Gogo to Acquire Satcom Direct by Year-End

On Sept. 30, Gogo Inc. and Satcom Direct announced entry into a definitive agreement under which Gogo will acquire Satcom Direct to create the only in-flight connectivity provider able to satisfy the performance and cost needs of every segment of the global business aviation and military/government mobility markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Satcom Direct will receive $375 million in cash and 5 million shares of Gogo stock at closing, and up to an additional $225 million in payments tied to realizing certain performance thresholds over the next four years.

“This transaction accelerates our growth strategies of expanding our total addressable market to include the 14,000 business aircraft outside North America, and delivering solutions that meet the needs of every segment of the BA market,” said Oakleigh Thorne, Gogo chairman and CEO. “Together, Gogo and Satcom Direct will offer integrated GEO-LEO satellite solutions that provide the highest performance of any satellite solution, along with the world-class customer support that the global heavy jet segment demands.” More...

Aircraft Maintenance: New FAA Interpretation

You may have heard the news or read various articles about a “new” legal interpretation about the supervision of individuals. It is colloquially called the Moss interpretation because it was in response to a question from Jonathon Moss, the manager of the Little Rock Flight Standards Office.

The fundamental question asked was whether the phrase “in person” under 14 CFR § 43.3(d) allowed for remote supervision through Zoom, FaceTime, live feed TV, photographs, downloadable video, or other electronic means. In answering the question, the FAA legal office went to great extent to define and describe the phrase “in person.” There are a few elements of this discussion that need to be clarified. More...

AEA Central Regional Begins Thursday in Oklahoma City

Approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators will come together for two days of training, networking and professional development at the AEA Central Regional this week. The two-day event takes place Oct. 10-11 at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel 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...

Metrea Adds Peregrine Avionics

On Sept. 26, Metrea announced the addition of Peregrine Avionics LLC, to be known as Metrea Aerospace Design. According to a statement, Metrea Aerospace Design will work with Metrea’s existing engineering capabilities and maintenance, repair and overhaul stations in Oklahoma and Tampa, enhancing Metrea’s ability to design, develop

and modify manned assets, improving “time-to-theatre” and the capacity to spirally develop new air assets. Metrea Aerospace Design’s rich market exposure will also enhance Metrea's ability to anticipate, understand, and address unique opportunities and challenges affecting mission partners. More...

Did You Know?

AEA membership includes engineering divisions, ODAs, DAOs and other delegates

Working in the aircraft certification field takes a level of knowledge and experience beyond basic engineering skills. In fact, the term “delegate” is used generically by many civil aviation authorities around the word in the context of moving some of the authorities’ responsibilities to outside entities. Delegates qualify for AEA associate membership as a service provider. To learn more about the important role delegates play in the aviation industry, why become a delegate, and how the AEA supports delegates, click here.

GPS Spoofing

Hard to spot, dangerous and here to stay

Incidents of GPS spoofing and jamming in or near conflict zones and other areas are on the rise, and spoofing can be much more dangerous for civil aircraft operations than jamming. Spoofing and jamming reports started in the Middle East, spread to the Black Sea region, Eastern/Northern Europe including Finland, and now near airports in Seoul and Beijing as well as all of Myanmar and sporadic encounters in central Asia.

GPS spoofing can cause GPS receivers to fail, resulting in degraded navigation capability. Since many airplane systems receive their information from these receivers, additional failures of other critical systems such as the GPS clock, weather radar, ADS-B, terrain warning systems and others may follow. Getting a terrain warning flying at 40,000 feet can be disconcerting to say the least. The flight management computer can also receive erroneous data from the GPS, so it may display incorrect and confusing information to the pilots. More...

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...

Synergy in Action

In Synergy Flight Center’s expansive maintenance hangar, an Embraer 300 jet sits alongside a twin-engine Cessna 414, Grumman American AA-5B and a couple of Cirrus SR22s. Brightly colored aircraft panels, scissor lifts and toolboxes pop against the pristine white floor.

It’s a typical day for sure. The service center’s team of 15 experienced factory-trained maintenance and avionics technicians exude a sort of choreographed vibe, moving with ease between projects on the light jets, turboprops and piston-twins operated by businesses and the smaller general aviation aircraft flown by the area’s recreational flyers. The technicians handle each with extra care, knowing the aircraft embody significant monetary and emotional investments from their respective owner-operators. More...

OEM-Dealer Relations

AEA announces results of 2024 dealer survey

From its very beginnings, the Aircraft Electronics Association was founded on the OEM-dealer relationship, and the strength of that relationship has always been important to the industry. Since 2022, the AEA Member Relationships Committee has surveyed dealers about their relationships with general aviation OEMs to gain insight into the state of these relationships, and to help identify how the AEA can support members to better succeed in their businesses.

This year’s AEA dealer survey asked shops to rate their relationships with OEMs, including their satisfaction with OEM communications and responsiveness on topics ranging from sales to support. The dealers participating in the 2024 survey were represented primarily by those in the role of owner/principal (53%) and executive/general manager (29%). Additionally, those companies employed 22 people on average. The dealer survey results reveal several potential areas for improvement that OEMs can begin considering right now to improve their customer service and business relationships with dealers. More...

AEA Amplified Podcast:

How do pilots locate avionics shops through iFlightPlanner?

Private pilots and corporate operators now have the added benefit of easily locating AEA member companies through iFlightPlanner. This new service will help thousands of pilots find an avionics shop in the United States through iFlightPlanner’s web-based platforms, including iFlightPlanner for AOPA, and mobile apps for iOS. The collaboration is expected to expand to additional countries in the future. Andy Matthews, co-founder of iFlightPlanner, has the details in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

Gogo Business Aviation’s dealers have contracted to complete 25 STCs covering an extensive list of aircraft makes and models for Gogo Galileo HDX.

Duncan Aviation recently completed a paint and interior refurbishment of a Gulfstream G200 at its full-service facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. The company also celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Pratt & Whitney Canada Designated Overhaul Facility.

Fargo Jet Center announced the grand opening of its $25 million, 112,000-square-foot hangar and office complex at Fargo’s Hector International Airport.

West Star Aviation announced plans for the construction of a new hangar at its full-service Grand Junction MRO facility.

Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems entered into a partnership with Gogo Business Aviation and Peregrine, recently acquired by Metrea Aerospace, to develop an STC for Gogo’s Galileo HDX global high-speed internet system for King Air 200 and 300 series aircraft.

Trimec Aviation is developing an STC in response to strong demand for Gogo Galileo HDX for the Gulfstream G200.

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 Green Mountain Avionics, More...
• Avionics Technician at King Aerospace Commercial Corp., More...
• Avionics Quoting Specialist at Maloney Services Group, More...
• Avionics Technician at Aerotronics Inc., More...

AEA Central Regional

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

October 10-11, 2024

This event is at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel. More...

NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition

Las Vegas, Nevada

October 22-24, 2024

The world of business aviation comes together at NBAA-BACE to see the latest aircraft, review innovations for the flight deck, and hear from aviation and business leaders about the future of the industry. More...

AEA Europe Regional

Copenhagen, Denmark

November 12-13, 2024

AEA members in Europe should make their hotel reservations by October 11 at the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel. More...

NATA Aviation Business Conference

Nashville, Tennessee

November 13, 2024

This annual industry reunion will provide a final chance to prepare for new opportunities and get ahead of challenges in the coming year. Join NATA, industry experts, thought leaders, and key aviation business decision-makers representing various sectors of the GA community, including FBOs, airports, air charter operators, MROs, and AAMs/UAMs, to create connections and foster open discussion on a range of key industry topics. 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...

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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (7 seats remain)

October 14-16, 2024

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 (5 seats remain)

October 16, 2024

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 (8 seats remain)

October 17-18, 2024

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 (3 seats remain)

October 23-25, 2024

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...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (5 seats remain)

October 28, 2024

Virtual-live course

Risk management is a vital element of any successful business. Whether driven by best practices or responding to a regulatory requirement, the AEA has your solution. Leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership, the AEA developed a proprietary SMS program designed specifically for maintenance organizations. This program is currently used on every continent. The AEA has been coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada Civil Aviation, as well as discussions with the Australian government's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, for future acceptance. Register Now...

Introduction to DO-160 Qualification (9 seats remain)

October 29-30, 2024

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This course is designed to equip professionals with essential insights into RTCA DO-160, a cornerstone standard dictating test criteria and methodologies crucial for ensuring the operational integrity of systems and equipment within the aircraft environment. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (10 seats remain)

November 1, 2024

Virtual-live course

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)

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 (13 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...

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.