When you go, you’ll know. The AEA International Convention & Trade Show is where the avionics industry goes to get business done. Over the last two years, AEA members have been laser focused on equipment mandates and continuing to provide essential services to clients during a challenging business environment. During that time, the opportunity to truly connect has been missing. The AEA is about to change that: Join aviation's technology experts, June 22-25, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas.

With skies clearing and show business coming back to life, the AEA is excited to welcome the avionics community back together. AEA Dallas will provide the opportunity to make new connections, explore new products, learn from the experts and find out what the future holds. See the complete convention schedule online, then select discounted full registrations or daily registrations that fit your schedule and budget. More...

Gene Marks will be the keynote speaker at the opening session of the AEA Convention in Dallas, June 22. A former daily columnist for both the New York Times and Washington Post, Marks now writes weekly on small business, public policy and technology for The Guardian, The Washington Times, The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes (where he writes the popular "On CRM" column), Entrepreneur and Accounting Today. His columns reach thousands of readers each week, and he has an online following of more than 600,000 on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Marks has written six books on business management, specifically geared toward small- and medium-sized companies. His most recent is The Manufacturer’s Book of Lists. Marks has also written In God We Trust, Everyone Else Pays Cash, The Small Business Best Seller, The Streetwise Small Business Book of Lists, The Small Business Desk Reference, Outfoxing The Small Business Owner — Crafty Techniques for Creating a Profitable Relationship and The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Successful Outsourcing. He regularly appears on Fox News, Fox Business, MSNBC and CNBC. Marks also is a frequent guest on Sirius/XM’s Wharton Business Channel and The John Batchelor Show, which is syndicated nationally on the ABC Radio Network.

Through his keynotes, workshops, seminars and executive retreats, Marks helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies so they can make profitable decisions. More...

If you haven't already registered to attend the AEA Convention in Dallas, please do so by April 30 to save $180 per person off the on-site fee.

Don't miss the most important gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. It is the place to be for the introduction of new avionics products and services coming to market in 2021. Click here to register.

Does your company want to exhibit? Click here for an Exhibitor Prospectus.

When the avionics industry reunites at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, it will do so by following proven health guidelines and safety protocols that protect convention attendees and exhibitors. The AEA's special room rate is available until June 1, 2021, or until the room block is full.

Hilton Anatole

2201 Stemmons Freeway

Dallas, TX 75207

Phone: 800-445-8667 (Group Code: AEC)

Room Rate: $219 per night

The Aircraft Electronics Association unveiled the dates and locations for its 2021 AEA Connect Conferences in the United States. Online registration is available for both attendees and exhibitors. The annual AEA Connect Conferences are two-day events that personally connect general aviation industry professionals. The schedule is as follows:

The AEA continues to monitor travel restrictions and guidance from authorities around the world and will make a determination whether Connect Conferences can take place in Europe, Canada, and South Pacific. More...

Mari Byler has been working on one of the largest avionics projects to date in her Washington FAA-certified repair station – upgrading a Cessna 310 panel with an Avidyne IFD440 FMS/GPS/nav/comm and an L3Harris Lynx NGT-9000 transponder with an Aspen legacy Evolution 2000 system slated for later this year. Attaining the dealerships to make it all happen has been an exciting and challenging journey for the airframe and powerplant mechanic.

It began in late 2019 when Byler discussed her plans to become a Garmin dealer with Rod Richeson, also an A&P mechanic and a longtime customer. With inspection authorization, Byler routinely signs off on Richeson’s work.

“I told Rod that I wanted to start a Garmin dealership, and he said he wanted to be part of it,” Byler said. “We realized that if we combined our customers, it would be easier to fulfill the requirements for all of the things Garmin wanted us to buy in a year." More...

With new virtual live training, the AEA brings the classroom to you. Save travel and hotel expenses, log in anywhere, and continue your professional development with these new online courses:

Also, in-person training at AEA Headquarters continues to expand with several new courses. Join us online or in the classroom for any or all of these upcoming training courses. Continue your professional development, network with other shops, and learn in a true hands-on environment. Health and safety protocols are in place, and class size is limited. Register in advance to reserve your seat. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 43rd annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2020. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft.

Data from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:

The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Participation is voluntary, and everyone who is contacted is encouraged to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. If you have questions, contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.

Startup company leaders with aerospace engineering degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgia Tech talked at NBAA’s GO Virtual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in early December about some jaw-dropping new technologies they plan to turn into products and services.

The innovations include hydrogen-powered Dash 8s and ATR 42s and 72s, a 20-passenger Mach 5 aircraft, autonomous Cessna Caravans and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft carrying first responders to emergency scenes. Three out of four of these companies plan for their novel ideas to enter service in a few years time, but a Mach 5 airplane for civil and military use is an even more challenging project, and the aircraft won’t be developed until the end of the decade.

In an era when a private company is launching astronauts to the International Space Station and recovering three heavy-lift boosters back to Earth for reuse, it only makes sense for some trailblazers to tackle opportunities in the business and general aviation arena. Four of these types of projects were presented by leaders of the companies involved on an emerging technologies panel at VBACE. These projects are still progressing despite COVID-19, and many of these startup companies already had key people working from home before the pandemic hit. More...

When you think of commercial space operations, do you picture buying a ticket, gazing out a bubble shuttle window at the Earth below, and waving to George Jetson on the way to the moon? While the industry isn’t quite ready for moon tourism, it has grown significantly in the past two decades, and space tourism isn’t far off. In fact, UBS estimates space tourism would grow into a $3 billion industry by 2030.

The space operations have come a long way from almost exclusively government agency operations to today’s commercial space industry. How do we get from here to that bubble shuttle window with an amazing view?

Much of the commercial industry’s growth is thanks to the miniaturization of electronics. A government source explained satellites used to be the size of school busses and development timelines were long. More...

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics just brought to market one of its most-ambitious undertakings to date – a versatile, flexible, customizable instrument designed to allow the customer to decide and define its functions. It’s the company’s 2-inch Flex MD23 Series instrument package, and it stands to find its way into panels of all types, particularly as users become aware of its potential and understand its myriad uses.

According to the company, the 2-inch digital instrument can receive and display ARINC 429, analog, discrete, frequency, temperature, and absolute and differential pressure data to fulfill the unique requirements of the pilot, engineer or mission. Flex delivers the convenience of a certified commercial-off-the-shelf product with the flexibility of a custom, approved build-your-own instrument. Learn all about this new product in Avionics News from author Dave Higdon. More...

Hopefully, the COVID-19 calamity is mostly in our rear-view mirrors. While the year 2020 wasn’t kind to general and business aviation as a whole, there were a few bright spots. One, in particular, was the sale of Gogo Inc.’s commercial aviation connectivity business to Intelsat S.A. for $400 million – a tidy sum in any year.

“I’d say the sale benefits us in three ways,” stated Sergio Aguirre, Gogo Business Aviation president. “Number one is we can refocus and concentrate on our business aviation customers and market and will be better able to stay in tune with our customers’ needs and be better positioned to deliver the new products and services they want. No more trying to provide umbrella solutions to both business and commercial markets.

“The second is it will strengthen our financial position tremendously. That puts us in a better position to go the long haul even if there’s continued pressure from COVID-19 or other unforeseen economic slowdowns.

“Lastly, because we now have a renewed sole focus on business aviation and the revitalized funds, we’ll be able to continue with our development of product and service innovations like we had done so well in the past. We are committed to continuing to implement our great ideas and moving forward in the market.”

One of those new ideas he mentioned will be the company’s introduction of its new, high-speed, 5G network. More...

Question: At 23:00 on 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union aviation system and is no longer part of European Union aviation institutions, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Where can you find information regarding EASA MROs maintaining U.K.-registered aircraft, or U.K. MROs maintaining EU-registered aircraft?

Answer: This simple question has extensive implications throughout aviation from the individual aircraft to the maintenance of components and parts. It is essential that you review the guidance provided by the EASA with regards to the maintenance of EU-registered aircraft and the authorities of EASA-approved MROs. In addition, if you are a U.K.-based MRO, you should review the UK CAA guidance on the authority of your MRO. More...

In the last year, Transport Canada Civil Aviation has been working to address miscellaneous items in the Canadian aviation regulations as a result of a governmental committee tasked with reviewing regulations issued by all departments. The Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations, or SJCSR, is reviewing all statutory instruments issued by the government. The context of the review is purely based on the legal and procedural aspects of the regulations and not the technical content. However, the recommendations often have implications on the technical side. In many cases, the recommendations note something is missing in the regulations and, in fact, may be written such that there is little legal basis or strength in the requirement.

A notice of proposed amendment has been issued regarding the latest proposed changes to address the SJCSR recommendations. More...

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.

In addition, 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.

The Aircraft Electronics Association’s new online training platform called AERO, short for the Aerospace Education Resource Online system, allows users to train at their own pace with the ability to pause and resume courses at their convenience. In addition, AERO operates like a personal learning management system with a history of training and the ability to print certificates from completed courses.

All previous online training from the AEA has been migrated to AERO and is available exclusively to AEA members at aea.net/aero with a member login and password. AEA AERO will continue to add content to help members accomplish their training goals. Members with questions about the new AERO online training system may contact Aaron Ward directly at aaronw@aea.net. More...

The annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now available for avionics technicians. The exam may be taken online by Aircraft Electronics Association members or downloaded by non-members.

By completing the exam, which covers regulatory and technical topics featured in the 2020 issues of Avionics News, technicians can get a head start on their FAA-accepted training. Individuals who complete the exam and score 85% or higher receive credit toward their repair station training program requirements, IA renewal, FAA AMT awards, and the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award. More...

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?

Southeast Aerospace will award a $100 Visa gift card to a random winner from among the correct entries submitted, and the winner will be announced in the next edition of AEA Wired.

In addition, all correct answers from 2021 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...

Basic Wiring & 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.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (sold-out)

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 federal aviation regulation 91.411 and 91.413 checks.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (4 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.

This four-hour course will give aviation project managers, technicians and support personnel a key advantage in their careers. This class will help strengthen and leverage the essential skills necessary for executing a successful project plan.

This virtual 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.

Technicians will learn how to plan, install, interface, configure and check out an installation of a primary flight display, EHSI and GPS/Nav/Comm consisting of dual Garmin GI 275, a Garmin GTN 650 touch screen, and a Garmin GTX 345 transponder. This course is designed for technicians who have experience with avionics installation practices and are looking for more training integrating common general aviation installations.

Pitot-Static, Transponder, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (8 seats remain)

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This full-day course offers hands-on training, including a regulatory review and an explanation of the proper administrative procedures for completing these critical certifications. With so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know.

IFR6000 & IFR4000 Operations (9 seats remain)

This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate the IFR6000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, and DME system and to operate the IFR4000 for ILS, VOR, COMMs and ELT.

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.

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 (9 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 attend.

Bench Basics 101 (14 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 troubleshooting. Bench testing Nav, VHF comm 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 upon course completion.

Transponder Service Training (14 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 upon course completion.

Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (14 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.

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.