On May 1, the AEA and three other trade associations submitted joint comments on the FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking addressing “miscellaneous maintenance-related updates.” The NPRM would remove the requirement from § 145.109 that repair stations maintain “current and accessible” versions of certain documents and data; it would also clarify language in §§ 145.201 and 145.217 regarding the privilege of contracting maintenance functions.

The industry group praised the FAA’s proposal, noting “[the] agency and industry have struggled with inconsistent language within Part 145 for many years. The comments highlighted several points in Part 145 the rulemaking can also amend to improve consistency and clarity. These edits would align the responsibilities of applicants and certificate holders regarding data availability and also match the standard in § 43.9(a)(4) that maintenance providers approve only the work performed on an article for return to service. In addition to the AEA, the submission was supported by the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, the Aviation Suppliers Association, and the Modification and Replacement Parts Association. To read the comments, click here.

The avionics industry has evolved and expanded dramatically over the last 20 years, and the aircraft electronics technician (AET) standard will be revised to reflect the needs of the industry, providing a more accurate assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of today’s and tomorrow's technicians. ASTM needs your input. Please share your insight via a short six-question survey, which will help identify fundamentals and areas of proficiencies entry-level avionics technicians should have. To begin the short survey, click here.

On April 26, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration published its final rule updating requirements for safety management systems and requiring certain certificate holders and commercial air tour operators to develop and implement a safety management system. This rule extends the requirement of 14 CFR Part 5, Safety Management Systems, to all certificate holders operating under the rules for commuter and on-demand operations under Part 135, commercial air tour operators under section 91.147, production certificate holders that are holders or licensees of a type certificate for the same product, and holders of a type certificate that license out that type certificate for production under Part 21.

The FAA had requested comments on the inclusion of Part 145 repair stations in the proposal. While there were diverse responses from a wide range of affected parties, including the AEA, the agency is not expanding the applicability of this rule beyond the original proposal (i.e., Part 145 repair stations are not included). However, as discussed at the AEA Convention, if you are a domestic FAA repair station and you also hold a foreign repair station certificate, you will be required by the foreign authority to implement an SMS program. As such, the voluntary implementation of Part 5 may be required. More...

A training platform designed for convenience, tailored with content that meets the needs of technicians and enables access at little or no cost is the focus of AEA’s AERO (Aerospace Education Resources Online) learning management system. Since its introduction in 2020, some key developments have helped enhance its value and make it the preferred online training resource for AEA members.

A goal that emerged from an AEA member relations committee forum at last year’s convention was to provide OEM training through the AEA’s learning management system. For avionics manufacturers and distributors, AERO can be the solution to host dealer training, create assessments, generate training course certificates, and provide reporting and record-keeping. For manufacturers interested in assisting the workforce responsible for installing and maintaining their equipment, it’s an extension of the product support or training departments. More...

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the AEA jobs board is your one-stop resource. Search the AEA's job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available for job-seekers.

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

A small-town airport in southeastern Pennsylvania is making a big impact. From a celebrated aircraft maintenance and restoration shop to an aviation summer camp that draws kids from around the world to a popular air and car show, New Garden Flying Field’s dynamic aviation community is thriving by adapting to challenges and embracing new ideas.

The airfield at the center of it all was created by a local family in the 1960s and later acquired by the New Garden Township to operate as a municipal airport. Led by aviation director Jon Martin, a dedicated group of pilots, aircraft mechanics and aviation enthusiasts has been instrumental in growing the airport over the last 16 years. Today, New Garden Flying Field offers aircraft maintenance, avionics, inspections, flight instruction and FBO services. The airport’s annual economic impact amounts to $10.7 million, according to a 2022 study commissioned by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. More...

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s state of the industry press conference in Washington, D.C., in February reported stellar delivery and billings numbers but outlined an array of challenges to continued growth. For the first time in a decade, the industry delivered more than 4,000 aircraft, including fixed-wing and helicopters, up 337 from 2022. The industry logged about a $1 billion increase in total billings to $27.8 billion in 2023. Fixed-wing aircraft billings increased 2.2% and helicopter billings 11.2%. There is a growing order book for all segments of aircraft.

GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce cautioned that a variety of headwinds face the industry. These include supply chain issues, workforce shortages, uncertainty in working with regulators as well as troubling efforts to stymie business aviation in Europe. More...

Question: Can a repair station hold a class rating and a subsequent limited rating that covers the same article?

Answer: Generally, no, the FAA should not be issuing duplicative ratings. This is highlighted in a legal interpretation published July 17, 2023. More...

Later this year, approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators will come together for two days of training, networking and professional development. More specifically, the AEA Regionals 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 in the exhibit hall; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business. Register Now...

Attention avionics subject matter experts, the Aircraft Electronics Technician standard is due for revision. Join the ASTM committee responsible for updating the standard at its annual in-person meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, and share your experience, expertise, and insights. Join the committee meeting May 21-22, 2024, at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham.

Captain Barrington Irving will give the keynote address. He is celebrated for his pioneering work in education and technology, and is the founder of The Flying Classroom, Experience Aviation, and the Barrington Irving Technical Training School in Miami, Florida. All ASTM Committee meetings are open to members and non-members. The meeting schedule includes a tour of the Southern Museum of Flight. More...

This episode of AEA Amplified discusses the installation of avionics in light general aviation aircraft with a focus on classifying the alteration, availability of installation data, and the approval requirement for radios. Brian Yablon of Air Sense Avionics, a practicing electrical engineer, founded his repair station in 2018 after a rewarding career in electrical design and engineering management with a Fortune 100 company. He left the corporate grind to combine his passion for aviation and electronics.

As the owner of an FAA-certified repair station, Yablon has expanded his knowledge and understanding by frequently asking questions on the regulatory front to Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs. Yablon leads a discussion with Peri to share some of his questions with the AEA membership. Join us for the first installment of “Shop Talk” in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

Are you in the business of buying and selling avionics? If you list 25 items on the AEA's members-only equipment marketplace, your AEA membership virtually pays for itself. Equipment Exchange (EEDirect) is the online marketplace exclusively for AEA members to buy and sell to other AEA members.

It can be used for pricing equipment for quotes, and products are searchable by model/part number, description, region or AEA member company. The listing is updated monthly. To participate, login with your AEA member password at aea.net/eedirect.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 46th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2023. 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.

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (10 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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (10 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 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. Register Now...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (14 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. Register Now...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (10 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...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (13 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...

AET Prep Course and Exam (15 seats remain)

This is a virtual-live class for aviation technicians who want to earn their NCATT AET certification. Students who register in advance will have access to online modules to self-study the AET coursework before attending the one-day virtual-live class. The online modules take approximately two weeks to complete. After the course, students will be fully prepared to take the AET certification exam. The $175 value for the exam is included in the course registration. Upon registration, instructions to access the AET Prep online modules will be emailed to the attendee. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

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. Learn More...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (10 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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (15 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 Service and Testing Fundamentals (12 seats remain)

This intensive three-day course is designed for experienced avionics technicians seeking comprehensive training in avionics testing, troubleshooting and service. Led by industry expert Don Dominguez of Radioman Avionics, participants will gain hands-on experience in bench testing LRUs, flight line testing, and aircraft troubleshooting across various avionics systems. From fundamental concepts to advanced techniques, this course covers a wide range of topics including navigation, communication, and transponder equipment service. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (14 seats remain)

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

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.