The month of September rings in the season for AEA Regionals, as 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 are available online. The dates and locations are as follows:

Launched in 2022, AeroEducate is a free aviation education program created by the Experimental Aircraft Association in cooperation with North Carolina State University and in partnership with other companies and organizations around the world. The program offers unique content for grades K-12 and utilizes a badging system to track individual progress as each elemental area and grade level is completed. Parents and teachers can also create accounts to gain access to a catalog of STEM-aligned, hands-on, group enrichment activities that further encourage youth of all ages to explore the many wonderful opportunities available within aviation. AeroEducate recently announced that it is collaborating with the AEA to help develop avionics activities for all grade levels

“As we add content providers to AeroEducate, it not only provides for a more robust offering for youth, parents, teachers and youth group leaders who have a passion for aviation, but also encourages other organizations and companies to join us in inspiring the future of aviation,” said Paul Maloy, EAA director of education. “Each provider specializes in a different, unique aspect of aviation education, allowing for more ‘well-rounded’ and innovative programming.” More...

Put any group of AEA members in a room, and eventually the conversation will turn to the increasing problem of finding and keeping trained avionics technicians. And, when facing any issue, the room will be divided into two groups: the talkers and the doers.

When it comes to taking steps to solve the issue, the state of Oklahoma and its many aviation constituents are definitely doers. A quick glance at the state’s numbers shows they literally can’t afford not to be. Aerospace is Oklahoma’s second-largest industry (oil and gas is No. 1), with more than 500 companies, including two of the world’s largest MROs, employing a total of over 120,000 people.

“Oklahoma is known as the MRO capital of the world,” explained Tonja Norwood, STEM Division manager for Oklahoma CareerTech. “We’re home to the largest commercial MRO center (American Airlines) and the largest military air defense depot at Tinker Air Force Base. Those and all of the other commercial and military aviation maintenance-oriented businesses in the state make aviation a huge part of our economy." More...

More than 20 members of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ICA-ARC) recently sent a joint letter to David Boulter, FAA associate administrator for aviation safety, requesting the agency withdraw draft Advisory Circular 43-18A from public comment and any further expenditures of agency resources pending the ARC’s recommendations.

Since the ARC recommendations are to address the information in the draft AC, the members represented asked the FAA to withdraw it from public comment and provide any comments received to the ARC, whose final report will provide direction to the agency as part of its complete review of the issue. More...

EBIS was created in 1999 to tackle unsolved challenges with running an aviation maintenance shop. With more than 300 shops adopting the company’s software, EBIS has been helping drive digital transformation in the aviation industry for 25 years. Learn how to efficiently track work orders, scheduling, inventory, warranty claims, and much more from co-founder Eric Baal and general manager Santosh Nachu in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

If you combine the repair station manual, the quality control manual, and the training program, you will have documented your processes, procedures, and responsibilities necessary for achieving your businesses goals and objectives. That is, you will have developed and documented your quality management system.

Why is the QMS so important? In good times, it is the basis of onboarding new employees and initial (indoctrination) training. But if the two years of the recent pandemic have taught us anything it is that anyone within your business can be healthy one day and bedridden the next. The quality management system is designed to allow the repair station to function in their absence; to assure airworthiness in their absence; to keep the doors open in their absence. Your quality management system is how you plan for a rainy day. More...

Veteran Avionics News reporter David Hughes was recently honored as a nominee and finalist for this year’s Aerospace Media Awards in the category for best MRO submission. The 2024 Aerospace Media Awards took place in London on July 21 during the Farnborough International Airshow. The annual event was created to honor journalists and publishers who have made a significant contribution to aerospace journalism and publishing.

Hughes was recognized for his article titled “The High Cost of Cheap” that was published in the June 2023 edition of Avionics News. To read the article, click here.

At International Aero Academy in Lakeland, Florida, former airline executives are drawing on their experience and insight to address aviation’s growing workforce shortage. The school, which started in 2017 with accelerated pilot training, has rapidly added additional capabilities, including Part 147 aircraft maintenance technician training, Part 135 on-demand charter and an FAA Part 145 repair station for in-house maintenance.

“We hold more FAA certificates than any organization in the United States,” said Steven Markhoff, founder and chief executive officer.

It’s the aircraft maintenance program that has garnered quite a bit of attention lately, especially from Amazon, which operates a sizeable air cargo base at Lakeland Linder International Airport where the school is located. Given that a lack of skilled aviation workers can dramatically affect its business, the tech giant has partnered with International Aero Academy to help boost the number of qualified technicians in the industry. More...

A half-day training course at AEA headquarters will take place Aug. 21 from 1-5 p.m. Central time. It is designed to provide avionics technicians with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure the TIC SDR-OMNI All-in-One Avionics Test Set. The course instructors are Kevin Orach, Tel-Instrument Electronics business development manager, and Zane Cersovsky, Tel-Instrument Electronics senior software engineer.

The course objective is to provide the students with an overview and understanding of all the features and functions of the SDR-OMNI test set. Several features and functions will be demonstrated with live avionics units. 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:

AEA members get access to a variety of partner programs for discounts on goods and services. Including:

If you work for an AEA member company and would like to learn more about the association's partner programs with your member login and password, click here.

Avionics Service and Testing Fundamentals (1 seat remains)

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...

SDR-OMNI Operations Training (14 seats remain)

This half-day course is designed to provide avionics technicians with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure the TIC SDR-OMNI all-in-one avionics test set. Several features and functions will be demonstrated with live avionics units. The instructors will provide detailed training in the areas of required FAA testing – transponders, ADS-B Out, and ELTs. In addition, test strategies and techniques will be covered that will allow avionics technicians to efficiently test and troubleshoot common avionics problems using the SDR-OMNI test set. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (sold-out)

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. Learn More...

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...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (15 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...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (9 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 (14 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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (15 seats remains)

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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

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...

Introduction to DO-160 Qualification (11 seats remain)

This course is designed to equip professionals with essential insights into RTCA DO-160, a cornerstone standard dictating test criteria and methodologies crucial for ensuring the operational integrity of systems and equipment within the aircraft environment. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (13 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...

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. 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...

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 by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2024-25 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide is now available upon request. This year marks the 22nd 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 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 by clicking here.

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.