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Keeping the general aviation industry connected |
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Cascading Consequences
Reconnecting the pandemic-weakened links of the silicon supply chain
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COVID-19’s scrambling of the global supply chain was largely unexpected. The pandemic reduced supply-side output as expected. The demand side of the equation didn’t get the economic memo. After an initial dip, consumers, unable to go places, started buying and investing in tangible things, like panel upgrades, then experiences. Suppliers are still struggling to recover because resuming production isn’t a quick or efficient process with a virus-ravaged workforce.
Backlogged shop schedules have been a small saving grace, a buffer on the OEM inventory drawdown. Then, late in 2021, the supply chain took a hard hit, especially for some products, like navigators, causing increased lead times. OEMs are dealing with these whack-a-mole issues through regular and proactive dealer communications. More...
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Ask the Industry
My repair station's current employment outlook is:
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We are hiring technicians now.
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We will need technicians later this year.
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We are overstaffed for the amount of work we have.
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Fast Approach: Only 7 weeks to AEA New Orleans
Register by March 11 and save $100 per person
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Advance registration is available online for the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest 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 2022. The event will take place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, March 28-31, 2022.
Attendees must register by March 11 to receive the advance registration rate of $775 (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; and networking with manufacturing and distributors. Daily registration options are also available.
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Make Hotel Reservations by Feb. 25
NCAA Basketball Final Four Tournament may impact availability
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A direct link to make hotel reservations in the official room block at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside for the 2022 AEA Convention is available at aea.net/convention.
The AEA encourages all attendees and exhibitors to secure their hotel rooms soon, as the NCAA Basketball Final Four Tournament will take place in New Orleans immediately following the conclusion of the AEA Convention. Plan ahead and secure your hotel accommodations well in advance of the show. The AEA's special room rate is available until Feb. 25, 2022, or until the room block is full. No rooms will be available after Feb. 25. More...
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NextOp Bridges Job Gap for Veterans, Companies |
The American workforce is shifting. Workers are moving into new industries and from lower-paying jobs into higher-paying management positions vacated by retirees. They’re spending more time caregiving and prioritizing a better quality of life over working long hours. It’s left companies scrambling to find talented, experienced workers who can keep the lights on, services running and customers happy. It’s especially true in aviation.
Meanwhile, veterans and transitioning military personnel need help finding sustainable employment in a competitive civilian market. Between online job hunting, resume writing, electronic applications and adapting to life as a private citizen, finding and landing a good job can be downright daunting.
NextOp, a nonprofit organization that provides employment services to veterans, helps solve both challenges. In six years, NextOp has helped more than 2,700 veterans find employment while simultaneously solving recruitment issues for companies. More...
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Grant Allows Carolina GSE Expansion
Facility space and workforce will double
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Carolina GSE, celebrating 20 years in business, recently received one of 17 grants awarded under the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Building Reuse Program – specifically within the existing business building category. The new grant will allow the company to double its shipping and distribution center, expanding its servicing footprint by 20,000 square feet, and then double its workforce in the next three to five years.
John Werner, president and chief executive officer of Carolina GSE and PilotJohn.com, explained Carolina GSE originally focused on what mechanics need to work on aircraft, which is ground support equipment, but realized if companies trust Carolina GSE to maintain and repair their ground support equipment, the company could become a trusted source for consumables and avionics test equipment. More...
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Universal Avionics’ Aperture Shines New Light on Increasing Situational awareness |
At the top of Universal Avionics’ “things going on list” is, without a doubt, its new Aperture suite featuring a unique set of advanced video collection, processing, and analysis capabilities.
Officially, Aperture is a “sensor fusion, video content analysis and augmented reality platform that will provide a new level of situational awareness and improved decision-making for flight crews and mission specialists.” But what does that truly mean?
“The best way to understand what Aperture does is to look at the automotive industry as a reference,” CEO Dror Yahav explained. “They are very good at taking images from various cameras on a car, analyzing the combined video, and creating a 360-degree view around the driver to provide recommendations. Combining images from the aircraft’s EFVS, other cameras, and sensors, Aperture will do the same for pilots.” More...
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$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge |
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 2022 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card, also from Southeast Aerospace. Email your answer...
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Theory & Practice: Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Aviation Workforce Success Project |
In December, Pennsylvania College of Technology received a Workforce Development Program grant from the FAA. The funding, over $200,000, will support several initiatives designed to bring new technicians into the aviation maintenance industry.
Specifically, Penn College is using the grant to fund its Aviation Workforce Success Project, or AWSP. The institution aims to use AWSP to increase the number of people pursuing maintenance and avionics careers, improve retention, and grow the number of people getting properly certified. More...
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Take the Avionics News Technical Training Exam
Are you up to the test?
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The annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now available for avionics technicians and AEA members. By completing the exam, which covers regulatory and technical topics featured in the 2021 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.
Access to the test takes place for AEA members through the AERO platform, which allows exams to be graded in real time, certificates to be downloaded instantly, and a record to be retained for each participant. Don’t have all 12 issues of Avionics News from the past year? No problem. They are all available in the digital archives right at your fingertips. To take the test, click here. More...
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Podcast -- Training Tomorrow's Technicians: Kent Career Tech Center |
Kent Career Tech Center offers aviation maintenance and electronics programs to high school students in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode of AEA Amplified, AEA visits with instructors Nick Brown and Josh Miller to learn how Kent Career Tech Center is a model program for other schools to follow in educating the next generation of avionics technicians. The school has been an AEA academic member since 2016.
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...
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2021 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey Underway
FAA survey measures safety, determines funding, and informs the impact of aviation on the economy
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The Federal Aviation Administration’s 44th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2021. 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:
- Compute safety metrics, such as fatal accidents rates.
- Understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output, and investments in aviation infrastructure.
- Track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations.
- Determine funding for infrastructure and service needs.
- Assess the impact of regulatory changes.
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. |
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Become a Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician
Prepare for the AET certification exam
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If you are not quite ready to take the AET test, AEA has you covered.
Avotek, an AEA member and training partner, offers online courses to help avionics technicians prepare for the AET exam and is offering a member discount of 40% off.
The Fundamentals of Aircraft Electronics Part I - Electricity and Electronics and The Fundamentals of Aircraft Electronics Part II - Maintenance Practices and Aircraft Fundamentals are the essential guides to aircraft electronics associated with AET certification.
To access the coupon codes, you will need to be logged in to the AEA website. AEA members get 40% off each course with the coupon codes. More...
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On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events |
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HAI HELI-EXPO
Dallas, Texas
March 7-10, 2022
Looking for your next aircraft, vendor, mentor, job, or professional development or employment opportunity? You’ll find them all in Dallas with endless networking and hundreds of education courses with 17,000 industry professionals and more than 650 exhibitors. More...
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International Women in Aviation Conference
Nashville, Tennessee
March 17-19, 2022
Don't miss the inspiring keynote speakers, professional development seminars, education sessions, exhibit hall, scholarship awards, and 2022 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductions. There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry. More...
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AEA International Convention & Trade Show
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 28-31, 2022
Aviation's technology experts will convene for the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. Avionics professionals will have access to more than 100 hours of technical training and professional development courses. Advance registration is available. More...
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NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
San Diego, California
April 5-7, 2022
Learn current best practices and trends in scheduling and dispatching flights from industry experts through top-level education sessions that will help you work smarter, not harder in the year ahead. You’ll gather with colleagues and fellow attendees to celebrate recent wins and discover new opportunities for professional growth. You’ll also connect with companies exhibiting the latest and most high-tech equipment and services geared to make your job easier. More...
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SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo
Lakeland, Florida
April 5-10, 2022
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind, and the second-largest air show in the world. Join over 225,000 aviation enthusiasts for six exciting days of cutting-edge technology exhibits, forums, workshops, career fairs, and breathtaking aerial displays by some of the best air show performers in the business. More...
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Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes |
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Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (16 seats remain)
Feb. 10-11, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (sold-out)
Feb. 16-18, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Aircraft Instrument Systems (15 seats remain)
Feb. 22-23, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)
March 8, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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Digital Databus Theory & Analysis (15 seats remain)
April 26, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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Certified Repair Station Training (16 seats remain)
July 18-22, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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News from AEA Member Companies |
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Appareo announced the certification of AIRS-400, its 4K ultra-high-definition Airborne Image Recording System. AIRS-400 has received an STC from the FAA for Airbus AS350, Bell 206, and Bell 407.
Garmin unveiled the inReach Mini 2, a compact satellite communication device with two-way texting and SOS capabilities. Garmin also announced expanded pilot training opportunities for 2022, including webinars, eLearning courses, instructor-led classes and a variety of self-study guides and trainers offered for the GTN series, G500/600, G500/G600/G700 TXi, G3X, and Garmin integrated flight decks. Garmin also added new features and updates to its G5000 flight deck for the Beechjet 400A/Hawker 400XP. Garmin also announced the D2 Air X10 – a GPS smartwatch with powerful aviation functionality and new features that lets pilots take calls and use their compatible smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, ask questions and more.
CCX Technologies’ T-RX Avionics Radio Tester is now compliant with European regulations and can display the CE Mark. Having been found compliant with all harmonized and performance safety standards, the T-RX is now authorized for sale in the European market.
Innovative Advantage named Greg Cornell its new president. Cornell, who began his career with Emteq, joined Innovative Advantage in 2014 and has held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently in sales and business development.
Collins Aerospace was recently awarded an Iridium Certus Developmental Over the Air License for Collins’ new Active Low Gain Antenna and a High Gain Antenna.
CJ Aerospace Pty Ltd., a leading distributor of quality aviation parts and technical support across Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific Regions, has been appointed as an authorized distributor and service provider for Marsh Brothers Aviation’s bearing and seals portfolio.
ACI Jet announced a series of measures being taken to proactively address aircraft maintenance demand and service availability throughout the surge in flight activity related to the Super Bowl.
Jet Aviation received International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling Stage II safety registration for all five of its FBO locations in Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns and Darwin.
Honeywell announced that a drone piloted by the Honeywell IntuVue RDR-84K radar system has triumphed in a high-stakes game of dodgeball, repeatedly swerving around intruder aircraft in a series of tests that are key to the future of pilotless aviation.
Thomas Global Systems' TFD-4100 LCD flight display was chosen by Jetstream Aviation Capital, the largest global owner of Saab 2000 aircraft, to upgrade its Saab 2000 flight decks. Also, the Royal New Zealand Air Force selected Thomas Global’s TFD-7000 Series flight displays for its Boeing 757 fleet.
Cutter Aviation purchased Legend Aviation at Prescott Regional Airport in Arizona.
Satcom Direct is celebrating the qualification of the Satcom Direct Plane Simple Antenna System on the Intelsat FlexExec network. Together, Intelsat’s high throughput satellite network, combined with the Plane Simple Ku-band tail-mounted antenna system, simplifies high-speed data access for more business aviation owners globally through ease of installation, flexible plans and advanced antenna technology.
Banyan Air Service earned the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling Stage II accreditation.
L2 Aviation announced a strategic agreement with Global Aerospace Design Corp. to provide customers with L2 Aviation’s history of achieving results combined with Global’s ability to shorten design and certification cycles. Additionally, L2 Aviation has opened a Cincinnati, Ohio, office that stages L2 Aviation and Global in a centralized area to better serve customers.
Metro Aviation subsidiary PAC International completed an exterior refurbishment on a second Bell UH-1H for Michigan State Police, which is used for law enforcement support missions as well as search and rescue.
Southeast Aerospace received FAA STC number SA04529AT to install its mission console in the Cessna 206H series aircraft.
Avmax appointed Steve Hankirk as chief executive officer and Scott Greig as senior vice president and head of Avmax Aircraft Leasing Inc.
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AEA Jobs Board Offers Free Resume Posting |
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...
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Are You Hiring? The AEA Works for You! |
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. |
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Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions. |
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Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
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Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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