Attendee and exhibitor registration is now available for six AEA Regionals, including three outside the United States, as aviation’s technology experts will gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. These two-day events are where technicians and business owners 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.

The AEA Regionals return in 2023 on dates and locations preferred by the membership with a refreshed schedule and training format. Registration is now available online along with hotel information and reservation links. More...

The venerable VHF NTX-series radios have served helicopter operators well for decades, but they are obsolete and a maintenance challenge even if the needed parts can be found. Enter the all-new MTR138-000GNW from Canadian avionics maker Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp., a member of the Aircraft Electronics Association since 2010.

AEM is now shipping its MTR138 purpose designed and built replacement radio for certain legacy VHF NTX-series radios or as a new installation radio for both forward-fit and retrofit. It is one of numerous innovative projects the company is working on at its new state-of-the-art facility in Kelowna, British Columbia. AEM is an approved aircraft supplier to Leonardo, Sikorsky, Airbus Helicopters and Bell Textron Inc. More...

ACR Electronics recently unveiled the ARTEX ELT 4000M, the latest transport-grade 406 MHz approved emergency locator transmitter. With 243 and 121.5 MHz homing frequencies, the new ELT is powered by a patented alkaline-based solution, providing exemption from FAA non-rechargeable lithium battery special conditions, according to the company.

The ARTEX ELT 4000M has received Cospas-Sarsat, FAA, and EASA certification, and production units are now shipping. By incorporating ACR Electronics’ alkaline battery system design, the ARTEX ELT 4000M features an alternative power source to traditional lithium batteries. This ensures special exemption from FAA compliance requirements that apply to the installation of lithium batteries. More...

At the 2023 AEA International Convention & Trade Show, Garmin introduced PlaneSync, a connected aircraft management system that simplifies aircraft ownership by automating database updates, providing real-time aircraft status, and more.

Available for both forward-fit and retrofit applications, PlaneSync technology is designed to bring new levels of connectivity and convenience to aircraft owners and operators alike. Jim Alpiser, director of aviation aftermarket sales for Garmin, has the latest information about PlaneSync in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...

For veterans, navigating life after the military is challenging. Years of regimented living leads to culture shock with too many choices, no set direction and few resources to help. Just finding a foothold in the job market feels daunting, much less developing a career. Yet, when given the opportunity, former military personnel come exceptionally equipped to be highly productive employees.

“Whatever the job, veterans have what it takes to excel, especially in aviation,” said Mike Salmon, who served 11 years in the U.S. Army. “From day one at basic training, we’re taught resilience. We’re taught to overcome adversity, to do more with less. Those things don’t leave us once we leave the military. They become translatable skills that any company can benefit from.”

Today, Salmon mentors unemployed and underemployed veterans, champions their abilities and helps pave a path forward. More...

The General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (previously the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee) and U.S. Helicopter Safety Team continue working toward safer skies. Both groups are comprised of government and industry stakeholders, using data-driven accident and safety data analyses to recommend and promote consensus-based risk mitigation.

National Transportation Safety Board accident data provides some of the groups’ research materials, while other data is gleaned from the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing initiative. More...

Based outside of Amsterdam, Netherlands, the European Aviation Maintenance Training Committee focuses on a range of industry issues, from implementing new regulations and developing more efficient and effective training methods, to integrating new technologies and attracting younger workers. The organization also monitors and responds to trends and changes pertaining to aviation training, including legislation, technology and other industry developments.

What began in 1984 as an initial effort among a few airlines to share aircraft maintenance training knowledge and resources has grown to a chartered nonprofit organization with more than 100 members. The goal is the same today as it was nearly 40 years ago – to promote safety through training and best practices. More...

In today’s world, satellite navigation is the preferred method of area navigation (R-NAV), since the area covered is the entire Earth; however, in cases where satellite navigation is not available, R-NAV based on VOR and DME provides the capabilities. When discussing R-NAV based on VOR and DME, keep in mind the area is that served by a particular VOR/DME or VORTAC station. For flights longer than 50 nautical miles, the pilot may need to change the navigation frequency. On extremely long flights, the pilot will need to change frequencies multiple times.

R-NAV works using trigonometry. One of the first principles learned by trigonometry students is if one angle and two sides of a triangle are known, then the final side and the other two angles can be calculated. This is how R-NAV works, and the system is convenient because it makes these calculations constantly in real time. Furthermore, the solutions to the calculations are presented to the pilot in distance/bearing format, presentable on a CDI, HSI, or moving map display. More...

With baby boomers retiring in droves and the aviation industry trying to grow after the pandemic, solving the workforce shortage problem has become aviation’s holy grail. But there’s a difference between talking about workforce problems and creating practical solutions.

As a high school teacher at Middletown Public Schools in Connecticut and an academic member of the AEA, Paul Pelletier has a simple philosophy for engaging young people. “Education needs to be fun, and it needs to be interesting.” Lucky for Middletown schools that Pelletier also happens to be a commercially rated pilot, a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization, and the owner of a Piper Arrow. Pelletier and his colleagues Natalie Forbes and Steve Socolowski at Middletown five years ago created an aerospace manufacturing program for local high school students that focuses on three specific areas designed to fulfill the fun and interesting goal. More...

Approved maintenance organizations need ASTM standards, and the AEA provides them at no cost to its members. The AEA has negotiated a contract to bring all of the ASTM aviation standards to the repair station 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...

General Aviation Manufacturers Association billings and total aircraft shipments showed healthy growth in 2022 despite some general aviation industry supply chain and workforce headwinds that are expected to continue in the years ahead. With the coming of eVTOL aircraft and multipurpose civil drones, general aviation is now more than ever an incubator of new technology. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 45th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2022. 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.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (course 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 FAR 91.411 and 91.413 checks. More...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (5 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. Register Now...

In-flight Connectivity Foundations (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 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. Register Now...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (13 seats remain)

The AEA has developed a proprietary SMS program designed for maintenance organizations, sized for small businesses and leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership. This program has been coordinated 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...

Certified Repair Station Training (2 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. Register Now...

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. Register Now...

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (13 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. Register Now...

Transponder Service Training (13 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. Register Now...

Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (12 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. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (12 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. Register Now...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide marks the 20th annual edition. It is 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...

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.

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.