May 10, 2023
AEA Launches New Logo
Reimagined brand reflects strategic priorities
The Aircraft Electronics Association has created a new logo to better embody the organization’s revived vision and mission statements with accompanying values and strategic priorities. It marks the culmination of the AEA’s recent strategic planning process that began in 2020 and reflects the association’s forward momentum. More...
AEA Names Chuck Gallagher to Board of Directors
The AEA's board of directors recently appointed Chuck Gallagher of Cincinnati Avionics to an open seat, where he will serve through March 2025. Gallagher was introduced to aviation in 1993 when he was hired by Sporty’s after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in mechanical engineering. During his first year at Sporty’s, he earned a recreational pilot certificate within a week, and he currently holds a private pilot with multiengine and instrument ratings. Gallagher is the president and CEO of Eastern Cincinnati Aviation and an executive vice president at Sporty’s in Batavia, Ohio.

In 1996, Sporty’s tasked Gallagher with opening a first-class Part 145 repair station specializing in piston airplanes. Cincinnati Avionics was founded and has grown to become a leader in avionics installations and service, with an emphasis on general aviation aircraft. More...
Ask the Industry
Does your company use a computer-based management tool for any of the following: work orders, invoicing, parts tracking, or quotes?
Select one option below.
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More Than 30 Companies Introduce New Avionics Products
On April 24, a total of 33 companies unveiled new products and services during the opening session of the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. The New Product Introductions session is one of the most popular events every year during the convention and has evolved into a must-see showcase for AEA members and the aviation media.

For the 15th straight year, Aero-News Network provided livestreaming services as part of its convention coverage. Additionally, ANN recently elected to publish a string of YouTube videos featuring each company that introduced new products to the avionics marketplace. Watch...
No Deadline Extension for 5G Aircraft Retrofit
On May 2, Reuters reported that the Biden administration does not plan to extend a July 1 deadline for airlines to upgrade airplane altimeters, the measuring instruments that are crucial for bad-weather landings, to address potential interference from 5G wireless technology. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told airlines the deadline will not be moved. He said airlines had made progress but urged them to work aggressively to continue retrofitting airplanes.

Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen recently said the FAA has "given airlines until July of this year to retrofit." Nolen added that if airlines have not retrofitted by next year, "they will not be able to operate" in U.S. airspace. More...
FAA Unveils Airspace Blueprint for Advanced Air Mobility
On May 3, the Federal Aviation Administration released an updated blueprint for airspace and procedure changes to accommodate future air taxis and other advanced air mobility operations. According to the agency's blueprint, AAM operations will begin at a low rate with air taxis flying much as helicopters do today. They’ll use existing routes and infrastructure such as helipads and early vertiports. Pilots will communicate with air traffic controllers where required.

As the number of operations increases, air taxis are expected to fly in corridors between major airports and vertiports in city centers. The complexity of the corridors could increase over time from single one-way paths to routes serving multiple flows of aircraft flying in both directions. Over time, these corridors could link an increasing number of routes between vertiports. The FAA expects aircraft technology will evolve as well. Aircraft automation and real-time data sharing between aircraft will likely play increasing roles in these corridors. The FAA developed the blueprint with NASA and industry stakeholders. More...
FAA presents Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award to AEA's Ric Peri
During the opening session of the AEA Convention, April 24, the FAA presented the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award to Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs. The award is named in honor of Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight, and recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. Taylor served as the Wright brothers' mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft.

Robert Jex, FAASTeam program manager at the FAA's Flight Standards District Office in Orlando, presented Peri the award. Peri has more than 50 years in aviation maintenance as a mechanic, instructor, writer, consultant and auditor. In his current role with the AEA, Peri advocates for the avionics and maintenance industries before the aviation authorities worldwide with a primary focus on the Americas, Europe and the South Pacific regions. More...
The Advantage of Part 145: Personnel
More ways to grow your own
This month’s View from Washington column in Avionics News covers the aviation workforce and the advantages repair stations have when employing technicians. The data noted is mostly United States centric because it is readily available. However, the basic premise of a labor shortage and the advantages of repair station regulations are universal to all of the AEA’s global membership.

To support the “grow your own” path and the certification of qualified individuals, the AEA has developed two clearly defined options in cooperation with the FAA. To satisfy the formal training requirement of section 65.101 (a)(5)(ii), the AEA petitioned the FAA and received approval for the recognition of ASTM’s NCATT aircraft electronics technician certification. In addition to the AET certification, the AEA in cooperation with the Urban Institute developed and published a competency-based occupational framework for avionics technician apprentices. More...
Solving the Shortage
Dutchess Community College offers intensive one-year training in aviation maintenance
At Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappingers Falls, New York, a Gulfstream GIII sits on the ramp next to a new $16 million training center. A joint venture between Dutchess Community College, New York State and Dutchess County, the Aviation Education Center supports students enrolled in the school’s pilot, aviation management and aviation maintenance technician programs. Most of the new, state-of-the-art center is dedicated to the intensive training and certification of aircraft mechanics to help fill local and global demand.

The college held its first aviation maintenance classes in 2021 – only two years ago. Genna Suraci, program coordinator and instructor, came out of retirement in 2018 to plan, develop and oversee the project. More...
Today's Small Electronic Flight Instruments Deliver Significant Benefits
It’s interesting how digital displays have evolved. First, they were the same form and fit factor as the “coffee grinder” ADIs and HSIs they replaced. Then as CRTs evolved into LCDs, the displays got bigger and bigger. Now we have laptop-size touchscreen displays in the panel.

It may come as a surprise to anyone not involved in avionics on a daily basis, but as consumer technology continues to evolve, digital instruments and displays are getting small again. Now you can pack nearly a 10-inch display’s worth of information into a digital display that fits in a standard 3-inch instrument cutout.
If an aircraft owner is looking to upgrade a legacy panel while keeping the budget in check, that’s a good thing. Of course, the benefits don’t begin and end with the cool and capable compact displays. In fact, one of the biggest pluses begins behind the panel itself. More...
CASA Proposes New Aircraft Type Ratings
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia is proposing to amend the type rating information with the addition of new aircraft types and a new type certificate holder to the aircraft type ratings lists in Appendix IX of the Part 66 Manual of Standards.

The AEA encourages every employee of every Australian member company to take time to review the proposal and provide their views, comments, and concerns. This is an ideal opportunity to highlight, while there may be some justification for a B-1 type rating, there is little reason to support a B-2 type rating, and these aircraft should be group rated. More...
Aviation Aces: Mike Ingram of Shadin Avionics
According to Mike Ingram, president and chief executive officer of Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Shadin Avionics, there are many paths to the role of CEO. For Ingram, it was through engineering, avionics design and product management – in the United States and 8,000 miles away in China.

“My early avionics experience helps me better understand our customers’ challenges,” Ingram said. “Aerospace, especially avionics and technical sales, is much less about selling and more about solving problems. I need to be able to dive down to a certain level in the initial conversation to understand the challenge and be able to connect the right people, either in my organization or others in the industry, to help solve it.”

Ingram has devoted more than two decades to solving problems. He studied electrical and computer engineering in college and earned a master’s degree in ocean engineering, which primarily focused on underwater acoustics and positioning. During graduate school, he worked with early GPS and inertial navigation systems and continued with advanced GPS and robotics at Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. More...
Registration Open for AEA Regionals
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 are where technicians and business owners 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.

The AEA Regionals return in 2023 on dates and locations preferred by the membership with a refreshed schedule and training format. Registration is now available online along with hotel information and reservation links. More...
2022 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey
FAA survey measures safety, determines funding, and informs the impact of aviation on the economy
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:
  • 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.
On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
EBACE
Geneva, Switzerland
May 23-25, 2023
The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition is the annual meeting place for the European business aviation community. The exhibition brings together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel, avionics firms, fractional providers, charter/lease companies and all manner of people involved in nearly every aspect of business aviation. More...
EASA-FAA International Safety Conference
Cologne, Germany
June 13-15, 2023
How do we model the path for the future? How can we ensure safety while considering sustainability? What actions are we taking to manage and further develop a safe, modern and sustainable aviation system? This year’s conference will gather senior aviation professionals from regulators, manufacturers, airlines and associations from all over the world to discuss global aviation safety and sustainability topics from the perspective of the regulators and industry. More...
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 24-30, 2023
The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration has it all when it comes to aircraft. Warbirds. Vintage. Homebuilts. Ultralights. For many, arriving at Oshkosh is a rite of passage that can only be satisfied by being one of the more than 10,000 aircraft flying in, landing at what becomes the busiest airport in the world. More...
AEA Canada Regional
Calgary, Alberta
August 24-25, 2023
Join aviation's technology experts at the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel for two days of technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. More...
Connected Aviation Intelligence Summit
Denver, Colorado
September 6-8, 2023
This event is dedicated to providing attendees with an outlook for the aviation technology ecosystem that is constantly finding ways to innovate and advance during this unprecedented time for the industry. Reach more than 400 industry professionals over three days of the conference, with time built in for attendees to visit the exhibits. More...
AEA East Regional
Daytona Beach, Florida
September 14-15, 2023
This two-day event allows 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. Join us at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. More...
AEA Central Regional
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
September 28-29, 2023
Avionics professionals will gather for two days of technical training, regulatory updates, and an exhibit hall filled with the latest technologies. Join us at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel. More...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (course sold-out)
May 22-24, 2023
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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. More...
Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (course sold-out)
May 25-26, 2023
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. More...
Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (6 seats remain)
June 7-9, 2023
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. Register Now...
In-flight Connectivity Foundations (14 seats remain)
June 14, 2023
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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. Register Now...
Safety Management System Coordinator Training (15 seats remain)
July 12, 2023
Virtual-Live course
The AEA has developed a proprietary SMS program designed for maintenance organizations, sized for small businesses and leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership. This program has been coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada Civil Aviation, as well as discussions with the Australian government's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for future acceptance. Register Now...
Certified Repair Station Training (6 seats remain)
July 17-21, 2023
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 plan to attend. Register Now...
Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (14 seats remain)
August 9-11, 2023
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 Testing Fundamentals (13 seats remain)
August 14-15, 2023
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 (13 seats remain)
August 16, 2023
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 (12 seats remain)
August 17, 2023
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 (12 seats remain)
August 18, 2023
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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...
News from AEA Member Companies
True Blue Power announced the company’s Gen5 TB40 (40 amp-hour) Advanced Lithium-ion Main Ship Battery is STC approved on Hawker/Beechjet 400 Series aircraft.

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics' West Coast facility is relocating from its current Van Nuys, California, location to a new facility, less than 10 miles west, in Chatsworth, California. The move will be completed by May 15.

Blackhawk Aerospace Technologies is in the final stages of completing an STC for the installation of the new Garmin GI 275 Electronic Standby Instrument System for the Citation 500/501/550/S550/560/560XL series aircraft.

Trimec Aviation was recognized by Universal Avionics as a 2022 Outstanding Dealer of the Year at the AEA Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Duncan Aviation has quadrupled the dedicated shop space for the company’s Honeywell HTF7000 engine maintenance services in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 20,000 square feet and named Shawn Schmitz as the new HTF7000 program manager.

Peregrine, in collaboration with Curtiss-Wright and SoCal Jets, Inc. has expanded the AML for STC #ST01070DE. This AML STC, validated by the Mexico Federal Civil Aviation of Mexico (AFAC), installs the Curtiss-Wright Fortress Flight Data Recorder with Cockpit Voice Recorder, Class C Cockpit Image Recorder including a Dukane Seacom Underwater Locating Device.

Thomas Global Systems’ legacy of providing practical flight deck display upgrade solutions for commercial, military and business aircraft continues with the selection of its TFD-4100 drop-in CRT-to-LCD Solution by a prominent operator of Bombardier Challenger 604s for their Pro Line 4 avionics-equipped fleet.

Satcom Direct is adding a highly automated carbon reporting tool to the SD Pro operating system. The new reporting module leverages real-time data generated by SD’s FlightDeck Freedom datalink service, which accurately captures fuel burn information.

uAvionix announced that the AV-Mag remote magnetometer for the AV-30-C Display has received STC approval from the FAA for installation on certified aircraft covered by the AV-30-C STC.

Aspen Avionics is rolling back the pricing of its primary flight display by $1,000 to $4,995 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the initial certification and shipment of the Evolution E5.

Cirrus Aircraft unveiled a new, destination-inspired limited edition aircraft to commemorate the 9,000th SR Series aircraft delivery. Cirrus Aircraft also announced the groundbreaking for its new facility at McKinney National Airport in the Dallas metroplex. The company also announced that all four of its company-operated service centers have now earned FAA Part 145 certification.

Fargo Jet Center announced the delivery of a complete Garmin avionics upgrade to the first of three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for Northeast Montana STAT Air Ambulance Cooperative.

Banyan Air Service has been renewed as the only Corporate Aircraft Association preferred FBO at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.

Garmin received the 2022 Operational Excellence Award from Airbus Helicopters at the annual Supplier Conference in Marignane, France. Garmin also was named the 2022 “Best of the Best” Supplier by Embraer at its Suppliers Conference in Campos do Jordão, Brazil. Additionally, Garmin was recognized as the top supplier in both the Systems and Services & Support categories for its G3000 Prodigy Touch flight deck systems in the Phenom 100EV and Phenom 300E.

Alpine Aerotech LP and Heli-One Canada ULC were awarded subcontracts by Bell Textron Canada Ltd. to support the Canadian Armed Forces in the modernization of its CH-146 Griffon aircraft fleet.

West Star Aviation was voted No. 1 Preferred MRO in the 2023 Professional Pilot magazine's annual preference regarding aviation services and equipment survey for the ninth time. West Star Aviation also joined the Aviation Technical Education Council and is actively supporting the mission of the sister organization, Choose Aviation.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. appointed Edmiston as the authorized international sales representative for Gulfstream business aircraft sales activities in the United Kingdom and Channel Islands.

Gogo Business Aviation will expand its Gogo 5G network into Canada. Gogo Inc. provided notice to its Term Loan lenders of its intent to pay down $100 million principal amount of its outstanding Term Loan, which was expected to be effectuated on May 3, 2023.

Marsh McLennan will be the preferred partner for insurance solutions to Volatus customers.

Astronics Corp. sales for the first quarter of 2023 were $156.5 million, up 35% over prior year. Bookings totaled $157.8 million and achieved record backlog of $578.5 million. Aerospace segment sales increased 34% to $135.6 million; bookings were $150.1 million.
Request Your FREE AEA Pilot's Guide
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...
AeroCareers.net Offers Aerospace Career Paths
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...
AEA Jobs Board: Where Will You Land?
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...
Are You Hiring? List Your Openings
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.
About the AEA
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.
Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
Email: info@aea.net
Web: aea.net 
Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
Email: rachelh@aea.net

The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.