Early-bird registration is open for the 66th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of aviation 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 2023. The event will take place April 24-27, 2023, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Attendees must register by Dec. 31, 2022, to receive the early-bird discount price of $695 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $200 per person savings 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 with manufacturers and distributors. Register for the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. More...

Work is now complete on ASTM NCATT Aircraft Electronics Installation Technician (AEIT), an AET endorsement. Beta testers for the certification exam are needed. Those with a valid Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification who successfully complete the exam will receive the certification at no cost if their score is above the final passing score determined after the pilot phase. Beta testers without an AET certificate who pass the exam can receive their endorsement once they take and pass the AET.

For convenience, remote proctoring is also available at no cost, allowing those interested to take the test online. A computer with internet connection, camera and microphone is needed. If interested, contact Carolyn Parise at carolynparise@spacetec.us.

In December 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration and the

United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority established interim

documents to facilitate the two-year post-Brexit transition period,

including the Special Arrangement: Continuity of Aircraft Certification

Projects.

This Special Arrangement enabled the continuity and simplified

conclusion of design certification validation projects that had started

with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the FAA before

the U.K.’s exit from the European Union. Approximately 30 projects

have benefited from this process. The two-year transition period and

this associated Special Arrangement will end Jan. 1, 2023.

From that date, the provisions of the Special Arrangement will no longer be available, and all validation projects must follow the processes set out in the Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness established between the UK CAA and the FAA. Applicants seeking validation under the terms of this Special Arrangement must submit applications by no later than Dec. 31, 2022. More...

If you are going to lead a general aviation company through economic turbulence and a global pandemic, it is nice to have a diversified business of complementary services that can help your clients and engage your workforce.

Clay Lacy Aviation, named for an aviator who is a legend in his own time, is in the enviable position of being in four lines of business. When one slows down, another one often experiences a lift. Over the past 54 years, this has proven to be true and led to unprecedented stability and longevity for the company. More...

In 1937, with six pilots and four de Havilland Dragonfly twin-engine biplanes, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police officially launched its new Air Services Branch. With Canada’s expansive and diverse geography, law enforcement needed a way to move easily from coast to coast, between cities and remote villages, and across mountains, boreal forests and arctic ice.

Today, the Air Services Branch operates 31 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft from 19 air bases located across the country, basically one air base per province or territory. The Pilatus PC-12 serves as the Branch’s primary workhorse in the air because of the aircraft’s versatility as a multimission platform as well as its STOL capability on gravel strips in remote regions of the north. Plus, fixed-wing aircraft are better at covering large distances quickly and efficiently. More...

AEA members recently elected Mark Cote to the board of directors. Cote, who serves as vice president of Duncan Aviation’s parts sales, avionics/accessories repairs and satellites, began as an avionics bench and line technician for Duncan Aviation 34 years ago.

At the company’s Lincoln, Nebraska, location, Cote went on to serve in customer service, project management and program management roles as well as vice president of modifications and completions.

Today, Cote leads the company’s production, sales and service of accessories as well as avionics and instruments repair, and parts and rotable sales. He also oversees Duncan Aviation’s network of 29 avionics satellite locations across the United States. New to the board, Cote will serve a three-year term through 2025. More...

Aircraft wiring is sometimes compared to the circulatory system in the human body. A network of arteries, veins and capillaries extend, in bundles, branches and even on their own, to the furthermost parts of the body carrying life-supporting blood and oxygen.

In the same way, wiring in an aircraft carries voltages and signals to every part of the airframe and engines, and all the way to the wing tips and top of the fin. The human body cannot function without a circulatory system. An aircraft cannot function without a working wiring system. But, as with our veins, which are largely unseen and simply presumed to be working, we often don’t worry about our aircraft’s wiring until it gives us problems. More...

ALTO Aviation is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing high-end cabin audio and entertainment systems for business aviation aircraft. Now celebrating 25 years in business, the company offers a wide range of products sold to most major OEMs and installed by authorized retrofit companies. ALTO also manufactures precision sheet metal and machined parts for multiple industries and aerospace.

An AEA member company since 2003, ALTO Aviation President Don Hamilton and Vice President of Engineering and R&D Steve Scarlata share their company’s success story in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, Moog Company. Listen...

The annual Avionics Training Excellence Award recognizes AEA members for their total commitment to training. Pilots and aircraft owners may not be aware of the avionics industry’s dedication to technician training. For decades, the AEA has led the way with comprehensive programs to cover everything from the basics to advanced avionics instruction. A total commitment to training by AEA member companies and the recognition of the Avionics Training Excellence Award allow members to demonstrate their dedication to professional career development and assure their customers of a higher level of service.

To qualify, an AEA member company must submit a completed ATE Award application and provide proof of participation in an AEA-recognized training event for every employed technician from January to December of the award year. Applications for the 2022 award are due Dec. 31, 2022. More...

Holding off on switching your third-party administrator or moving your anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program to a TPA due to setup costs? Well, NATACS has a treat just for you!

Set up your anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program with NATACS by Dec. 31 and your setup fee will be waived! Benefit from the electronic custody and control forms, FAA audit preparation, subject-matter experts, online checklists and more. NATACS can also help with your non-DOT drug program(s). More...

Need some financial assistance with your education? The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2023-24 school year to students pursuing a career in avionics 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, 2023. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide was recently unveiled. This year marks the 20th 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 government-certified repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, engineers and consultants for the industry.

Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy of the AEA Pilot's Guide at aeapilotsguide.net/request.asp while supplies last. More...

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.

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (5 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 touchscreen, 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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (2 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics troubleshooting. Bench testing Nav, VHF comm and transponders will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel that they will use in the course. Attendees will keep their fabricated test panel at course completion.

Transponder Service Training (1 seat remains)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in transponder LRU bench testing, transponder flight line testing and aircraft troubleshooting. ADS-B transponders systems will be the focus of study. Attendees will keep their fabricated wire harness at course completion.

NAV/COMM Equipment Service Training (4 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in avionics flight line testing, LRU bench testing and aircraft troubleshooting. VOR, localizer, glideslope, marker beacon and VHF comms will be the focus of study.

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (2 seats remain)

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This full-day course offers hands-on training, including 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.

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 a niche, this class has something for everyone.

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (15 seats remain)

The AEA has developed a proprietary SMS program designed for maintenance organizations, sized for small businesses and leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership. This program has been coordinated 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. The training will provide a solid overview of modern safety principles, the International Civil Aviation Organization guidance on SMS implementation and the use and operation of the proprietary AEA SMS program.

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.

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.

Aircraft Instrument Systems (14 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.

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 7% 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.

Digital Databus Theory & Analysis (15 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.

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the job listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA jobs board 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 job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available. Are you up to the challenge? 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.