Avionics professionals may still register in advance for the 67th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show. Join industry professionals at the largest gathering of aircraft electronics manufacturers, distributors and approved maintenance organizations in the world. The event will take place March 19-22, at Marriott's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Daily registration options are available for those who cannot attend the entire show. Register...

Sponsored by Gogo Business Aviation, the New Product Introductions session is one of the most popular events every year and has evolved into a must-see showcase. The NPI session takes place during the opening session on Tuesday, March 19, which begins at 8:30 a.m. CDT in the Tate Ballroom - Vineyard Tower of the Gaylord Texan. The opening session will be livestreamed by Aero-News Network. Watch...

Two prestigious industry award recipients will be honored during the opening session of the AEA Convention in Dallas, March 19. Determined in a vote by AEA members, Bruce Grammon was named the AEA Member of the Year, while Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics was honored as the AEA Associate Member of the Year. 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.

Links to register and make hotel reservations will be available soon. Here are the dates and locations for the 2024 AEA Regionals:

The Federal Aviation Administration recently announced that 32 schools will receive $13.5 million in grants from the agency to help attract and train students for careers as aviation maintenance technicians and pilots.

In fact, $9 million will go to 20 schools as part of the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development program. According to the FAA, these grants will help build back the pipeline of maintenance professionals; approximately 20,000 fewer people are working in the aircraft maintenance sector than before the pandemic. Recipients can use the funding to establish new educational programs; provide scholarships or apprenticeships; conduct outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry; and support educational opportunities related to aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged areas. More...

Ryan Hawk, who will give the keynote address at the 2024 AEA Convention in Dallas, is the host of The Learning Leader Show and has recorded more than 500 podcast episodes over the past eight years. Hawk worked in corporate America for 12 years, starting as an entry-level telephonic sales rep and worked his way to manager, director, and ultimately vice president of sales for a multibillion-dollar company.

When he’s not recording podcasts or writing books, Hawk helps leaders be more effective. Learn more about Ryan Hawk in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

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...

As chief executive officer of SmartSky Networks, Dave Helfgott is responsible for the company’s strategic direction and driving the completion, launch and expansion of its broadband air-to-ground network.

An industry veteran of more than 20 years, Helfgott has extensive experience in airborne communications, satellite broadband, mobile telecommunications, and commercial and government SATCOM networking services. Headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, and an AEA member company since 2014, learn more about SmartSky from its senior leader in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

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...

The new year began well for the people at Elliott Aviation in Moline, Illinois, with the completion and delivery of the company’s first aftermarket installation of the Garmin Autoland system on a Beechcraft King Air B200. Autoland interacts directly with the aircraft’s G1000 NXI avionics platform and will autonomously land the aircraft if for any reason the pilot is unable to handle that task.

The B200 installation also marks the first time Garmin’s remarkable Autoland system has been installed on a twin-engine aircraft. Bill Forbes, Elliott Aviation vice president of avionics programs, stated, “With the B200 series STC and the near-future release of the STC for the King Air 300/350, there will be over 3,000 King Airs eligible for the Autoland upgrade.”

Depending on the legacy G1000 NXi flight deck in an aircraft, the enhancement requires between three and five weeks of downtime to complete. More...

Born into a family of small-business owners and entrepreneurs, Carrie Ferguson always aspired to lead a company of her own. In 2010, working as an aircraft and powerplant mechanic at a maintenance shop at the Palo Alto Municipal Airport, she had the opportunity to fulfill that wish.

“My ambition as a little girl was to be a CEO,” said Ferguson, who co-founded the Part 145 repair station with Kevin Pinger. “Founding Aero Works has made that dream come true. Kevin and I were working for another company on the field when the opportunity came available to open our own maintenance facility. We dove right in.” 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:

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. The courses are free for AEA members with a member login and password at aea.net/aero.

Training content is exclusive to AEA members. AEA AERO will continue to add and update content to help members accomplish their training goals.

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.

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (12 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 (11 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 (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. 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. Learn More...

AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (8 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 (8 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 (13 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 (14 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...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (14 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...

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...

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 (15 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.