The Aircraft Electronics Association recently unveiled the second-quarter 2020 Avionics Market Report. In the first six months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to $1,151,137,731.73, or more than $1.1 billion as reported by the participating companies.

The figure represented a 23.6% decrease in total sales compared to the first six months of 2019. During the second-quarter months of April, May and June, sales decreased 37.3% compared to the same time frame one year ago.

"Realizing a substantial decrease in worldwide avionics sales during the second quarter was the expectation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic," said AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson. "The economic impact of the disease has been significant, and the business and general aviation electronics industry is not immune to the crisis. However, I remain optimistic that our industry will be poised for recovery as our shops and manufacturers continue their essential operations, legislators continue to address key employment initiatives, and our industry amplifies the immense value of business and general aviation as an economic catalyst.” More...

Join more than 850 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.

The AEA recently announced the organization's plans to conduct its East Connect Conference in Naples, Florida, Sept. 23-24.

As an industry built on relationships, the AEA is excited to be able to ReConnect members this fall. The host hotel for the conference, the Naples Grande, has gone to great lengths to ensure events can be conducted as safely and effectively as possible. It has provided large meeting rooms with socially distanced seating, thoroughly sanitized common areas, and a complete list of preventive measures it is following to protect guests as well as its own staff. Details on the hotel’s safety and well-being promise can be found here: www.naplesgrande.com/Safety-and-Well-Being-Promise.

The AEA has spent the summer safely conducting training at its headquarters facility and is taking that experience and following the local and state guidelines at each location to bring valuable in-person training to members. As cities have reopened over the summer, we have all learned the precautions needed to protect ourselves and others when gathering. If we adhere to the guidelines, conferences can take place as well. We hope you will join us. More...

This fall, avionics students studying at Broward College will enjoy even more robust training resources as the community college continues to expand its footing in avionics. The new additions include a modern avionics lab and advanced training equipment along with a recently expanded avionics program. 

Located north of Miami at its south campus location, the college’s brand-new 12,000-square-foot hangar features an avionics test lab, avionics equipment and tooling in addition to workshops for other aviation-related programs. 

Students will gain experience on larger aircraft with the new Airbus Competence Trainer software, simulation software that provides avionics and technical maintenance training on the Airbus A-320. Typically available to commercial airlines only, Airbus recently opened the software to educational institutions to increase workforce readiness. By summer, Broward College was one of only three schools in the United States to purchase it. More...

In a July 27 opinion piece published in Aviation Week Network, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, retired Adm. Thad Allen, and Dr. Brad Parkinson shared their views regarding the dangers of the Federal Communications Commission's approval of Ligado Networks' terrestrial transmitters on frequencies that include GPS.

In the article, they wrote: "Their transmitters would be 2 billion times more powerful than the GPS signals for a GPS user—equivalent to trying to hear a whisper with 100 jets taking off. Of particular concern is the impact on aviation (including UAVs, helicopters, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, terrain avoidance and warning systems and commercial aircraft communications/air traffic control). This degradation could markedly increase the risk of midair collisions and controlled flight into terrain."

On June 3, the Aircraft Electronics Association and a group of 69 aviation organizations wrote to Marlene H. Dortch, secretary of the Federal Communications Commission, in support of a petition for stay filed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The petition to the FCC was filed May 22, and it opposed the FCC’s April 20 order of approval for Ligado Networks’ proposed high-speed broadband cellular network operating near frequency bands currently used by GPS and satellite communications networks. The petition noted a variety of concerns with the FCC’s April 20 order of approval for the nationwide 5G cellular service, including Ligado’s failure to sufficiently demonstrate its ability to not interfere with other frequencies. It also questioned the FCC’s approval without conducting a public review of the draft order. 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. More...

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...

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...

NEW! Bench Basics and Flight Line Troubleshooting

This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Basic Wiring course and/or have a couple of years of basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics flight line testing. ADS-B transponder systems, nav/ILS and VHF comms will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel, a bench test harness, and a transponder test harness that they will use in the course. Attendees will keep their fabricated test panel and harness projects.

Pitot-Static and Transponder Testing and Inspection with ADS-B Implementation (sold-out)

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 and IFR4000 Operations (3 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.

NEW! Aircraft Instrument Systems (15 seats remain)

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.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (14 seats remain)

This course is designed for entry-level avionics technicians or those looking for basic training on pitot-static and aircraft transponder systems. This 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.

IFR6000 and IFR4000 Operations (15 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.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (15 seats remain)

This course is designed for the homebuilder or avionics technician who is looking for guidance in completing an avionics installation on an experimental aircraft. While the Garmin G3X Touch system is used as an example in the course, 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.

The Regulations of Maintenance (15 seats remain)

Understanding the regulations of the repair station is only part of the equation. Like pieces of a puzzle, each regulation is needed to fit together in order to fully view the repair station’s requirements. Understanding the regulatory relationship between the business (Part 145); the maintenance it performs (Part 43); the parts it uses (Part 21); as well as the needs of customers (Part 91) are essential to provide regulatory compliant services in aviation maintenance. This session will cover the basics of the maintenance and modification regulations, but more importantly, it focuses on their integrated relationship with the business.

Developing an Internal Audit for Repair Station (15 seats remain)

This course focuses on the basics of internal auditing, providing the tools and methods necessary to meet the international regulatory needs as well as the continuous improvement of the repair station. Many regulatory authorities require a repair station to perform internal audits and require their auditors to be trained.

Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (14 seats remain)

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 (14 seats remain)

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 (15 seats remain)

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 (12 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. 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.

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...

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.