville

Approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators will come together for two days of training, networking and professional development at the AEA East Regional in Jacksonville, Florida. The two-day event takes place Nov. 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and allows 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 in the exhibit hall; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business. More...

Podcast: Honeywell Projects Increased Demand for Biz Jets in Next 10 Years

Honeywell’s 33rd annual Global Business Aviation Outlook forecasts up to 8,500 new business jets worth $280 billion will be delivered over the next decade, an increase in value from last year’s survey forecast. The report noted that the five-year new jet purchase plans of business aviation operators surveyed remained on par with last year’s results, indicating that demand for new aircraft is stabilizing well above pre-pandemic levels. Get the Honeywell report’s key findings from Kevin Schwab in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

Early-bird Registration Open for 2025 AEA Convention

Register by Dec. 31 and save $235 per person

Registration has opened for the 68th 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 2025. The event will take place March 18-21, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Attendees must register by Dec. 31, 2024, to receive the early-bird discount price of $715 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $235 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...

FAA and Industry Advance Uncrewed Aviation

This year’s FAA Drone and AAM Symposium presented by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International in Baltimore in early August followed a year of what the FAA and the industry said was significant progress in getting drones accepted in the national airspace system and air taxis ready to operate.

For example, the FAA told conference attendees that Zipline International and Wing Aviation will be allowed to deliver packages at a key site in North Texas using a privately operated UAS traffic management system – or UTM – to keep their drones safely separated while flying below 400 feet. More...

Canandaigua Air Center

Avionics pros rule the quiet hours

At Canandaigua Air Center in western New York, the avionics magic happens at night. A team of three technicians work from 6 p.m. to midnight installing Garmin G3X flight displays, upgrading autopilots and radios, and testing and certifying transponders and pitot-static systems.

“In 2020, during the pandemic, we created a night shift to keep ourselves away from COVID-19,“ said avionics technician Dan Miller. “As an essential service, aviation was able to stay open. At the time, we didn’t know anything about the virus and how bad its effects were. The night shift let us take care of the aircraft while also staying safe.“ More...

Gogo Going Gangbusters With STC Programs

Along with the globalization of business aviation, connectivity providers like Gogo Business Aviation and their MRO partners are faced with providing installation solutions that are legal, or certified, around the world.

“Here in the U.S., the FAA will sometimes provide field approvals for certain equipment or when it’s a minor modification,” explained Shuaib Shahid, director of international sales for Gogo Business Aviation. “EASA and other international agencies don’t do that, so a full STC is required for foreign-registered aircraft. With a global system like Gogo Galileo, the FAA will not allow any field approvals because it is not a minor modification. So, we’ll obtain full FAA STCs, and that process will be consistent across the FAA and other international regulatory agencies.” More...

Did You Know?

Health coverage options available to AEA members in U.S.

A health insurance benefit for AEA members in the United States can help keep you, your family, and even your business cost-effectively covered and healthy. The association has partnered with LIG Solutions 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.

The open enrollment period is approaching and is the one time of year when everyone can get or make changes to their health coverage plans. Important dates include:

• Medicare annual enrollment: Now through Dec. 7, 2024
• Under 65 open enrollment: Now through Dec. 15, 2024
• Employer Coverage: Can be done at any time of the year depending on your current situation. More...

The View From Washington

Australia supports globalization

In his monthly Avionics News column, the AEA's Ric Peri writes: "As we wrapped up the 2024 AEA South Pacific Regional in late September, I was reminded of the impact this region has on the global aviation industry. The two major civil aviation authorities in this region, the Australian government’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, have long been supporters of the Aircraft Electronics Association and the industry. And, reciprocally, the AEA has been active in these regions since the first South Pacific Regional took place in Bankstown in 1998.

"Although you may not realize the value of the AEA’s globalization, the association supports the membership in 43 countries. While 13 of the member states are included in the European Union and are governed by the regulations of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the remaining 30 member states are distributed throughout the world. With few exceptions, the 31 regulatory structures align with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency or the Federal Aviation Administration. And while each country has its unique interpretations and implementation based on their requirements, fleet diversity, and operational needs, the foundational regulations are common." More...

Gogo Business Aviation announced that its Gogo Galileo HDX electronically steerable antenna, designed to provide access to low-Earth-orbit satellite networks for all sizes of business aircraft, has passed FAA-mandated DO-160 qualification testing.

Appareo released Stratus Power Max, the latest addition to its line of TSO-certified USB charging products.

Premier Aircraft has been appointed as an authorized dealer and service center for Garmin’s full line of avionics products.

Clay Lacy Aviation was awarded NATA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Five-Star Award for the 10th consecutive year. Also, the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority Board has awarded Clay Lacy Aviation a lease at the airport in Hailey, Idaho, serving Sun Valley and communities throughout the Wood River Valley to construct and operate an FBO on a 10-acre site. Clay Lacy Aviation also will redevelop 14 acres on the airfield at John Wayne Airport and establish the world’s first ISI Envision Gold Certified FBO.

West Star Aviation promoted Lee Smieja to Gulfstream program manager and Brent Ventosa to Embraer program manager at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, facility. Dan Sies was promoted to Falcon program manager at the East Alton, Illinois, facility.

Duncan Aviation was named the Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars 2024 VFW Employer of the Year, which honors a company that has demonstrated exceptional commitment in hiring and retaining veterans. Duncan Aviation also has been shortlisted for the 2024 Private Client Service Award by Spear’s Magazine.

Outerlink announced that Apollo Med Flight is installing the Outerlink IRIS system on its Bell 429 helicopter, operating at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

Metro Aviation placed a deposit-backed order for up to 20 electric vertical takeoff and landing ALIA VTOL aircraft manufactured by electric aerospace company, BETA Technologies.

Honeywell and Curtiss-Wright Corp. announced they have collaborated to develop a Honeywell Connected Recorder-25 cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder that is now available for applicable Boeing and Airbus commercial and cargo aircraft.

Featured Jobs: Look Who's Hiring

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the AEA jobs board is your one-stop resource. Search the AEA's job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available for job-seekers.

Here's a brief sampling of some of the outstanding opportunities currently listed:

• Avionics Technician at Metal Innovations, More...
• Avionics Technician at RCMP, More...
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) at Avionics 2000, More...
• Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) at Avionics 2000, More...
• Avionics Technician at Green Mountain Avionics, More...

AEA East Regional

Jacksonville, Florida

November 21-22, 2024

The sixth and final AEA Regional of the year takes place at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Make your hotel reservations by October 16. More...

Verticon

Dallas, Texas

March 10-13, 2025

This event is formerly known as HAI Heli-Expo. Be part of the world's largest vertical aviation conference and trade show at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. More...

AEA International Convention & Trade Show

Phoenix, Arizona

March 18-21, 2025

Register by Dec. 31, 2024, to receive the early-bird discount price of $715 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $235 per person savings off the on-site registration fee. More...

Women in Aviation International Conference

Denver, Colorado

March 27-29, 2025

Get ready to be energized by our inspiring keynote speakers, dive into professional development seminars, explore engaging education sessions, and discover exciting exhibits in the hall. More...

NBAA Maintenance Conference

Columbus, Ohio

April 29-May 1, 2025

See the latest innovations, tools and technology in aviation maintenance. This event provides vital education and networking opportunities for anyone involved in business aircraft maintenance – from technicians to directors of maintenance. More...

EBACE

Geneva, Switzerland

May 20-22, 2025

As the European Business Aviation Association takes full control of EBACE, the event is entering a new era – one that reflects its continued importance as the leading forum for business aviation across Europe. More...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (10 seats remain)

December 4-5, 2024

Virtual-live course

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...

Advanced Avionics Installation & Configuration (12 seats remain)

January 6-8, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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 touch-screen, 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...

SDR-OMNI Operations Training (15 seats remain)

January 8, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This half-day course is designed to provide avionics technicians with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure the TIC SDR-OMNI all-in-one avionics test set. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (15 seats remain)

January 9-10, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This two-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...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

January 13-17, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (10 seats remain)

January 27-29, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (15 seats remain)

January 29, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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 (15 seats remain)

January 30-31, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (9 seats remain)

February 5-7, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)

February 6, 2025

Virtual-live Course

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers and maintainers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 4.8% 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...

Request Your 2024-25 AEA Pilot's Guide

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2024-25 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide is now available upon request. This year marks the 22nd 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 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 by clicking here.

AeroCareers.net Offers Aerospace Career Paths

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...

Are You Hiring? List Your Openings

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.

About the AEA



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.