If you are planning to attend the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, register by Dec. 31, 2021, to receive the early-bird discounted price of $695 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $180 per person savings off the registration fee.

The event will take place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, March 28-31, 2022. Be sure to check out the AEA’s Health and Safety Preparation page for more information on how the city of New Orleans is preparing for guests. More...

On Dec. 7, 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement on the expansion of 5G. According to the agency, "The FAA believes the expansion of 5G and aviation will safely co-exist. Today, we took an important step toward that goal by issuing two airworthiness directives to provide a framework and to gather more information to avoid potential effects on aviation safety equipment. The FAA is working closely with the Federal Communications Commission and wireless companies, and has made progress toward safely implementing the 5G expansion. We are confident with ongoing collaboration we will reach this shared goal."

To read the statement in its entirety and the two airworthiness directives, click here.

An AEA member company since 1980, Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog company, recently announced it has delivered more than 1,000 S-TEC 3100 Autopilots since starting production in April 2018.

According to the company, Genesys Aerosystems’ S-TEC autopilots are certified on multiple fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft makes and models for general aviation and special-mission aircraft. Over 200 aircraft makes and models are now approved for installation of the S-TEC 3100 autopilot.

“We are excited that so many aircraft owners have selected the latest Genesys autopilot in an effort to bring more safety-enhancing features to their flying,” stated Jamie Luster, director of sales and marketing. “Genesys is committed to continued advancement of our autopilot features, and we value the feedback received from current customers to assist us in prioritizing our research and development efforts.” More...

Applications are now being accepted for AEA members interested in running for a position on the AEA board of directors. To apply, your company must be an AEA member in good standing, and you must complete an application form by Dec. 17, 2021.

The applications are reviewed by the AEA Trusteeship Committee, which assembles a final slate of nominees for a vote before the full membership. The slate is assembled based on applicant experience, expertise, and areas of need for the AEA board.

A director’s term is for three years, and directors are expected to attend the AEA International Convention & Trade Show (where the annual spring board meeting is convened), as well as the annual fall board meeting. During the year, directors may be asked to volunteer time to serve on committees or complete special projects.

Member voting takes place via the AEA website in January and the winners of the election will be notified in early 2022. More...

In recent years, the Federal Communications Commission has taken actions to clear additional spectrum for use by terrestrial 5G operators. Unfortunately, as 5G becomes more widespread, misinformation about 5G technology and potential interference with these other bands has led to concerns in the market that need to be clarified.

As a result, Gogo Business Aviation recently published a white paper written by Jim MacDougall and Ky Huynh, titled "5G and Spectrum Interference Concerns for Aviation." To read the white paper in its entirety, click here.

Congratulations to Frank Lemon of Sterling Avionics, who won a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, for submitting the correct answer in this month's Mystery Make and Model challenge featured in the previous issue of AEA Wired. The unit is a Wilcox 758A ATC transponder function tester.

Avionics technicians can put their "inside" knowledge to work in the next issue of AEA Wired, so stay tuned for the next Mystery Make and Model challenge! All correct answers submitted throughout 2021 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card in January, also from Southeast Aerospace.

Whether you are setting up an anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program for the first time or you are thinking about switching your third-party administrator, NATA Compliance Services recently announced that companies enrolling in its anti-drug and alcohol program management by Dec. 31, 2021, will have the $250 setup fee waived.

The AEA has partnered with NATA Compliance Services to offer this service as a member benefit. For over 20 years, NATACS has provided the aviation industry assistance with its anti-drug and alcohol program needs. NATA CS understand the challenges you face and provides a number of services and resources to help you stay compliant with federal regulations. More...

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic troubles, employment opportunities for entry-level aviation maintenance technicians, both avionics and A&P mechanics, have remained strong, which seems counterintuitive. One factor that helped our industry hang on through the pandemic was the backlog of ADS-B installations. But there is another factor many people have ignored lately: The last of the baby boomers are reaching retirement age.

The first baby boomers were born in 1946 and are now 75 years of age. The last of the baby boomers were born in 1964 and are now 57 years old. According to the United States Census Bureau, the peak birthrate was in 1959. Those born during the peak year are now 62 years old. Also, according to the Census Bureau, baby boomers make up approximately 20% of the U.S. population. This 20% will be at full retirement age, or older, in 2031. Put another way, 20% of us are beyond, at or near retirement age. More...

Earlier this year, AEA members elected Kevin Barton to its board of directors. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in aviation to his new board position, Barton serves as director of engineering at Eagle Copters, leading the certification and engineering team in support of aircraft modifications and manufacturing. He oversees the day-to-day engineering activities, from design concepts through certification.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Eagle Copters provides full-service capabilities for helicopter operators, including product development and engineering, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, modifications, fleet management, sales and leasing. More...

The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award more than 20 scholarships for the 2022-23 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, 2022. Scholarship applications are available at aea.net/scholarship.

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...

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...

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. More than a dozen new courses that took place at this year's AEA Convention in Dallas are now available, including OEM technical sessions, Pitot-Static and Transponder Certification training, Electrical Load Analysis, and Marketing Beyond the Runway. Convention attendees may access the sessions recorded at AEA Dallas 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...

You or your maintenance technician need to know how much electrical power the plane needs to satisfy the electrical system’s needs – from engine at a normal idle to engine making takeoff power. It’s difficult to fit a new power source while in the dark about what’s needed to satisfy the system’s total need for electrons.

If a backup generating source is planned, performing this baseline assessment can help determine which components the pilot wants to keep alive with a standby generating source – and which, exactly, electrical components the pilot wants to sustain. Ideally, the choices will provide a baseline for the standby electrical system – and start the search for a solution that will meet those needs. More...

Despite the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and its related economic impacts, as well as challenges involving staffing and cybersecurity, aerospace stakeholders are cautiously optimistic about the health and future outlook of the industry, according to the 2021 State of the Industry Report recently issued by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The report, delivering insights from a 2021 survey of approximately 1,000 people from AIAA’s membership and the wider aerospace community internationally, reveals that the majority of aerospace industry survey respondents feel the U.S. economy is moving in the right direction, with 75% of respondents in the aviation sector having a positive outlook about the future of the aerospace industry. More...

General aviation pilots will have an additional safety option to avoid potential collisions thanks to a new partnership between Becker Avionics and Iris Automation. Iris makes the Casia computer vision system originally developed to fly on drones big enough to carry its 1.06-pound single-camera system or its 4.8-pound five-camera system.

The Casia system is now seen by Becker and Iris as a tool to increase situational awareness for general aviation pilots when paired with a Becker 3D audio system and also to advance uncrewed aerial vehicle safety. The Becker Avionics/Iris Automation collision avoidance safety capability being developed by the partners will use Iris Automation’s Casia vision system interfacing with Becker’s digital auto management unit, the AMU6500, to detect, then audibly alert the pilot of approaching aircraft. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2021-22 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide was recently unveiled. This year marks the 19th 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...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (12 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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (12 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 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 upon course completion.

Transponder Service Training (8 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 upon course completion.

Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (7 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 (5 seats remain)

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 (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 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 (20 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 (12 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.

Aircraft Instrument Systems (15 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 (15 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 (15 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.

Certified Repair Station Training (20 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 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.