On Thursday, March 9, the United States House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee will convene a hearing focused on general aviation and reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. Under the leadership of Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), this will be the second hearing in the committee’s preparation for FAA reauthorization this year.

The hearing, entitled, “FAA Reauthorization: Securing the Future of General Aviation,” will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern time. Watch...

New satellite networks are coming online, and everyone in business aviation wants to stay connected. Satcom Direct in Melbourne, Florida, is now shipping its first of three new antennas to simplify linkups.

At a time when the introductions of new products in the avionics industry have slowed down post-pandemic and with supply chain issues and chip shortages, these new products are a welcome addition to the market. Satcom Direct works with a dozen MROs worldwide but is open to overtures from new partners who have the right qualifications. Authorized dealers will do the new hardware installations. More...

The Aircraft Electronics Association announced the recipients of the annual Avionics Training Excellence Award, which recognizes AEA member companies for their total commitment to continued education as evidenced by participation in AEA-approved training. A total of 44 member companies received the 2022 AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award.

For a member company to be eligible for the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award, all its technicians must have completed at least one AEA-approved training event in the previous year, which includes in-person courses conducted at AEA headquarters; the AEA International Convention & Trade Show; the AEA Connect Conferences; the Avionics News Technical Training Exam; online training via the AEA's Aerospace Education Resource Online (AERO) system; AEA virtual-live training courses; original equipment manufacturer training from AEA member companies; and AEA partner training. More...

Work is now complete on ASTM NCATT Aircraft Electronics Installation Technician (AEIT), an AET endorsement. Beta testers for the certification exam are needed. Those with a valid Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification who successfully complete the exam will receive the certification at no cost if their score is above the final passing score determined after the pilot phase. Beta testers without an AET certificate who pass the exam can receive their endorsement once they take and pass the AET.

For convenience, remote proctoring is also available at no cost, allowing those interested to take the test online. A computer with internet connection, camera and microphone is needed. If interested, contact Carolyn Parise at carolynparise@spacetec.us.

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.

For decades, these events were well-known by AEA members as Regional Meetings, but they were more recently branded as Connect Conferences. Following feedback from members in a survey conducted earlier this year, the AEA Regionals will return in 2023 on dates and locations preferred by the membership with a refreshed schedule and training format. More...

Attendees must register by April 5 to receive the advance registration rate of $795 (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; opening session with new product introductions; AEA First-Nighter event; and networking with manufacturing and distributors.

Can’t be in Orlando all four days of the show? Daily registration options are available for $275 per day for AEA members and $375 per day for non-members. To register as an attendee, click here.

The AEA room block at the Gaylord Palms is nearly sold-out. If you do not find availability, Marriott Village Orlando is a complex of three spectacular hotels about 5 miles from the Gaylord Palms Resort. This includes: Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista; Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista; and Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Call 877-682-8552 to make a reservation prior to March 23.

Please note: The AEA does not work with any housing agencies to make hotel reservations on your behalf. We strongly suggest you work directly with the hotel when making your room reservations. More...

Question: To whom does the regulatory requirement for a repair station training program apply?

Answer: Only employees assigned to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations, and inspection functions.

Learn more about this topic in Avionics News. More...

For 40 years, aviation has been a part of Dennis Pendergast’s life. For starters, his mom was a private pilot, and his dad began learning to fly too. In his teens, he attended Oklahoma’s Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, where he earned an airframe and powerplant certificate. Later, he, too, learned to fly. Over the years, Pendergast has worked on piston aircraft, turboprops and jets for fixed-base operators, regional airlines and small aircraft repair shops.

Today, Pendergast owns and operates Sky Avionics, a Part 145 repair station at Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida. He specializes in avionics installations and instrument panel modifications for single- and twin-engine piston aircraft and turboprops. More...

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association released the 2022 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report during its annual State of the Industry Press Conference. Overall, when compared to 2021, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments, and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $26.8 billion, an increase of 6%.

Airplane shipments in 2022, when compared to 2021, saw piston airplane deliveries increase 8.2%, with 1,524 units; turboprop airplane deliveries increase 10.4%, with 582 units; and business jet deliveries increase to 712 units from 710. The value of airplane deliveries for 2022 was $22.9 billion, an increase of approximately 5.8%.

Piston helicopter deliveries for 2022, when compared to 2021, saw an increase of 7.2%, with 194 units; and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter increase 7.6%, with 682 units. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2022 was $4 billion, an increase of approximately 6.8%. More...

ASTM International’s unmanned aircraft systems committee (F38) is developing a proposed standard that will help identify communications security principles and relevant frameworks for securing ad hoc uncrewed aircraft system communications. ASTM member Drew Van Duren said the proposed standard (WK84631) will identify and describe a tailorable approach to securing aircraft-to-anything (A2X) broadcast-type applications.

“With the phenomenal scaling of UAS operations worldwide, there is a burgeoning need for UA and other aircraft types to be able to communicate ad hoc, safety-related data with each other, not just with air traffic control or their operators. Networks are simply not omnipresent, and they can introduce unacceptable latency,” he said. According to Van Duren, the security of such links is vital, particularly in safety-critical applications such as detect-and-avoid and related maneuvering. More...

The AEA and AEROTEAM Training Solutions offer a wide range of technical training (initial and continuation) to the European community, tailored to meet the EASA regulatory requirements and discounted for members.

The AEA enables access to the wide range of training courses for its members at a fixed 25% discount. All courses are available at ATS’ headquarters in Billund, Denmark, or locally at the AEA member upon a case-by-case request. AEA members may find descriptions of courses scheduled for the months of April through June here. Those courses include: EWIS Module G – Practical Training; Part-145 Safety Management System Training; and Human Factors Initial Training. In order to obtain the discount, AEA members must register for a training course and apply the following code upon checkout: AEAats23. More...

Join the AEA via virtual-live courses or in the classroom for upcoming avionics training. Continue your professional development, network with other shops and technicians, and learn in a true hands-on environment.

In-person class sizes are limited at the AEA’s Dan Derby Center for Professional Development in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Interested parties are encouraged to register well in advance to reserve a seat. More...

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association recently unveiled the 2022 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. When compared to 2021, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments, and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $26.8 billion, an increase of 6%.

Take a deep dive into the data and the state of the industry with Jens Hennig, GAMA vice president of operations, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...

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.

Need some financial assistance with your education? The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2023-24 school year to students pursuing a career in avionics 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, 2023. More...

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...

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.

Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (course 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. The 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 (18 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.

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 (18 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.

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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (14 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.

Transponder Service Training (14 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 (14 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, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (13 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.

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.