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:

Here are the results of the poll question from the Aug. 14 edition of AEA Wired:

21% – Avionics News Technical Training Exam

17.3% – Proper Procedures for Pitot-Static & Transponder Testing

16.3% – I'm not sure, but I will review the 69 courses available and decide

15.7% – Troubleshooting Antennas & Transmission Lines

15.7% – Evaluating Alterations

14% – How to Perform an Electrical Load Analysis

When Lyle Jansma began upgrading his Cessna 172 a few years ago, he did not anticipate it would evolve into a side gig helping owner-operators build instrument panels. Or that it would lead him to opening a new business, Six Pack Aero, at Bellingham International Airport.

Today, the AEA provisional member manufactures the Legacy XL Stationary Panel, the first and only STC/PMA-approved Cessna 172 instrument panel upgrade solution for installing a standard six-pack layout or a 10-inch primary flight display. Learn the importance of knowing the structural role of stationary panels from Jansma in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen...

Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog company, has agreed to work with Daedalean of Switzerland to define the roadmap for integration of Daedalean’s artificial intelligence technology into the current Genesys avionics suite. Genesys aims to use the Daedalean technology for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and rotorcraft to create both optionally piloted and totally autonomous avionics systems capable of doing things that previously required human pilots.

The company is interested in applying the solution to helicopter models equipped with Genesys autopilots. These models of aircraft include the Airbus H145, Bell 206 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. More...

When Dan Schwinn founded Avidyne Corp. in 1994, his primary goal was to use advanced technologies to increase the capabilities and safety of general and business aviation aircraft and helicopters. Looking back over the company’s many industry firsts, it’s clear that Avidyne’s team has been quite successful in meeting those goals.

And, while it’s made great strides in advancing cockpit capabilities to fixed-wing aircraft, Schwinn’s team hasn’t lost sight of the need to bring advanced capabilities and enhanced safety to helicopter pilots. Schwinn said Avidyne’s exclusive “Hybrid Touch“ technology, in particular, has made its IFDs (integrated flight displays) increasingly popular with rotorcraft enthusiasts. More...

United States Senator Jerry Moran’s office announced in March a $28 million federal grant to aid in the construction of a new building at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. The senator from Kansas also announced an additional $5.5 million partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The cash infusion will help Kansas State University continue to adapt to meet the needs of the next generation of pilots and mechanics.

The new state-of-the-art facility will co-locate K-State Salina’s uncrewed aircraft systems, aviation maintenance, and composites programs. These programs are imperative to aviation’s future and advanced air mobility’s evolution. The unmanned aerial systems program office at Salina opened in 2008 with research, while the first degree was offered in 2011. The new Kansas AAM Flight Test and Training Center will focus on providing regional air mobility and autonomous vehicle usage to transport passengers and goods. More...

Today, technical schools and community colleges across the country are quickly adapting to meet workforce training needs. They’re expanding into new areas of study, adding new degrees, offering virtual classes and online training, and making training schedules more flexible to accommodate busy professionals. With increasing talent shortages, employers are diving in too, collaborating with schools in innovative ways to help shape future training initiatives.

Southeast Community College based in Lincoln, Nebraska, exemplifies this new era of modern training. It offers more than 80 programs of study and operates three campuses, three specialty education centers and six learning centers in the school’s 15-county service area. Anticipating growing demand, SCC is building a $32.4 million technology center at its Lincoln campus. More...

The Aviators NEXT blog from Universal Avionics takes a look at the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals who have received scholarships or sponsorships with Universal Avionics. Austin Reenders is a student at Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In one year, he will be a certified aviation mechanic with A&P ratings. Reenders plans to attend one additional year to receive an associate degree in aircraft electronics. After graduation, he plans to find employment at a small shop repairing aircraft.

One year ago, Reenders was awarded the Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation’s scholarship sponsored by Universal Avionics for the 2023-24 academic year. The scholarship is available to high school seniors and/or college students who plan to or are attending an accredited school in an avionics program or aircraft maintenance program. Here’s a look into Reenders’ progress as he pursues a career in the avionics industry. More...

Register now to reserve your seat. This virtual-live course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers and maintainers 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. 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 in the United States have access to affordable health coverage options through LIG Solutions. This member benefit offers exclusive health insurance and related coverage options, including major medical, short-term health plans, vision and dental plans, critical care coverage, life, and several different supplemental health options. With summer quickly coming to an end and fall starting to make its appearance, LIG Solutions has published a series of articles to expand your knowledge of health, learn about new insurance solutions, or learn some new tips.

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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (12 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 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 (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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (8 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 (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...

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.