The Aircraft Electronics Association recently published its 2022 year-end Avionics Market Report, and total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales for the year amounted to more than $2.8 billion as reported by the participating companies. The dollar amount represented a 21.5% increase in total year-end sales compared to 2021, which is the largest annual percentage increase in the 11-year history of the report.

During the fourth-quarter months of October, November and December, sales increased 31.2% compared to the same time frame one year ago, marking the largest quarterly year-over-year percentage increase in the report's history. Fourth-quarter sales increased 7.2% sequentially from the third quarter of 2022 and marked the 10th consecutive quarter of increasing sales. More...

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association will host its annual State of the Industry Press Conference on Wednesday, Feb 22, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time at the National Press Club, in Washington D.C. During this event, GAMA will announce the 2022 year-end aircraft shipment and billing numbers for the global general and business aviation industry, provide some industry updates and host a panel discussion on the issues important to general aviation.

For those unable to attend in-person, a live video feed will be made available on GAMA’s YouTube page. Watch...

The software behind Avidyne’s foray into artificial intelligence/machine learning avionics is from a small company in Switzerland that has worked on important projects with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Daedalean is a key player in artificial intelligence and machine learning for autonomous flight, and it aspires eventually to develop and market its own avionics products. However, partnering with Avidyne on PilotEye brings in the expertise of a company with long experience in designing installation-ready avionics hardware that can pass FAA and EASA certification. AI is new to these regulators, so certification presents some unique challenges for the partners to deal with together. More...

Attendees must register by April 5 to receive the advance registration rate of $795 (AEA member rate), a savings of $100 for a full convention registration. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of seminars and technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; opening session with new product introductions; AEA First-Nighter event; and networking with manufacturing and distributors.

Can’t be in Orlando all four days of the show? Daily registration options are available for $275 per day for AEA members and $375 per day for non-members. To register as an attendee, click here.

Located in beautiful Central Florida, the Gaylord Palms Resort will serve as the AEA Convention's hotel headquarters. It is only minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and other Orlando theme parks and attractions. To make hotel reservations in the AEA room block at the Gaylord Palms, click here.

The AEA's special room rate at the Gaylord Palms is available until April 1 or until the room block is full; however, the AEA room block at the Gaylord Palms is nearly sold-out. If you do not find availability, there are alternate hotel options. Marriott Village Orlando is a complex of three spectacular hotels about 5 miles from the Gaylord Palms Resort. Call 877-682-8552 to make a reservation prior to March 23. More...

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is hosting an IA certificate refresher course at Sudima Auckland Airport on 27-28 February. A Part 66 IA certificate is an additional privilege that allows an engineer to perform and certify a review of airworthiness or the conformity of major modifications and repairs.

You'll need to attend a refresher course if you’ve gained a certificate previously, but you no longer meet the currency requirements of CAR 66.207. The duration of a certificate is 60 months. More...

As the world grapples with reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions, cap and trade programs have gained favor as a flexible, market-based approach that provides economic incentives for businesses to reduce pollutants. In short, if an organization meets its emissions limit, it’s free to buy permits from others that don’t plan to hit their limit as a way to balance or offset the difference.

Whether it’s a genuine concern for a safer world or complying with global rules, given the complexity, how can a business with aviation-related operations keep up with it all? In 2020, U.S.-based 4AIR began offering sustainability programs that help aviation companies offset emissions. The company is headed by its president, Kennedy Ricci, whose family’s investment firm, Directional Aviation, specializes in acquiring and operating aviation companies. More...

Pat Olson has been a valued friend, colleague and member of the Aero Express family for more than 20 years. She recently announced her retirement from the industry as of Dec. 31, 2022.

For nearly 48 years, Olson has been an advocate for her customers, a trailblazer for women, and created a path for herself and others in the industry. Avionics News captured some of her thoughts as she recently reflected on a successful career. More...

Following the AEA International Convention and Trade Show's opening session and new product introductions on Monday, April 24, join us for several business-focused courses sure to help keep your company and team on track in 2023. Courses focused on fine tuning your operations are available, along with a variety of marketing and sales sessions to help grow your business.

Don't miss the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. To see the complete training schedule, click here.

Join the AEA via virtual-live courses or in the classroom for upcoming avionics training. Continue your professional development, network with other shops and technicians, and learn in a true hands-on environment.

In-person class sizes are limited at the AEA’s Dan Derby Center for Professional Development in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Interested parties are encouraged to register well in advance to reserve a seat. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration published a long-awaited notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on Jan. 11, 2023, that would amend the applicability of safety management systems. Noticeably absent from the proposal is Part 145 approved maintenance organizations.

But what does this truly mean for AEA member companies and the aviation industry? Learn the latest on this important topic from Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, Moog Company. Listen...

The AEA has negotiated a contract to bring all of the ASTM aviation standards to the approved maintenance organization members that need the standards for the continuing airworthiness of the general aviation fleet, from light-sport aircraft to the new Part 23 as well as the foundational maintenance of electrical wire interconnect systems for the legacy GA fleet. This unique partnership also includes access to standards for technician certification.

More information can be found on the AEA website with a member login and password. After connecting to the website, click on the button to access ASTM’s Compass. Once at the Compass site, you must register an account that will be set up under the AEA’s access. Once you are registered and logged in to Compass, you will be able to search for standards at no cost. More...

Need some financial assistance with your education? The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2023-24 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. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is April 1, 2023. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide was recently unveiled. This year marks the 20th 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 government-certified repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, engineers and consultants for the industry.

Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy of the AEA Pilot's Guide at aeapilotsguide.net/request.asp while supplies last. More...

In-flight Connectivity Foundations (15 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 support in-flight connectivity system installations and maintenance. This eight-hour training enables aircraft technicians and operators to gain understanding on the basic airborne networks, IFC systems, and the services they provide.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (12 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.

Certified Repair Station Training (19 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 plan to attend.

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (14 seats remain)

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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (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 trouble shooting. Bench testing Nav, VHF Com 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 at 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 at 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.

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (13 seats remain)

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

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...

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.