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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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AEA Mourns Loss of IS&S Founder and CEO
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On Jan. 13, 2022, Innovative Solutions & Support announced that Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick, founder, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, passed away due to complications from a sudden illness. Hedrick spent his entire professional career in the avionics industry. Following his electrical engineering education at Cornell, he worked briefly in the aviation instrument subsidiary of Bulova. In 1971, Hedrick founded Harowe Systems Inc. as a joint venture with another company in aerospace hardware.
By 1978, Harowe Systems had grown substantially and was spun out and acquired by Smiths Industries. He continued to run Harowe and later served as president and CEO of Smiths Industries North American Aerospace Companies. In 1988, he founded IS&S, and the company has been an AEA member since 2005. During the course of his career in avionics, Hedrick held nearly 100 patents in the electronics, optoelectric, electromagnetic, aerospace and contamination-control fields. More...
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Scholarship Available to Attend AEA Convention
Application Due Feb. 1
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The scholarship, which honors Monte Mitchell's service of more than 40 years to the Aircraft Electronics Association, 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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Podcast -- Training Tomorrow's Technicians: Kent Career Tech Center
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Kent Career Tech Center offers aviation maintenance and electronics programs to high school students in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode of AEA Amplified, AEA visits with instructors Nick Brown and Josh Miller to learn how Kent Career Tech Center is a model program for other schools to follow in educating the next generation of avionics technicians. The school has been an AEA academic member since 2016.
Sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company, AEA Amplified is a podcast for aviation’s technology experts. Learn more about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies from industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts. Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podbean or Spotify. Listen...
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Ask the Industry Poll Results
Which of these topics is most likely to continue dominating the headlines at the end of 2022?
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Here are the results of the poll question from the Jan. 12 edition of AEA Wired:
- Inflation -- 47%
- Supply chain issues -- 28%
- Workforce issues -- 16%
- 5G interference -- 9%
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AIRO Group Expands Avionics Circle of Innovation
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Innovation is a process that often takes one step at a time. The day when people can push a button on some phone app and have an automated, electric-powered “air taxi with nobody in it show up at their exact location is a little further off than people are imagining right now,” said Joe Burns, chief executive officer of the AIRO Group.
“Asking a certification agency like the FAA to approve automated flight without a pilot is a very tall order,” he said, especially when combined with the other new systems involved, electric propulsion, battery technology, digital flight controls, and artificial intelligence.
The next step of innovation will be integrating all of the necessary technology, the sensors, the digital flight controls, and the artificial intelligence into the foundation of today’s general aviation suite of global navigation satellite system avionics that provide the communication, navigation and surveillance capabilities required of all flying machines in controlled airspace. 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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Helicopter Flight Control Systems
From HOV mode to full FMS capabilities
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Many of today’s modern helicopters employ autopilot systems that allow the rotorcraft to automatically hover in place. However, helicopters are inherently less stable compared to airplanes, which restricts the ability of the autopilot system to completely control flight.
It should come as no surprise to aviation veterans that the helicopter presents some of flying’s greatest control challenges; just look at what it takes a human aviator to control one. Flying a helicopter requires the pilot to use three main control systems.
Thanks to the revolution in digital sensors and controls, today’s best helicopter flight control systems can match the abilities of the most-capable of autopilot systems. More...
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Southeast Aerospace Brings Value to Hawker 800 and 1000 Series Aircraft Through New STCs
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Southeast Aerospace recently announced a new upgrade that will soon be available for the Hawker 800 and 1000 series aircraft via two new supplemental type certificates. A member of the AEA since 1991, SEA has partnered with Universal Avionics to offer the latest EFIS technology – the InSight Integrated Flight Deck.
The InSight upgrade will also include optional full datacom capability to meet requirements for FANS 1/A and CPDLC. Additionally, the Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ SAM MD302 is included as a replacement for the existing standby instruments. The new aircraft STC programs aim to bring value to the Hawker 800(A)(B)(XP) and 1000(A)(B) series aircraft through several significant new upgrades in the cockpit. More...
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$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge
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Congratulations to Chris Bergman of Columbia Air Services, who won a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, for submitting the correct answer in this month's Mystery Make and Model challenge featured in the previous issue of AEA Wired. The unit is an Icarus SAM.
Avionics technicians can put their "inside" knowledge to work in the next issue of AEA Wired, so stay tuned for the next Mystery Make and Model challenge! All correct answers submitted throughout 2022 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card at the end of the year, also from Southeast Aerospace.
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Cascade Helicopter Fosters Longtime Customers
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It’s been nearly 50 years since Bob Starr and his brother began servicing helicopters in a rented hangar on Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. What was known as Cascade Airframe Repair back then has transformed into Cascade Helicopter Services, an FAA- and EASA-certified repair station with 24 employees. Today, experienced, factory-trained technicians specialize in avionics, airframe and engine services for business, private and medevac aircraft operators.
“We’ve known some of our customers for so long they feel like a part of the family,” said Costinel Anciu, logistics customer service representative, who has worked for Cascade for six years. More...
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FAA Awards $5 Million in Grants to Train the Next Generation of Aviation Maintenance Technicians
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On Jan. 13, 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration awarded $5 million in grants to develop a diverse talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants were awarded to organizations that will teach technical skills and prepare participants to pursue aviation maintenance careers.
“A career as an aviation maintenance technician opens a wide world of opportunity. These grants will allow us to reach and support individuals who may not had the chance to pursue this exciting career before,” FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims said. 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 place to be 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. Daily registration options are also available.
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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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Become a Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician
Prepare for the AET certification exam
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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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Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (3 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 (16 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 (sold-out)
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 (17 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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Collins Aerospace in Wroclaw, Poland, was awarded a first-time support agreement for evacuation slides by Spairliners, an independent component aftermarket service provider specialized in the support of the E-Jet aircraft family.
Garmin's Smart Glide technology, a safety tool that helps pilots in loss of engine power emergencies by automating tasks to reduce pilot workload, is now available as a free software update for the G3X Touch and G5 electronic flight instrument in certified aircraft equipped with a GTN Xi series navigator.
AeroLEDs announced FAA STC approval for the SunSpot 36 and 46 Series LED Landing and Taxi lights on various Sikorsky Models. This STC is available exclusively through Sterling Helicopter, enabling owners of rotorcraft covered under this STC to immediately upgrade.
Western Jet Aviation appointed Tom Canavera business development manager. He will focus on enhancing relationships with WJA’s current portfolio of clients while developing new opportunities for growth.
Spirit Aeronautics teamed with Honeywell Aerospace to provide 6.1 software upgrades for the flight management systems in all Cessna Citation X aircraft. This is the first partnership that enables the 6.1 software upgrade performed outside of the aircraft's OEM service center network.
West Star Aviation has developed and certified an STC for the installation of FANS equipment for Citation X aircraft in partnership with Honeywell. The company recently completed the first installation at West Star’s East Alton, Illinois, location. Also, West Star completed its first paint project of an Embraer Lineage aircraft at the Chattanooga, Tennessee, location.
KADEX Aero Supply announced the addition of the HYPERION II - LED Wing Tip Light Assembly for the Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft. Developed by KAD Aerospace, this STC approval was granted after extensive prototyping and DO-160 EMI, and Photometric testing was completed.
Clay Lacy Aviation is the first company to receive a 4AIR sustainability rating of Facilities Neutral, validating that the company’s private aviation facilities have been operating carbon neutral since 2019.
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AEA Jobs Board Offers Free Resume Posting
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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!
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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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