Oct. 14, 2020
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
AEA Scholarship Applications Now Available Online
The Aircraft Electronics Association will award 23 scholarships totaling more than $100,000 for the 2021-22 school year to students pursuing a career in avionics 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. Numerous awards are available, ranging from $1,000 to more than $35,000 each. Scholarship applications are available online, and the deadline to submit an application is April 1, 2021. More...
Avionics Professionals to Connect in Kansas City
The AEA Central Connect Conference is set for Oct. 19-20 in Kansas City, Missouri, and the AEA staff is looking at every way to make attending as safe as possible. By going touchless, we can help assure you have a safe check-in and speed through the registration area. Register online in advance and save $50 over on-site fees, as well.

Just as the AEA did last month in Naples, the association is excited to welcome those who have already registered, and the response has been fantastic. This event will deliver training, networking and a positive path forward for our industry. Come learn the latest technical information from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. Explore new products, their application, certification and installation while satisfying your repair station training requirements.

See the updated schedule for more information, a list of exhibiting companies, along with a list of major OEMs and their technical training topics and product information sessions. More...
ALTO Aviation Introduces New System Master Controller at AEA East Connect Conference
ALTO Aviation recently expanded its cabin solutions product line of systems interfaces and controllers by introducing its new ALTO System Master Controller (SM-1070) at the AEA East Connect Conference during the OEM product information session, Sept. 23, in Naples, Florida.

According to the company, SM-1070 is an intuitive module designed with simplicity in mind to seamlessly link aircraft Cabin Management System components with various communication protocols together; the unit has been engineered in-house by ALTO Aviation cabin systems engineers to provide wireless remote control of components, via PED or touch screens, using the existing Wi-Fi or LAN system on board the retrofit aircraft. More...
Podcast: Thom Duncan Avionics Founder Shares His Shop’s Overnight Success Story
Thom Duncan, president of Thom Duncan Avionics in Fayetteville, Tennessee, has been fixing electronics since childhood. Since opening a shop at the Fayetteville Municipal Airport in December 2018, he has led a rapidly growing business that specializes in avionics for single- and twin-engine aircraft. Get to know one of aviation's technology experts in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Learn more about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies from industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts. Subscribe to AEA Amplified on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, iHeart Radio or Spotify. More...
NSS Conference Webinars: Making ADS-B Work
In November, the New Southern Sky Conference will be presented using a virtual platform for the first time to deliver a series of talks on "Making ADS-B Work." There will be global perspectives from the United States and Australia on lessons learned from their ADS-B transitions, best practice guidance for operators in New Zealand for its ADS-B transition, plus an ADS-B Grant Scheme update and Q&A.

Don't miss this one-off opportunity to enhance your understanding of ADS-B and what it means in New Zealand. To register your interest and receive an invite to these Microsoft Teams events, email lorcan.byrne@caa.govt.nz. More...
AEA Silent Auction: Happening Now - Online
All Proceeds Benefit the AEA Educational Foundation
There’s always a deal to be found at the AEA’s silent auction. We missed all the avionics professionals in Nashville where the AEA Educational Foundation would have hosted its annual silent auction loaded with gadgets, goodies and high-tech toys. A number of longtime supporters have shown their commitment to continue the tradition, and now all we need is YOU to login and do a little online shopping!

Between now and 10 p.m. CDT on Oct. 30, bid on your favorite item(s). Once the auction has ended, the AEA will contact the winning bidders for payment and then the item(s) will be shipped directly to you.

The annual silent auction is the single-largest fundraising activity for the AEA Educational Foundation and helps support a variety of outreach and education efforts to attract and train the next generation of avionics technology experts. Since 1990, the AEA Educational Foundation has administered scholarships for avionics and aircraft maintenance technicians and provided industry-leading technical training for AEA members. More...
PFC’s Flex Circuits Make Innovative Tech Possible
In the not-too-distant future, you could be wearing a special patch that tests for toxins, monitors your health, and lets you move effortlessly through security checkpoints and log on to and operate smart devices, equipment and vehicles. It’s a valuable bit of tech wizardry, especially if you work in an aircraft repair station, on an airfield, in a manufacturing facility, research station or medical setting. It’s possible that the experts at PFC Flexible Circuits just might be the ones who created the wearable flexible printed circuit boards at the heart of the system.

Headquartered in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, near Toronto, PFC manufactures and assembles flexible and rigid-flex printed circuit boards for a variety of products, especially those that involve compact, three-dimensional and complex designs. More...
Future is Bright for eVTOL and UAM
The aviation industry as a whole is deeply impacted by the COVID-19 global crisis. Manufacturers, airlines, repair stations, and others in the industry are facing historic layoffs as much of the world simply stops moving.

Meanwhile, the fledgling segment of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturing and urban air mobility companies are striving to progress toward mid-decade aircraft certification and operational goals. More...
Aviation Ace: Joaquin “Jay” Salazar of LB Aircraft Engineering
At LB Aircraft Engineering across from Miami International Airport in Florida, founder Joaquin “Jay” Salazar is well known in the industry for creating innovative solutions for Part 25 aircraft. He’s traveled the world, working on aircraft and installing electronic systems, performing test flights and certification. From commercial airliners to military aircraft, he’s tackled big projects for big clients.

Salazar recently developed the Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certificate for a satellite landing system installation on the Boeing 737 Classic aircraft as well as additional STCs for an ADS-B installation on the Boeing 777/757/737 and MD-80 aircraft. More...
AEA Webinars – On Demand
Join more than 1,000 AEA members who have already streamed or downloaded these free regulatory webinars to help train their staff or continue their own professional development. Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, brings his vast years of experience and expertise to conduct a series of regulatory webinars essential to repair station and business operations.

In addition to providing relevant content, these courses include direct questions from the audience answered in real time. If you are looking to stay up-to-speed, AEA members may login with their member password to watch these sessions on your desktop or mobile device at AEA.net/webinars.

  • Transponder Testing
  • Aircraft Wiring Inspections
  • Change Management
  • Root Cause Analysis 
  • Managing Risk 
  • Repair Station Contract Maintenance 
  • Human Factors in Maintenance 
  • Flight Data Recorders and the Mexican Mandate 
  • ASTM's Compass 
  • The Ins & Outs of Drug & Alcohol Program Management 
  • Classifying Alterations for In-service Aircraft 
  • AEA Safety Management System 
  • Part 145: How to Implement and manage a Repair Station Capability List 
  • Beyond ADS-B Installations: Continued Airworthiness 
  • FAA Drug & Alcohol Inspection Items: Be Prepared for Your Next Audit 
  • Part 43: The Business of Aircraft Maintenance More...
Request Your FREE AEA Pilot’s Guide
The AEA Pilot’s Guide is a consumer’s directory loaded with educational articles, timely information and data about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies. In addition to a complete directory of AEA-member government-certified repair stations, avionics manufacturers and distributors located in more than 40 countries, the publication features educational articles to help pilots and aircraft owners make better buying decisions. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last. More...
AEA's Pilot's Guide Showcase Spotlights the Latest Avionics Innovations for Consumers
In addition to unveiling the 2020-21 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide, the AEA introduced its Pilot's Guide Showcase, an all-new digital stage highlighting everything from features and functions of the latest avionics equipment to the installation and service available from AEA member repair stations.

Located at PilotsGuideShowcase.net and specifically designed for avionics consumers such as general aviation pilots and aircraft owners, the digital platform features product demonstrations, how-to videos, select tutorials via recorded flight demonstrations and spotlights AEA's network of technology experts. More...
On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
AEA U.S. Central Connect Conference
Kansas City, Missouri
Oct. 19-20, 2020
Join shop owners, managers and lead technicians for the latest regulatory and technical training at the Hilton Kansas City Airport. Advance registration is open for individuals to attend and for companies to exhibit. More...
FAA International Rotorcraft Safety Conference
Virtual Event
Oct. 27-29, 2020
Registration is open for the FAA's first virtual International Rotorcraft Safety Conference to explore ways to reduce the national and international helicopter accident rate. Leaders from the FAA's Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards Services will open the conference, followed by programs for the entire helicopter community. More...
North Dakota Aviation Career Expo
Fargo, North Dakota
Oct. 30, 2020
This in-person event takes place at the Fargo Air Museum and is targeted at high school and college students (ages 16-22). The focus is to introduce young people to the vast array of career opportunities within the aviation industry. The Expo consists of industry leaders, exhibitors, aircraft displays, guest speakers, and of course – scholarships. More...
NBAA Virtual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
Dec. 2-3, 2020
VBACE will be the first, completely immersive online business aviation trade show. The two-day event is free for NBAA members to attend and will incorporate many of the traditional elements of NBAA’s live events, including over 200 virtual 3D exhibit booths, two keynotes, press conferences, education sessions and more. More...
Sun ‘n Fun Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show
Lakeland, Florida
Dec. 4-5, 2020
The two-day fly-in/drive-in event will include numerous aircraft displays, a large airplane and car show, plus food vendors, live music, and many other activities, held on the Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Admission is free, parking is $20 per vehicle, and proceeds will benefit Sun ‘n Fun’s Aerospace Center for Excellence STEM education programs. More...
AEA International Convention & Trade Show
Dallas, Texas
March 15-18, 2021
Aviation's technology experts will convene for the 64th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. Avionics professionals will have access to more than 100 hours of technical training and professional development courses. More...
HAI HELI-EXPO
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 22-25, 2021
Looking for your next aircraft, vendor, mentor, job, or professional development or employment opportunity? You’ll find them all in New Orleans with endless networking and hundreds of education courses with 18,000 industry professionals and 700 exhibitors. More...
$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge
Attention avionics technicians! How well do you think you know your avionics inside and out? New and old? Then put your knowledge to work.

What is the product make and model shown in this image?

The first individual who submits the correct answer will be awarded a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, and the winner will be announced in the next edition of AEA Wired.

In addition, each award recipient in 2020 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card at the end of the year, also from Southeast Aerospace. Email your answer...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
NEW COURSE! Developing an Internal Audit Program for Repair Stations (10 seats remain)
Oct. 22-23, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course focuses on the basics of internal auditing and the development of an internal audit program, providing the tools and methods necessary to meet the international regulatory needs as well as the continuous improvement of the repair station. Are you an EASA certified repair station? Did you know there is an internal audit requirement in your EASA supplement? Do you have foreign certifications that require an internal audit program? Is your FAA inspector asking you about an internal audit program during their surveillance? Do you want to enhance your basic quality control program with a proactive internal audit program? If you answered yes to any of the questions, this course is designed for you.
Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (5 seats remain)
Nov. 2-4, 2020
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.
ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (10 seats remain)
Nov. 5, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 Training (8 seats remain)
Nov. 6, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
Certified Repair Station Training (6 seats remain)
Dec. 7-11, 2020
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 attend. This program will review the regulations applicable to a U.S.-certificated repair station engaged in maintenance, preventive maintenance and alterations of U.S.-registered aircraft, components or accessories.
News from AEA Member Companies
True Blue Power announced Finnoff Aviation Products has selected the company’s TB44 (46 amp-hour) main ship battery for a lithium-ion battery supplemental type certification kit, available on Pilatus PC-12, PC-12/45 and PC-12/47 single-battery aircraft. An amendment to include dual-battery aircraft is currently in progress.

FlightSafety International now offers training for the Gulfstream G280 aircraft at its Learning Center in Wilmington, Delaware.

Southeast Aerospace was awarded the Garmin 2019 Platinum Award for Elite Performance.

Avidyne Corp. announced that Europe’s popular SkyDemon Flight Planning Software is now compatible with the IFD Series of FMS/GPS/NAV/COMs. Avidyne also announced the completion of a full-stack Avidyne avionics upgrade for the Pilatus PC-12 by Servicios Aereos Montre (S.A.M.) of Monterrey, Mexico. The retrofit installation includes Avidyne IFD550 and IFD540 FMS/GPS/NAV/COMs, plus dual AXP322 Mode S ADS-B Out transponders and AMX240 Audio Panel.

Garmin announced that Tom Carr, its director of flight operations and chief test pilot, received the Society of Experimental Test Pilots’ 2020 Iven C. Kincheloe Award for his outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing. Garmin also introduced the D2 Air, its latest GPS smartwatch for the modern pilot with powerful aviation capabilities and a new touchscreen design that can be worn 24/7. Garmin also announced its pilot training opportunities through June 2021 will be transitioning to an entirely virtual learning format. Garmin also announced an update for the GI 275 electronic flight instrument has been granted STC approval by the FAA and is available immediately through select authorized Garmin dealers.

L3Harris Technologies was selected by BAA Training to supply eight new flight training devices to further support BAA Training’s expansion program. L3Harris will install the new FTDs at BAA Training’s locations across Europe and Asia from 2021. The agreement builds on the purchase of full flight simulators announced in March 2020. Also, L3Harris and Truth Data signed an agreement to improve helicopter aviation safety by promoting helicopter flight data monitoring. Truth Data will utilize L3Harris’ scalable flight data analysis platform and benchmarking capabilities to enable customers to better identify safety issues and reduce risks.

Becker Avionics was awarded a Part 23 STC for the installation of the AMU6500 Audio Panel. The STC covers the Piaggio P.180 Series aircraft (Avanti II and Avanti EVO).

DAC International, an ALL CLEAR company, appointed Mark Francetic as the West Coast regional sales manager for the United States and Canada.

Robotic Skies and AeroVironment Inc. are partnering to provide field maintenance, inspection and repair support for AeroVironment customers.

Pentastar Aviation announced its Stage 1 registration under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling, which is developed by the International Business Aviation Council and the National Air Transportation Association and is a set of global industry best practices for business aviation ground handlers.

JetSupport, in partnership with PAL Aerospace, was awarded a contract to provide and support maritime surveillance aircraft and services for the Netherlands Coastguard.

WS Technologies Inc. is celebrating 20 years in operation. The company was founded in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, in 2000. WST designs and manufactures testing and monitoring equipment serving the emergency locator beacon industry.

Collins Aerospace is extending the availability of its LuxStream connectivity service to the Bombardier Global Series of aircraft. Q.C.M. design Switzerland has achieved its STC with the EASA and the FAA to install the KuSAT-2000 SATCOM network system on Bombardier’s Global 5000, 6000 and XRS.

Avmax Canada recently leased one CRJ-200LR msn 7391 to GRA – Global Reach Aviation of Denmark. This is Avmax’s first aircraft placement with this specialist Danish charter operator.
Cutter Aviation appointed Kyle Vitzthum as the regional maintenance sales manager for its Phoenix, Arizona, and Denver, Colorado, locations.

FreeFlight Systems announced that a recent field study has shown the 1203C SBAS/GNSS receiver unit to be one of the world’s most reliable devices in its class. The company found that this unit is substantially outperforming its originally predicted mean time between failure in real-world applications. FreeFlight Systems also announced a certified, permanently installed ADS-B In Receiver that operates on both the 978 MHz and 1090 MHz bands. FreeFlight’s latest Datalink system will receive air traffic information directly from other aircraft, allowing for improved situational awareness by reducing reliance on ground and radar stations. The company will have a webinar on Nov. 18 to share additional capabilities.

Duncan Aviation marked the 20th anniversary of the first mobile engine Rapid Response Team located at Dallas Love Field.

Elliott Aviation announced the addition of multiple Lear models to its Wi-Fi STC ST03292CH. The FAA STC covers the activation and use of Wi-Fi products and allows for blanket approval of the activation of newer Wi-Fi bands like AC. The new models include all variants of the Lear 60, 55, 36, 35, 31, 29, 28, 25, and 24. In addition to the Lear models, the new STC applies to the Hawker 750. Also, Elliott Aviation has delivered the first of 23 TBM 940’s with HomeSafe Autoland. The company was selected by Daher as the exclusive retrofitter in the U.S. for the recently certified Garmin HomeSafe Autoland feature in the TBM 940.

Satcom Direct unveiled the completed upgrade to its Network Operations Center at SD World Headquarters in Melbourne, Florida.

Astronics Corp. announced that a supplemental type certificate was approved for its Max-Viz 1400 Enhanced Vision System on DC 10-30 air tankers. Astronics also announced that an amended STC was approved for the Max-Viz 2300 Enhanced Vision System covering multiple Bell helicopter models, including 212, 412 and Bell 412EPI aircraft.

CCX Technologies opened a new office in New Jersey to serve the U.S. market and provide in-country product and sales support. Located at George Walker Field in Bedminster, the office is a key milestone in the company’s growth strategy.

uAvionix was granted a new patent critical to safe and secure integration of unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace systems. U.S. Patent 10,733,894, titled "Direct-Broadcast Remote Identification Device for Unmanned Aircraft Systems" addresses the need for direct air-to-air transmission of UAS identification information without requiring intermediary infrastructure such as cellular, satellite or internet connectivity.

Honeywell’s 29th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook forecasts up to 7,300 new business jet deliveries worth $235 billion from 2021 to 2030, down 4% in deliveries from the same 10-year forecast a year ago. Despite the dip, 4 of 5 business jet operators in the survey indicate that purchase plans have not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Short-term reductions in both deliveries and expenditures due to the pandemic aren’t expected to have a lasting impact on the business jet industry, according to the report.

West Star Aviation accepted the Platinum Award from Garmin for Elite Performance in 2019. It was the first time West Star has been awarded this honor. West Star Aviation also promoted Todd Rasch to quality/accountable manager at the East Alton, Illinois, facility.

VIH Aerospace named Jeff Norie president and chief executive officer, effective Oct 1, 2020.

Rosen Aviation LLC was selected by Design et-al (Chester, United Kingdom), the publishing body that hosts the prestigious International Yacht & Aviation Design Awards each year, as a finalist in the “Cabin Design – Concept” category for the 2021 awards show for its work on The Maverick Project.

SmartSky Networks announced that mobile broadband communications technology executive David Helfgott has been named CEO, reflecting the company’s upcoming transition from the development and deployment stage to an operational aviation broadband communications services and products company.

Metro Aviation recently delivered an H135 T3H to Collier County’s Emergency Medical Services program. PAC International, a subsidiary of Metro Aviation, recently completed and delivered an upgraded Bell 407 to Haiti Air Ambulance, a provider of emergency medical helicopter services in Haiti. 

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the fourth Gulfstream G700 test aircraft has taken flight, further expanding the certification program for the industry’s new flagship.

Broward College named Johan Alvarez district director for the avionics program.
AEA Opens the Door to Your Future: AEA.net/Jobs
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. Are you up to the challenge? More...
Need to Post a Job? The AEA Works for You!
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 government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.
Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
Email: info@aea.net
Web: aea.net 
Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
Email: rachelh@aea.net

The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.