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Keeping the general aviation industry connected |
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AEA Mourns Loss of MyGoFlight CEO |
The AEA and the avionics community mourn the loss of MyGoFlight CEO Charlie Schneider, who died Dec. 17 after a plane crash near McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 64 years old.
Schneider founded the Denver, Colorado-based company in 2010, which became an AEA member in 2016. He was a regular attendee at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show, and he recently unveiled his company’s new SkyDisplay HUD for general aviation during the show’s new product introductions in June 2021.
According to the company, Schneider’s legacy and dream of making aviation safer will be carried forward by the entire team at MyGoFlight under the continued leadership of the other partners – Tracey Schneider, Dominic Martinez and Brian Domareck. Memorial donations may be made in Schneider's honor to the Corporate Angel Network. Donate...
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FAA Addresses 5G and Aviation Safety |
In the United States, 5G services are planned for launch beginning Jan. 19 using frequencies in a radio spectrum called the C-band. These frequencies can be close to those used by radar altimeters, an important piece of safety equipment in aircraft. To make sure that this does not lead to hazardous interference, the Federal Aviation Administration requires that radar altimeters are accurate and reliable.
The agency is working on measures to ensure that radio signals from newly activated wireless telecommunications systems can coexist safely with flight operations in the United States, with input from the aviation sector and telecommunications industry. In fact, the FAA recently published an online resource with all the latest information on this topic and answers some frequently asked questions. More...
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Take the Avionics News Technical Training Exam
Are you up to the test?
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The annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now available for avionics technicians and AEA members. By completing the exam, which covers regulatory and technical topics featured in the 2021 issues of Avionics News, technicians can get a head start on their FAA-accepted training. Individuals who complete the exam and score 85% or higher receive credit toward their repair station training program requirements, IA renewal, FAA AMT awards, and the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award.
Access to the test takes place for AEA members through the AERO platform, which allows exams to be graded in real time, certificates to be downloaded instantly, and a record to be retained for each participant. Don’t have all 12 issues of Avionics News from the past year? No problem. They are all available in the digital archives right at your fingertips. To take the test, click here. More...
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Ask the Industry
Which of these topics is most likely to continue dominating the headlines at the end of 2022?
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How to Increase Your Aircraft Broker-Referral Business |
When Kelly Van Haitsma, president, and Stewart (Stoo) Dimon, sales manager, started TexasGYRO in 2002, they came out of the gate like so many other AEA-member shops.
“We started as a Class III instrument shop specializing in troubleshooting and repairing weather radar systems, and that was our primary focus for several successful years,” Dimon said. “We built quite a good reputation with operators all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond.”
By partnering with established aircraft broker Tim Pollard of Pollard Aircraft Sales, Inc., AEA-member company Texas Gyro, Inc. not only established a new and profitable branch for its avionics business, but it has also parlayed those relationships into greatly increasing its ongoing installation, troubleshooting and repair segments. More...
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Aviation Ace: Grayson Barrows of Precision Support Services |
The ability to truly lead develops over decades from actually doing, not just delegating, which is why you’ll often find Precision Support Services’ general manager, Grayson Barrows, out in the hangar and on the ramp.
“I don’t spend a lot of time in my office,” said Barrows, who joined the McMinnville, Oregon, Part 145 repair station in May 2020. “I spend more time on the hangar floor doing things that a general manager might not typically do, from refueling an aircraft to helping move a Cessna 172 out onto the ramp. It gives me exposure to the hangar floor, the people and processes. There’s no job in this facility that I won’t do or ask anybody else to do either.” More...
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$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge |
Attention avionics technicians! How well do you think you know your avionics inside and out? New and old? Then put your knowledge to work.
What is the product make and model shown in this image?
Southeast Aerospace will award a $100 Visa gift card to a random winner from among the correct entries submitted, and the winner will be announced in the next edition of AEA Wired.
In addition, all correct answers from 2022 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card, also from Southeast Aerospace. Email your answer...
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Glencoe Aviation Builds Momentum Early with Hangar full of Robinson Helicopters |
When Hurricane Ida roared into Louisiana in August, the storm sideswiped Glencoe Aviation’s hangar. It not only damaged the hangar, but it also ruined some of the new repair station’s parts inventory along with two customer aircraft.
“It will likely take a few more months to get back to whole,” said Todd Yerby, who founded the Federal Aviation Administration Part 145 repair station in 2021. “We’re limited on space, so it takes all hands on deck to keep the ball rolling forward. It’s just one of those things, you adapt and move on. You have to overcome.”
Based at Louisiana Regional Airport in Gonzales, Louisiana, Glencoe Aviation is Yerby’s second business. He operates a busy farming equipment and trailer dealership 8 miles up the road. More...
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AEA New Orleans is Just Over Two Months Away
Register by March 11 and save $100 per person
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Advance registration is available online for the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. It is the platform of choice for the introduction of new avionics products and services coming to market in 2022. The event will take place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, March 28-31, 2022.
Attendees must register by March 11 to receive the advance registration rate of $775 (AEA member rate), a savings of $100 for a full convention registration. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of seminars and technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; and networking with manufacturing and distributors.
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Make Hotel Reservations Now
NCAA Basketball Final Four Tournament may impact availability
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A direct link to make hotel reservations in the official room block at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside for the 2022 AEA Convention is available at aea.net/convention.
The AEA encourages all attendees and exhibitors to secure their hotel rooms soon, as the NCAA Basketball Final Four Tournament will take place in New Orleans immediately following the conclusion of the AEA Convention. Plan ahead and secure your hotel accommodations well in advance of the show. The AEA's special room rate is available until Feb. 25, 2022, or until the room block is full. No rooms will be available after Feb. 25. More...
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Monte Mitchell Scholarship Apps Due Feb. 1 |
This scholarship honors Monte Mitchell’s service of more than 40 years to the Aircraft Electronics Association and the general aviation industry. It will be awarded to an AEA member employee.
The scholarship will cover a full registration to attend the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, March 28-31. It covers registration fees along with travel and hotel expenses.
The award recognizes an AEA member employee for their exemplary job performance and pursuit of professional development. This is an annual award to be given prior to the AEA Convention. Application...
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Prepare for the AET Certification Exam |
If you are not quite ready to take the AET test, AEA has you covered.
Avotek, an AEA member and training partner, offers online courses to help avionics technicians prepare for the AET exam and is offering a member discount of 40% off.
The Fundamentals of Aircraft Electronics Part I - Electricity and Electronics and The Fundamentals of Aircraft Electronics Part II - Maintenance Practices and Aircraft Fundamentals are the essential guides to aircraft electronics associated with AET certification.
To access the coupon codes, you will need to be logged in to the AEA website. AEA members get 40% off each course with the coupon codes. More...
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On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events |
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NBAA Leadership Conference
Fort Worth, Texas
Feb. 7-9, 2022
The conference theme, “Return to Service,” brings together expert-led sessions on propelling next-level thinking, being a positive influencer, motivating a superstar team, ensuring organizational health and safety, and creating a dynamic workplace where innovation and open communication thrive. Join us to be ready to serve your team, company, clients and community. More...
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HAI HELI-EXPO
Dallas, Texas
March 7-10, 2022
Looking for your next aircraft, vendor, mentor, job, or professional development or employment opportunity? You’ll find them all in Dallas with endless networking and hundreds of education courses with 17,000 industry professionals and more than 650 exhibitors. More...
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International Women in Aviation Conference
Nashville, Tennessee
March 17-19, 2022
Don't miss the inspiring keynote speakers, professional development seminars, education sessions, exhibit hall, scholarship awards, and 2022 Pioneer Hall of Fame inductions. There's no better place to be inspired, share your enthusiasm, and connect with others who share your passion for the aviation industry. More...
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AEA International Convention & Trade Show
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 28-31, 2022
Aviation's technology experts will convene for the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world. Avionics professionals will have access to more than 100 hours of technical training and professional development courses. Advance registration is available. More...
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NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference
San Diego, California
April 5-7, 2022
Learn current best practices and trends in scheduling and dispatching flights from industry experts through top-level education sessions that will help you work smarter, not harder in the year ahead. You’ll gather with colleagues and fellow attendees to celebrate recent wins and discover new opportunities for professional growth. You’ll also connect with companies exhibiting the latest and most high-tech equipment and services geared to make your job easier. More...
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Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes |
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Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (11 seats remain)
Jan. 19-21, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Avionics Testing Fundamentals (9 seats remain)
Jan. 24-25, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 upon course completion.
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Transponder Service Training (6 seats remain)
Jan. 26, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 upon course completion.
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Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (5 seats remain)
Jan. 27, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Pitot-Static, Transponder, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (Sold-Out)
Jan. 28, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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. With so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know.
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Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (10 seats remain)
Feb. 7-9, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (18 seats remain)
Feb. 10-11, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (2 seats remain)
Feb. 16-18, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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.
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Aircraft Instrument Systems (15 seats remain)
Feb. 22-23, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)
March 8, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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Digital Databus Theory & Analysis (15 seats remain)
April 26, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
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.
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Certified Repair Station Training (19 seats remain)
July 18-22, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 attend.
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News from AEA Member Companies |
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Honeywell, SES and Hughes have successfully demonstrated multinetwork, multiorbit high-speed airborne connectivity for military customers, a technological breakthrough that will enable government and military personnel to communicate between the ground and air more efficiently and securely than ever. Also, Honeywell and Skyloom signed a teaming agreement that will enable satellite operators to deliver high-capacity and high-data-rate internet connectivity to users around the world. The companies will jointly develop a manufacturing facility to produce optical terminals for communications, including for ground to space, spacecraft to spacecraft and spacecraft to aircraft.
ALTO Aviation has partnered with VIP Completions for the recent installation of a new ALTO cabin audio system in a Gulfstream GIV SP aircraft. This installation is part of a complete aircraft refurbishment that included new wood, upholstery, carpeting, soft goods, plating, lighting, and audio and video upgrades.
Appareo Systems will be acquired by AGCO, Your Agriculture Company, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, in January 2022.
CCX Technologies is expanding its T-RX Tester’s reach into the European market by signing an exclusive distribution agreement with U.K.-based Evolution Measurement. The latest of several agreements in recent months authorizes the company to sell, calibrate and perform limited repairs to the testers for business jet and commercial aircraft platforms.
Garmin received FAA supplemental type certification for the GFC 500 autopilot in additional aircraft to include Beechcraft 35 models C-G and select Cirrus SR20 models. The GFC 500 autopilot is intended for light piston aircraft. Also, Garmin announced the addition of new features to the Garmin Pilot app for iPad or iPhone mobile devices. The new enhancements include expanded NOTAM display options for field condition and fuel unavailable NOTAMs on the moving map, which can be also viewed on the redesigned Airport page.
Gogo Business Aviation announced that it completed construction of its seven-tower 5G testbed by Dec. 31, 2021, on schedule, and on budget.
Pro Star Aviation announced the launch of its new website with updated services and product information.
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies launched new High-Voltage Extruded Wires for aerospace applications. Part of CarlisleIT’s high-voltage series, these high-voltage extruded wires are capable of 1,000-volt performance while maintaining excellent flammability and arc-resistance propagation.
uAvionix announced the successful completion of the first series of flights with its newly developed SkyLink Control and Non-Payload Communications C-band radio, intended to meet the needs of safety-critical and BVLOS missions as well as operators and manufacturers with airframe certification in mind. The flight tests were conducted at a range of up to 25 miles at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site locations south of Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Satcom Direct and MySky announced the signing of an agreement with tax reclamation experts, VAT IT USA. The three-way strategic integration enables the companies to combine their expertise to deliver streamlined VAT and tax reclamation to mutual customers by leveraging each partner’s technology.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the all-new Gulfstream G700 is capping 2021 with additional accomplishments, including the use of a sustainable aviation fuel blend on 83% of G700 flights launched from the Savannah-based Gulfstream Flight Test Center. Gulfstream anticipates G700 customer deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Duncan Aviation's paint, airframe, avionics install, and interior teams recently competed a multishop effort on a Citation CJ2+ at its facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. Also, Duncan Aviation's Battle Creek, Michigan, team took a well-used Challenger 604 and completely updated and transformed the aircraft.
Metro Aviation named Jay Thanabalasundrum avionics manager. He began his Metro career 23 years ago as an avionics installer.
Eagle Copters affiliate Ozark Aeroworks of Springfield, Missouri, announced the acquisition of the T53 Turboshaft Engine product line from Honeywell Aerospace.
West Star Aviation promoted Bob Peyman to technical sales manager of Bombardier Challenger and Global segments at the East Alton, Illinois, facility. West Star also promoted Dean Zimmel to satellite manager of the Minneapolis, Minnesota, location. Also, West Star Aviation successfully installed a Prizm Lighting LED Cabin Light System in the first Falcon 7x aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft and ALSIM Simulators announced an alliance to provide Cirrus customers with a complete flight training solution. The ALSR20 will be installed at the Cirrus Training Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Also, Cirrus Aircraft revealed the 2022 G6 SR Series featuring a refined aircraft design with reduced drag for increased fuel efficiency, Cirrus IQ mobile app updates and the freedom to pair premium Xi aesthetic options.
Mid-Canada Mod Center completed a flight deck upgrade on another of Thunder Bay, Canada-based, North Star Air’s ATR 72 aircraft. These modifications enable Canadian Northern Domestic Airspace operations while strengthening the carrier’s market position and customer satisfaction.
Cutter Aviation announced the purchase of AeroJet FBO at Georgetown Municipal Airport in Texas. Georgetown is the fifth FBO in Cutter’s network of facilities.
WireMasters is partnering with AC Tasarım as a distributor of EMI/EMC (electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility) solutions throughout Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and across the globe.
D.L.S Electronic Systems received three Quality Service Awards from the Washington, D.C.-based American Council of Independent Laboratories: Nationwide ACIL 2021 Customer Quality Service Award; Special Recognition Award for Timeliness; and Special Recognition Award for Overall Customer Satisfaction.
Avotek released a new series of online products designed to support the Part 147 curriculum. These programs have been designed as a companion to either the Avotek or the FAA textbook series. This material is available at the Avotek website.
StandardAero signed a definitive agreement to purchase boutique asset management company PTS Aviation, a worldwide supplier of serviceable aircraft engines, engine components and engine inventory.
Comlux has taken delivery of the first Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty at the Airbus Canada facilities in Mirabel, Canada. The all-new business jet, powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, has landed at Comlux’ s Indianapolis facilities for cabin completion.
The University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation announced a $300,000 award by The Ray Foundation Inc. to be used for scholarships to help 25 U.S. military veterans earn their private pilot license.
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AEA Jobs Board Offers Free Resume Posting |
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...
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Are You Hiring? The AEA Works for You! |
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. |
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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. |
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Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
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Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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