Dan Prosser died Jan. 4, 2024, at the age of 74. A longtime industry veteran, Prosser served two stints as a member of the AEA’s board of directors, the first from 1980 to 1984 and the second from 1992 to 1995. He first became actively involved with the association in 1976. During his board service, he spent time as regional director, vice chair, and was the board’s chair in 1995.

His aviation career began in the military where he worked on the C-130, C5, C-119 and C121 aircraft. Following his military service, Prosser worked for several AEA member companies during a distinguished career, including time as the director of business development for Gogo Business Aviation (formerly Aircell). He also worked for Avidyne, Allied Signal, Turbo West, Stevens Aviation, IFR Avionics, Raytheon, Cutter Aviation, Chaparral Aviation, and others. Prosser retired in early 2020 and resided in Boulder, Colorado, where he enjoyed golfing, hiking and biking.

Attention AEA members: This scholarship honors Monte Mitchell’s service of more than 40 years to the Aircraft Electronics Association and the general aviation industry. It will be awarded to an AEA member employee and will cover a full registration to attend the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Dallas, March 19-22, along with travel and hotel expenses.

The award recognizes an AEA member employee for their exemplary job performance and pursuit of professional development. This is an annual award given prior to the AEA Convention. Apply Now...

Yes, troubleshooting or installing avionics is considered maintenance. Anytime anyone does any inspection, installation, or maintenance to an airplane, it’s the pilot’s responsibility to check and recheck everything to ensure the aircraft is fit for flight.

With the help of some experienced avionics shop insiders, we’ve created this list of the top five steps pilots can take to ensure the next post-maintenance preflight is everything it needs to be. More...

Advance registration is available online for the 67th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of aircraft electronics manufacturers, distributors and approved maintenance organizations in the world. It is the platform of choice for the introduction of new avionics products and services coming to market in 2024. The event will take place March 19-22, at Marriott's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Attendees must register by March 1 to receive the advance registration rate of $825 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration, a savings of $100 per person off the on-site registration fee. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; and networking at the first-nighter event with manufacturers and distributors. Register...

Learn about the benefits of Gogo’s network migrating to LTE combined with its AVANCE systems. Dave Salvador, aftermarket channel vice president for Gogo Business Aviation, explains why selecting the right solution is critical for everything needed today and for what is coming in 2024.

Don’t miss this important update from Gogo in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

In Canada, a busy team of pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers and support personnel keep the rotors turning at Wisk Air. The company’s fleet of 11 utility helicopters – three Bell 412s, five Bell 407s, two Bell 206 LongRangers and one Bell 206 JetRanger operate across Canada, from the east coast to the west, from the frigid Arctic up north down into the United States.

The rotorcraft serve critical and essential missions for Wisk Air’s customers, including firefighting, powerline construction, mineral exploration, search and rescue, remote First Nation community support and northern development across Canada.

In addition to its Transport Canada approved maintenance organization at Thunder Bay International Airport in Ontario, Wisk Air operates out of airports in Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Pickle Lake. Of the company’s 70-person staff, 18 are aircraft maintenance engineers, a testament to what it takes to keep these birds flying. 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.

Here's a brief sampling of some of the outstanding opportunities currently listed:

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 2023 issues of Avionics News, technicians can get a head start on their FAA-accepted training. Individuals who pass the exam receive credit toward their repair station training program requirements, IA renewal, 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. Take the test...

The AEA Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2024-25 school year to students pursuing a career in aviation electronics 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, 2024. More...

KITCO Fiber Optics is a leading provider of fiber optic termination products and consulting services to the military and commercial communications industry. Its superior hands-on training is designed and delivered by the fiber optic experts and can affordably have you up to speed and certified in a week or less! Trainers have exceptional credentials, including advanced industry certifications, substantial field experience and over 140 years of combined direct classroom experience.

The certified Commercial Aviation Technician’s Fiber Optic Course is designed to meet the AIRINC 807-3 (Aircraft Radio Incorporated) knowledge competencies and skill sets associated with commercial aviation fiber optic methods and processes. Each student completing the course will receive a three-year Craftsman certification. Students also have the option of taking the Aerospace Fiber Optics Fabricator Examination (SAEFAB). In addition, all aviation students may take the Fiber Optics Evaluation and Endface Cleaning examination (FEEC117) based on the ARINC 805 standard.

Custom connector training can be designed on a case-by-case basis. Please share your particular requirements. Custom courses will be priced accordingly. AEA members receive a 20% discount off list price. More...

Basic Wiring and 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. Learn More...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (sold-out)

This 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 of 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. Learn More...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (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. Learn More...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (5 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 touchscreen, 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 (9 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 (10 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 (9 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 (8 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...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 4.8% 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. Register Now...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (4 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...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (14 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. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (13 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. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (15 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...

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...

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.

Published annually, the 2023-24 edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide is available upon request.

This year marks the 21st annual edition of the publication, 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 approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics equipment in general aviation aircraft. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, delegated engineering firms, and consultants for the industry. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last. Get the Guide...

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.