Registration is now open to individuals wanting to attend and for companies to exhibit at upcoming AEA Connect Conferences at a location near you. The 2018 AEA Connect Conferences are two-day events that personally connect general aviation industry professionals, avionics repair stations, manufacturers, regulators and educators. The first AEA Connect Conference takes place in Calgary, Alberta, Sept. 6-7. Advance registration is now closed for this event, but on-site registration will be available.

 

The AEA Connect Conference is the place for avionics professionals to satisfy annual training requirements and keep up to date with all the regulatory changes and the latest product developments from a variety of manufacturers. With an exhibit hall filled with the latest avionics technologies and services, attendees have the opportunity to see, touch and feel new products and visit face-to-face with the OEMs. More...

Labor Day, Sept. 3, is the deadline for AEA members to participate in the annual AEA Rate and Labor Survey. If you don't know what a competitive wage is, how can you expect to attract qualified talent? Participating companies will be the first to see the results. The AEA Rate and Labor Survey collects industry data from members and gives you the full report, which means you get more details for better business decisions. The online survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Your company must be an AEA member in good standing, and only one survey may be submitted per AEA member company. More...

With only 16 months remaining for aircraft owners to meet the FAA's ADS-B Out mandate by Jan. 1, 2020, in the United States, the agency is updating the fleet's equipage levels on its website. As of Aug. 1, 2018, 44,058 general aviation fixed-wing aircraft in the U.S. have been equipped.

Overall, a total of 61,101 aircraft have been equipped to date. To see the FAA's report on equipage levels, click here.

How will Brexit affect the typical Aircraft Electronics Association repair station member? Although the full details are not yet known, the prima facie thoughts have been published by the European Commission, and these thoughts could reflect future problems for some AEA members. In summary, U.K.-originated EASA Form 1 will be considered invalid in the European Union (and for installation on EU-registered aircraft) after Brexit. To learn more about this topic from Jason Dickstein's article in this month's Avionics News, click here.

New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for its beautiful landscapes – a mix of mountains and valleys, forests and glaciers. The pace is slower here than on the North Island where about half the country’s population lives near the bustling, multicultural city of Auckland.

At the top end of this quiet island, students study aviation maintenance at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Located on New Zealand Air Force Base Woodbourne, the government-owned school offers several aviation-focused programs, including a two-year certificate in aeronautical engineering.  More...

Pitot-Static and Transponder Training Theory & Practice

Sept. 20-21, 2018

For the entry-level technician or those looking for basic training to learn how to perform pitot-static and transponder certifications. This course is recommended as a prerequisite to AEA’s Pitot-Static and Transponder Certification course. This two-day course provides the attendee with the history, theory of operation, system setup, hands-on testing and troubleshooting skills necessary to perform FAR 91.411 and 91.413 checks. The latest equipment from DFW Instruments and Laversab will be used in the course.

Basic Aircraft Electrical

Oct. 22-23, 2018

This course is designed for the avionics technician, aircraft maintenance technician or homebuilder who wants to improve their understanding of aircraft electrical systems and electricity. It will provide an overview of the fundamentals of electricity and their practical application in aircraft. From currents and calculations to schematics and systems troubleshooting, this two-day course is the perfect primer for an entry-level technician or the skilled homebuilder ready to tackle avionics installation.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft

Oct. 24-26, 2018

This course is designed for the aircraft technician or homebuilder who is looking for guidance in completing an installation on an experimental aircraft with the popular Garmin G3X Touch large format flight display system. From the do-it-yourselfer to the avionics shop looking to carve a niche in this ever-expanding market, this class has something for everyone.

Certified Repair Station Training

Dec. 3-7, 2018

This weeklong course provides an interactive environment to learn, understand and implement the regulations that govern repair station design and operations. It is for 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.

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the career listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA careers page 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 career listings and see what's on your horizon. Are you up to the challenge? More... 

Is your business hiring? Looking for a new avionics technician or A&P mechanic? Want to buy or sell a business in the general aviation industry? Post these professional opportunities to a target-rich environment: the AEA's career listings website. For $200 a month, you can place a listing online AND receive a print advertisement in Avionics News for FREE! For more information, contact Lauren McFarland, AEA director of advertising, at [email protected]. 

Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.