On Feb. 8, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed the bipartisan Senate Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2023. It is not certain when the full Senate will vote on the the bill, but the House of Representatives passed its FAA reauthorization bill in July 2023. The Senate committee held eight aviation hearings to inform the bill’s drafting.

According to a committee statement, "The legislation includes several provisions to strengthen safety standards and oversight at the FAA and responds to safety concerns from recent aviation accidents and near-misses."

"This bipartisan bill delivers improvements to aviation safety and consumer protections that Americans have been demanding,” said Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the committee. “The bill will put more FAA safety inspectors on factory floors and more air traffic controllers in towers. It forces airlines to improve customer service – establishing mandatory refunds for flight disruptions and barring carriers from charging extra for families to sit together. Aviation is a key sector of the U.S. economy and supports millions of U.S. jobs. We need to make the right investments, hire the best-skilled workers and make our aviation safety system the gold standard of the world.” More...

Piper Aircraft recently unveiled a new model in its PA46 line of aircraft – the Piper M700 FURY – a single-engine, 700 shaft horsepower, cabin-class turboprop. According to the company, "the Piper M700 FURY represents the first step toward a new generation of the M-Class family, outperforming past PA46 models and several competitive aircraft in performance, operational cost efficiencies, and overall value.

"Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, the M700 FURY boasts a maximum cruise speed of 301 ktas with a max range of 1,149 nm / 1,849 km (at max cruise speed, 1,424 nm at normal cruise speed) while maintaining its Basic Med compliant 6,000- pound MGTOW limit. At a 301-knot max cruise speed, the M700 FURY stands alone as the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s enviable 87-year, 134,000 unit production history, and it’s the second fastest model of all time. Only the mighty Piper Cheyenne 400LS turbine twin is faster."

Piper added that "the M700 FURY features Garmin’s G3000 avionics system – a touchscreen-controlled glass flight deck. In addition, the new model will retain Garmin’s PlaneSync technology, which includes a 4G LTE Cellular and Wi-Fi datalink that enables new avionics capabilities to streamline an aircraft owner’s pre-flight and post-flight activities." More...

Garmin recently introduced a new series of Comm and Nav/Comm radios that offer "feature-rich solutions in a slim 1.35-inch bezel height form factor." According to the company, the GTR 205 Comm radio and GNC 215 Nav/Comm radio are "affordable solutions for customers that feature an easy-to-read full color LCD display, intuitive user interface and worldwide frequency database."

Designed for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, Garmin said the GTR 205 and GNC 215 are "versatile radios that can serve in a variety of aircraft types and panel installations. The 1.35-inch height form factor matches previous-generation SL30 and SL40 radios, enabling easier upgrades and creating more room in space constrained panels." More...

Advance registration is available 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...

All AEA Convention attendees and exhibitors are invited to the First-Nighter Event on Tuesday, March 19. Join us from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Glass Cactus, adjacent to the Gaylord Texan, for "Moonshine and Mustangs." Enjoy drinks, food and live music.

Check in at the AEA registration desk located at the Gaylord Texan's Tate Ballroom Foyer in the Vineyard Tower before it closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, as your convention badge is required for entry. More...

Ryan Hawk will be the keynote speaker at the AEA Convention's opening session, March 19. Hawk is the host of The Learning Leader Show and has recorded more than 550 episodes over the past eight-plus years.

Forbes called The Learning Leader Show “the most dynamic leadership podcast around.” According to Inc. Magazine, “it’s one of the five podcasts to make you a smarter leader.” Hawk is also the author of Welcome to Management: How to Grow from Top Performer to Excellent Leader and the Pursuit of Excellence – heralded by Forbes as the “most dynamic leadership book of 2022 delivering a masterclass on how to apply the most useful habits to real life.” When he’s not recording podcasts or writing books, he helps leaders be more effective and shares his experience through keynotes all over the world. More...

At Send Solutions, innovating cost-effective options for aging aircraft drives success for the company and its customers. From a worldwide communications system to a new cabin in-flight entertainment system, the Alpharetta, Georgia-based firm is helping operators keep pace with new technology, improve operational efficiency and extend their aircraft’s lifespan.

“We focus on creating aftermarket products and obsolescence solutions; it’s our niche,” said Send Solutions general manager Jonathan Pinson, who previously worked for Send Solutions founder David Gray at Flight Display Systems. “If you have an older jet with aging electronics, we can help.” More...

What are personal minimums? In aviation, they tend to be aligned with the pilot. From there, you may see a dozen or so different interpretations. The FAA Aviation Safety Briefing newsletter, Personal Minimums, states, “Personal minimums refer to an individual pilot’s set of procedures, rules, criteria, and guidelines for deciding whether and under what conditions to operate (or continue operating) in the national airspace system. Personal minimums should be set so as to provide a solid safety buffer between the pilot skills and aircraft capability required for the specific flight you want to make, and the pilot skills and aircraft capability available to you through training, experience, currency, proficiency and, in the case of the airplane, performance characteristics.”

As a technician, what are your limits? As an employer, do you encourage the technician to consider their personal minimums? As we consider personal minimums, what are the organizational minimums? Have you defined them? Every owner of every business has their limits. But there are three elements to these limits. First, are they defined and documented? Are they shared with the employees? Are they followed? More...

You have undoubtedly heard about the increasing push to enable commercial operations to require only one pilot. Many air carriers are stating the need because of the ongoing shortage of qualified pilots.

While we’re certainly not going to get into that debate here, let’s look at one critical element of the equation: If you remove the “right seat,” the “left seat” is now saddled with all the workload – and even two-crew flight decks are already too busy.

But as some proponents proclaim, that’s an easy problem to solve: “We can use artificial intelligence to handle routine aircraft operations. Look what autopilots can do today.” More...

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...

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:

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...

C2C Resources provides AEA members worldwide with debt collection services at a member-discounted rate. Visit the C2C Resources website at c2cresources.com to see how its programs can benefit your company. For more information, call C2C Resources at 866-341-6316. To learn more with your member login and password, click here.

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.

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (12 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 (sold-out)

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. Learn More...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (12 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 (12 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...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (13 seats remain)

Risk management is a vital element of any successful business. Whether driven by best practices or responding to a regulatory requirement, the AEA has your solution. Leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership, the AEA developed a proprietary SMS program designed specifically for maintenance organizations. This program is currently used on every continent. The AEA has been coordinating 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...

AET Prep Course and Exam (15 seats remain)

This is a hybrid 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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (5 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...

AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (15 seats remain)

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. Register Now...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (12 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...

Certified Repair Station Training (8 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.