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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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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.
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Discounted Hazmat Training for AEA Members
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All hazmat employers are required by U.S. law to obtain hazmat training for their hazmat employees, and the government's definition of who is a hazmat employer is extremely broad (including practically all aeronautical repair stations, and most other aviation businesses). FAA Order 8300.10 now requires FAA principal inspectors to check your hazmat compliance.
Online hazardous materials and dangerous goods training is available at a discount to AEA member companies. Washington Aviation Group is a recognized leader in hazardous materials training and export compliance training and offers AEA members discounts for both online and classroom training. Follow the link for more information and the upcoming course dates.
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Where would our modern world be without the helicopter?
Sure, fixed-wing aircraft inaugurated reconnaissance service in World War I and repeated that job in World War II and helicopters barely made it into the second one. But in the post-war years, helicopters evolved into aerial-observing platforms for radio and television traffic reports, just as fixed-wing birds served as artillery-spotting aircraft starting in World War I.
But without the helicopter, countless more soldiers would have died on the battlefields from which helicopters airlifted them to lifesaving aid stations.
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Register for the AEA Convention by March 2 and Save $100 Per Person
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Grow your business. Train your technicians. Meet with your dealers. The AEA Convention is 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 2020. The event takes place March 24-27, 2020, at Marriott’s Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
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 manufacturers and distributors.
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Save the Dates for 2020 AEA Connect Conferences
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Avionics professionals will want to save the following dates for the 2020 AEA Connect Conferences that were recently announced. Online registration will be available in the near future. A date and location for the South Pacific Conference also will be announced soon. The schedule is as follows:
Sept. 10-11: AEA Canada (Calgary, Alberta)
Sept. 23-24: AEA East (Naples, Florida)
Oct. 19-20: AEA Central (Kansas City, Missouri)
Oct. 27-28: AEA West (Irvine, California)
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Maintenance Annex Guidance
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The Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency updated the maintenance annex guidance between the two agencies with Change 7 that became effective Nov. 18, 2019.
The MAG is updated to include various technical and editorial changes.
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Transport Canada Publishes Guidance on ELT Maintenance
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Transport Canada Civil Aviation published AC 571-025, which provides guidance on the maintenance of emergency locator transmitters. This advisory circular is released in conjunction with the new requirements of STD 625, Appendix C and STD 571, Appendix G. This guidance covers the operational and performance testing requirements and who can perform them.
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Aviation Ace: Dan Benton of Robinson Helicopter
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As young avionics technicians were taking apart the family stereos or dissecting their mothers’ toasters, Dan Benton was taking apart his bicycle just to understand how it worked. He grew up in Simi Valley, California, a kid who was always outside, always riding his bike. But Benton had another interest as well: aviation. He can always remember wanting to fly.
What sparked Benton’s interest was a Cub Scout program where the troop traveled to an airport in Lancaster, California, and, as he recalled, “We all went up in a glider. It was the first time I’d been in any airplane and confirmed what I believed all along – that I wanted to fly.”
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AEA Scholarship Applications Due April 1
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The Aircraft Electronics Association will award more than 20 scholarships totaling more than $100,000 for the 2020-21 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. Numerous awards are available, ranging from $1,000 to more than $35,000 each. Scholarship applications are available online, and the deadline to submit an application is April 1, 2020.
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Request Your FREE
AEA Pilot’s Guide
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The
AEA Pilot’s Guide is a consumer’s directory loaded with educational articles, timely information and data about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies. In addition to a complete directory of AEA-member government-certified repair stations, avionics manufacturers and distributors located in more than 40 countries, the publication features educational articles to help pilots and aircraft owners make better buying decisions. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies last.
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On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
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International Women in Aviation Conference
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
March 5-7, 2020
The 31st annual event takes place at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Participants gain extensive networking opportunities and a diverse schedule of educational sessions and social activities.
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AEA International Convention & Trade Show
Nashville, Tennessee
March 24-27, 2020
Aviation's technology experts will convene at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for the 63rd 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. Register by March 2 and save $100 per person off the on-site fee.
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Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo
Lakeland, Florida
March 31-April 5, 2020
The Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo, an aviation tradition for the past 45 years, will have a name change for its 2020 event. The largest fundraising event for the Aerospace Center for Excellence will be renamed the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo to reflect the mission to engage, educate and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals.
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Aero Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen, Germany
April 1-4, 2020
Join more than 600 exhibitors from 35 countries, 33,000 visitors and 600 journalists from all over the world for AERO Friedrichshafen. At Lake Constance, numerous companies will be displaying their latest products and innovations, covering the whole industry from ultralights and gliders to business jets, helicopters and electric aircraft as well as avionics and maintenance.
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Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE)
Shanghai, China
April 21-23, 2020
ABACE brings together thousands of business aviation leaders, entrepreneurs and other purchase decision-makers. In partnership with the Shanghai Airport Authority and co-hosted by the National Business Aviation Association and the Asian Business Aviation Association, ABACE takes place at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre.
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AUVSI XPONENTIAL
Boston, Massachusetts
May 4-7, 2020
At the world’s largest event for unmanned and autonomous systems, explore today’s proven capabilities and tomorrow’s advancements through hands-on exhibits and interactive demos.
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EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 20-26, 2020
Experience the largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts. From unique, historic aircraft to world-class daily air shows, you don’t want to miss the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. The AEA will be distributing free copies of this year's
AEA Pilot's Guide in Hangar B, booth 2035/2036.
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Intense Demand Keeps Heinen Avionics Busy
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At Lenawee County Airport in Adrian, Michigan, Heinen Avionics started 2019 booked nearly a year in advance. It took until October for Clinton and Carla Heinen and their avionics technicians to catch up on the backlog.
“We’re seeing a lot of ADS-B, but most people are bringing us their small 172s and 182s and having us perform full panel upgrades,” said Carla Heinen, who manages the office and bookkeeping as well as orders parts and assists the avionics technicians as needed. “A lot of them are choosing digital instruments. They’re doing whatever they want while they’re getting ADS-B. They’re putting more money into avionics than their airplane is worth.”
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$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge
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Congratulations to Ben Wigton of Garmin, who won a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, for being the first person to submit the correct answer in this month's Mystery Make and Model challenge featured in the previous issue of
AEA Wired. The unit is a Smiths Industries HSI p/n 2855-01-1.
Avionics technicians can put their "inside" knowledge to work in the next issue of
AEA Wired. Stay tuned for the next Mystery Make and Model challenge!
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Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Register quickly, as most classes sell out!
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Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft
Feb. 17-19, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for the homebuilder or avionics technician who is looking for guidance in completing an avionics installation on an experimental aircraft. While the Garmin G3X Touch system is used as an example in the course, 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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Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation
March 2-4, 2020
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. The 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
March 5-6, 2020
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. This 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 Federal Aviation Regulations 91.411 and 91.413 checks.
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Bench Basics and Flight Line Troubleshooting
May 4-6, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Basic Wiring course and/or have a couple of years of basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics flight line testing. ADS-B transponder systems, nav/ILS and VHF comms will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel, a bench test harness, and a transponder test harness that they will use in the course.
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Certified Repair Station Training
June 1-5, 2020
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. This course will include a complete review of the FAA guidance and policy regarding the procedures to assure a repair station is operating within the criteria of its manuals.
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The Regulations of Maintenance
Oct. 22-23, 2020
Orlando, Florida
Understanding the regulations of the repair station is only part of the equation. Like pieces of a puzzle, each regulation is needed to fit together in order to fully view the repair station’s requirements. Understanding the regulatory relationship between the business (Part 145); the maintenance it performs (Part 43); the parts it uses (Part 21); as well as the needs of customers (Part 91) are essential to provide regulatory compliant services in aviation maintenance. This session will cover the basics of the maintenance and modification regulations, but more importantly, it focuses on their integrated relationship with the business.
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News from AEA Member Companies
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Avidyne Corp. introduced its new dzus-mounted Avidyne Helios multifunction flight management system for helicopters. Avidyne Helios provides many of the same features as the previously-announced Avidyne Atlas FMS, but it also includes helicopter approaches/Helipads, Powerline data overlaid on Map, an HTAWS option, and upgrading of color-contoured base map resolution from 9 Arc-second to 3 Arc-second data.
True Blue Power announced Airwolf Aerospace has selected the company’s ultra-lightweight, fast-charging main-ship batteries for a series of new lithium-ion battery supplemental type certification kits on 18 turbine helicopter models.
DAC International, a subsidiary of Aero Precision Holdings LP, received Mexican DGAC Approval for the Part 25 AML-STC for installing an ADS-B Out system utilizing the Becker Avionics BXT6553 transponders into eligible Part 25 aircraft.
Becker Avionics announced that Leon County Sheriff’s Office recently selected Becker Avionics’ AMU 6500 for installation on its new Bell 505 helicopter. Becker Avionics also announced that IBC Airways selected Becker's BXT6500 series ADS-B transponder for retrofit of its SAAB340 fleet of airplanes.
Genesys Aerosystems announced that the IDU-680 EFIS display now integrates with the PAC45G Digital Audio Controller from PS Engineering. Genesys Aerosystems also introduced a new product line, the Genesys Digital Radio, a family of remote-mounted, software-definable radios.
Universal Avionics named Franc Mendes airline business development manager. The company also debuted its latest developments in the Fly by Sight flight deck concept to the helicopter market, which brings various flight deck technologies together in an integrated way for more intuitive head-up operation during critical phases of flight and is designed to improve safety in low-visibility environments and mission operations. UA also was selected by Heli-One (Norway) AS to equip the new H215 helicopters of the Bundespolizei - German Federal Police with its SkyVis Helmet Mounted Display. Universal Avionics and MD Helicopters announced a strategic partnership to integrate UA’s advanced InSight Display System as the full-digital flight deck solution for MD Helicopters’ MD 900/902 Explorer. MDHI will integrate the InSight Display System into the production and retrofit of the twin-engine helicopters.
FreeFlight Systems' SBAS/GNSS sensor is now approved for installation with the Honeywell TRA-100B Mode S Transponder for Boeing 717 aircraft.
Dallas Avionics announced that the company will distribute Aero Dynamix products.
PS Engineering announced the availability of a dual control head to work with the PAC45 Special Mission Digital Audio Control System. The PAC45D system allows the flight crew easy access to critical mission audio from a central controller. This meets the operational requirements of many agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service.
CCX Technologies appointed Germany’s airplus Maintenance GMBH as its exclusive distributor of T-RX RP+ Avionics Radio Testers for all of Europe. Airplus also is an authorized calibration service center for Europe.
Innovative Solutions & Support signed agreements to supply the recently certified ThrustSense auto-throttle as standard equipment on new aircraft production.
Aero Dynamix named Everett Horst senior manager of sales and product support, where he will be responsible for ADI’s execution for the sales team and marketing strategies.
QAI Aerospace reached an agreement to purchase Pittsburgh Air Radio, an FAA-certified Part 145 repair facility specializing in avionics installations, upgrades and modifications located at Allegheny County Airport in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
West Star Aviation announced the placement of LaLaina Doudna as project manager at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, location.
Latitude Technologies and
SKYTRAC jointly announced that their technologies have been selected to provide real-time flight data monitoring on board Summit Helicopter's new Bell 412 EPI aircraft.
SKYTRAC will expand upon its partnership with GigSky to offer global cellular data coverage in over 200 countries to deliver mission-critical mobile data to the aviation enterprise. Originally ratified in September 2019, the partnership enables global 4G/LTE cellular network access for use with SKYTRAC's Dynamic Air Link 200 wireless communications and data download solution.
Astronics Corp. announced that an amended STC has been approved by Transport Canada Civil Aviation for its Max-Viz 1400 and 1200 Enhanced Vision Systems on Bell 407 helicopters.
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Air Plains Services gained parts manufacturer approval from the FAA to manufacture new replacement airboxes for a variety of Cessna 180, 182 and 188 aircraft.
Duncan Aviation announced that during 2019, the company’s managed rotable inventory expanded its customer base by more than one-third, adding 45% more available part numbers and increasing its inventory value by $2 million dollars.
Astronautics Corporation of America released enhancements to its AFI4700 RoadRunner Electronic Flight Instrument, which include improved integration with all H-60 platforms, as well as support for additional military functions such as tactical air navigation systems. The company also is readying its wireless Airborne Communication System for entry into service on various Airbus Helicopters’ aircraft platforms, beginning with the H145. The company, in partnership with Rotorcraft Services Group, completed submission for an FAA STC for its AFI4700 RoadRunner Electronic Flight Instrument on Bell 212 and 412 aircraft with certification expected near term.
SmartSky Networks received its 150th patent supporting the development of its advanced air-to-ground network and data technologies. The company has more than 90 additional patents pending domestically and internationally.
StandardAero acquired TRS Global Services subsidiary, TRS Ireland, a highly specialized provider of component repair and manufacturing processes for a large range of industrial, aeroderivative and aircraft gas turbines. StandardAero and Robertson Fuel Systems announced the delivery of two crash-resistant fuel tanks to the first operator in Canada to adopt this potentially lifesaving equipment. StandardAero and Thales announced WeatherTech as the launch customer for the advanced 4-axis Compact Autopilot System for the Airbus Helicopters H125/AS350 platform.
Pentastar Aviation announced that Brent Hanson has joined the company as account manager and client relations representative and will be based at Gerald R. Ford International Airport as part of Pentastar’s new partnership with Avflight.
Honeywell is developing a line of lighter-weight, electromechanical flight controls to bring agility and safety to a new breed of urban air vehicles that can take off and land vertically. These actuators use small amounts of electricity to move control surfaces on the aircraft and are specially designed to withstand the vibrations and power requirements of urban air mobility vehicles, many of which will use multiple propellers or fans to stay aloft.
Flightcell released a new variant of the Flightcell DZMx with a new form-factor to replace legacy Iridium Satellite equipment. Unlike the DZMx that was designed for the cockpit, the new Flightcell DZMx Plus mounts on the existing tray in the avionics bay of an aircraft.
Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp. was selected to supply the loudspeaker systems for seven new Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk helicopters, three of which were delivered to California in December. In addition, Ray Lewis retired as vice president of business development following a nearly four-decade career supporting the aerospace industry. Enstrom Helicopter Corp. selected AEM to design and manufacture the new Master Caution Annunciator Panel for its flagship aircraft, the 480B helicopter, with the first completed aircraft to be delivered later this year.
Elliott Jets sold the first available Citation 560XL equipped with the recently certified Garmin G5000 integrated avionics suite. In this transaction, the Garmin G5000 was estimated to retain 85% of the value of its retail price.
FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training was selected as the exclusive training provider for Garmin G5000-equipped Cessna Citation Excel and Citation XLS aircraft. The company also announced that Rachel Runner was promoted to manager of the Wichita Cessna Learning Center. FlightSafety International announced the expansion of its helicopter training programs and services with new Level D qualified simulators for the Airbus Helicopters EC145 and Leonardo AW139.
Maxcraft Avionics Ltd. achieved the first FAA STC authorizing the Garmin GTN 725H or GTN 750H navigator to be installed in a series of Airbus Helicopter Dauphin models including SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS-365N3.
Avmax recently sold one Bombardier CRJ 200 MSN 8047 to Air Century S.A. of the Dominican Republic.
Clay Lacy Aviation opened an office at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas.
Precision Aviation Group acquired Toronto, Ontario-based World Aviation Corp., which specializes in the rewind and repair of rotary and static electrical (air and oil-cooled) generator and motor sub-components.
Metro Aviation company PAC International shared today how the emerging refurbishment market is growing its business. In 2019 alone, PAC received eight requests for full completion/refurbishment of used helicopters. Among them: EC135’s and BK117’s were the most common aircraft.
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AEA Opens the Door to Your Future: AEA.net/Jobs
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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. Are you up to the challenge?
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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 advertising executive
Phone: 816-366-5109
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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