The Aircraft Electronics Association recently published its second-quarter 2022 Avionics Market Report. In the first six months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to $1,343,242,561.43, or more than $1.3 billion as reported by the participating companies.

Second-quarter sales increased 11.7% sequentially from the first quarter of 2022, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of increasing sales. During the second-quarter months of April, May and June, sales increased 19.9% compared to the same time frame one year ago.

The figure represented a 15.8% increase in total sales compared to the first six months of 2021, which was driven by a 35.6% increase in forward-fit sales compared to the same time frame one year ago. The more than $373 million in forward-fit sales marks the second-largest quarterly sales total in that category in the report's history, just shy of the more than $376 million reported in the second quarter of 2019. More...

The AEA Connect Conferences are where aviation's technology experts gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. These two-day events allow technicians and business owners the opportunity to learn industry best practices; connect with regional sales and product support representatives; satisfy training requirements; see the latest products and services; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business.

The AEA Central Connect Conference is set for Sept. 8-9, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport. Advance registration is open for both attendees and exhibitors. The deadline to make a hotel reservation in the AEA room block is Friday, Aug. 26. More...

Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director for aviation, discusses a variety of important topics impacting the avionics industry and the company’s dealer network in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company, AEA Amplified is a podcast for aviation’s technology experts. Learn more about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies from industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts. Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podbean or Spotify. Listen...

At Florida Aerospace Training Center in Tampa, Florida, Ivelisse Rivera and Amaudy Torres are tackling big goals. They’re working to train a critically needed workforce for an industry desperate to attract the next generation of avionics technicians while also giving hope and opportunities to underrepresented communities.

Their diverse students – from the United States, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Africa, men and women, and often from low-income households – learn about electronics and how to use tools and test equipment, and receive hands-on training with installing, troubleshooting and repairing electronics and avionics systems. More...

Advance your career and industry knowledge by earning a certification provided by ASTM International. These certifications demonstrate the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician and promote integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce.

Repair stations and aviation maintenance professionals across the industry use these certifications to recognize qualified and competent individuals. The FAA formally recognizes the AET certification as equivalent to formal training when showing eligibility for the issuance of a repairman certificate. Exams are free for all those in attendance at the three AEA Connect Conferences in the United States, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation. More...

The AEA is collaborating with one of its members, AEROTEAM Training Solutions, to further promote safety by making high-quality training available to the global aviation community. AEROTEAM Training Solutions was founded in 2004 and offers training to fill the gap between competence and performance. Its courses enhance the non-technical skills of maintenance, flight crew and cabin crew, and provide employees with a better tool to solve complicated and/or dangerous tasks in a safe and efficient way.

Located in Billund, Denmark, AEROTEAM Training Solutions is an EASA part-147 approved training organization, and uses a variety of technologies and approaches, including classroom instruction, online and computer-based training and in-house-developed learning games, to ensure training is fun, efficient and, most importantly, sticks with participants long after the program ends. More...

AEA members recently elected Chris Bergman to the association's board of directors. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in aviation to his new board position, Bergman serves as avionics manager at Columbia Air Services in Groton, Connecticut.

Columbia Air Services is part of a privately owned and operated network of aircraft service centers supporting general and business aviation in the Northeast. Bergman, who joined the company in 1993, oversees the day-to-day operations of the avionics shop, from basic instrument installations to full glass panel retrofits.

Bergman has earned ASTM’s aircraft electronics technician certification with a dependent navigation systems endorsement. He’s also a private pilot with a multiengine rating and has logged some 700 flight hours. More...

The three main players in commercial space operations today are all billionaires. The Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson rivalry has done wonders for improving America’s access to space and putting government and private astronauts in orbit with advanced American know-how and technology. The trio may operate private companies, but they bring many national security benefits to the United States by providing access to space with a variety of new, cutting-edge, American-made rockets. More...

Full of energy and drive, Melissa Raddatz is all-in all the time, a trait that began at a young age growing up in Minnesota. She served three years as a U.S. Air Force ROTC cadet, earned an airframe and powerplant license, an associate degree in aircraft electronics and bachelor’s degrees in two entirely different fields – speech communication and aviation management.

“I attended the A&P program at Fox Valley Tech in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,” said Raddatz, who was one of the first students to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s aviation management program. “I wanted to expand my knowledge beyond what I had learned in the technical setting. It wasn’t until I was out working in the field that I actually added the bachelor’s degree in aviation management.” More...

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand has published Revision 3 to Notice of Requirement (NTC 91.258) regarding Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems. The draft revision 3 to CAA Notice NTC 91.258 was issued for the primary purpose to allow glider maintenance engineers authorized under Part 149 by a gliding organization (glider engineers) to install ADS-B systems on gliders only.

With minor edits, the proposed draft notice was accepted and finalized in Notice of Requirement (NTC 91.258) ADS-B systems Revision 3. For more detailed information, review the Summary of Public Submissions and the Revision 3 to NTC 91.258.

The AEA’s online training platform called AERO, short for the Aerospace Education Resource Online system, allows users to train at their own pace and operates like a personal learning management system. A dozen new courses that took place at this year's AEA Convention in New Orleans are now available, including OEM technical sessions; Troubleshooting Antennas & Transmission Lines; Marketing Beyond the Runway; How to Succeed in Business (Aviation) Without Really Trying; Clarity is Magnetic -- A Discussion in Leadership & Personal Development; and Airplanes or Marketing: It’s All About the LIFT.

Convention attendees may access the sessions recorded at AEA New Orleans for free, and those AEA members who could not attend the convention may purchase them. Training content is exclusive to AEA members at aea.net/aero with a member login and password. AEA AERO will continue to add and update 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...

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...

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (Sold-Out)

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 at course completion.

Transponder Service Training (5 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 (3 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, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (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.

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 (17 seats remain)

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.

AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (14 seats remain)

This day-and-a-half course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure IFR6000 and IFR4000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, DME, ILS, VOR, Comms and ELT. Plus a complete review all features and benefits of the AVX-10K Flight Line Test Set with emphasis on testing transponder (Mode S and ADS-B In/Out), UAT, TCAS and DME.

Aircraft Instrument Systems (11 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.

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (12 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 (14 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.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (11 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.

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.