Jan. 23, 2019
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
Dates and Locations Announced for 2019 AEA Connect Conferences
The Aircraft Electronics Association recently unveiled the dates and locations for its 2019 AEA Connect Conferences. Following this week's Europe Connect in Cologne, Germany, the rest of the year's schedule is as follows:
  • Sept. 9-10: Canada Connect (Toronto, Ontario)
  • Sept. 23-24: U.S. West Connect (Reno, Nevada)
  • Oct. 2-3: U.S. Central Connect (Kansas City, Missouri)
  • Nov. 4-5: U.S. East Connect (Daytona Beach, Florida)
  • Nov. 18-19: South Pacific Connect (Adelaide, Australia) More...
Avionics News Technical Training Exam Now Online
The 18th annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now available. The exam may be taken online by AEA members or downloaded by non-members. By completing the exam, which covers regulatory and technical topics featured in the 2018 issues of Avionics News, technicians can get a head start on their FAA-accepted training. 

Don't have all 12 issues of Avionics News from the past year? No problem. They are all available online in the digital archives right at your fingertips. Individuals who complete the exam and score 85 percent or higher receive credit toward their repair station training program requirements, IA renewal, Federal Aviation Administration AMT awards and the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award.  More...
AEA to Host Regulatory Forum in Bogota, Feb. 8
The AEA will play host to a one-day regulatory forum in partnership with Aeronautica Civil at the Centro de Estudios Aeronauticos on Feb. 8, 2019, in Bogota, Colombia. This forum will focus on:
  • ADS-B mandate for Colombia and available equipment solutions.
  • Safety management systems – risk management and human factors.
  • Colombia’s regulatory transition to the Latin America Regulations.
  • Featuring displays by ADS-B major manufacturers.
This will be a complimentary event for avionics professionals; however, advance registration is required. More...
FAA Creates RVSM Benefit to ADS-B Out Early Equipage
The Federal Aviation Administration eliminates the requirement for operators to apply for an RVSM authorization when their aircraft are equipped with qualified ADS-B Out systems and meet specific altitude-keeping equipment requirements for operations in RVSM airspace.

On Dec. 21, 2018, the FAA issued a final rule effective on Jan. 22, 2019, revising the FAA's requirements for application to operate in RVSM airspace. The amendment eliminates the requirement for operators to apply for an RVSM authorization when their aircraft are equipped with qualified ADS-B Out systems and meet specific altitude-keeping equipment requirements for operations in RVSM airspace. This action recognizes the enhancements in aircraft monitoring resulting from the use of ADS-B Out systems and responds to requests from operators to eliminate the burden and expense of the current RVSM application process for aircraft equipped with qualified ADS-B Out systems. More...
Drug and Alcohol Testing Program: FAQ
Who is required to participate in the FAA's drug and alcohol testing program? Learn the answer in this frequently asked question in the United States inside this month's edition of Avionics News. More...
On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
HAI HELI-EXPO
Atlanta, Georgia
March 4-7, 2019
Find new products and business with 18,000 industry professionals. Over 1,000,000 square feet of space with 60+ aircraft on display. More...
International Women in Aviation Conference
Long Beach, California
March 14-16, 2019
Choose from a wide range of education sessions to expand your personal and professional development at the Long Beach Convention Center. More...
AEA International Convention & Trade Show
Palm Springs, California
March 25-28, 2019
Registration has opened for the 62nd 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 the marketplace in 2019. Aviation's technology experts will convene March 25-28, 2019, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Attendees must register by March 1, 2019. More...
Sun 'n Fun International Fly-in Expo
Lakeland, FL
April 2-7, 2019
A six-day event on 2,200 acres offers jet teams, aerospace exhibits, educational forums, aircraft static displays, and daily air shows. More...
AEA Canada Connect Conference
Toronto, Ontario
Sept. 9-10, 2019
Online registration is available through Sept. 4. Hotel reservations should be made at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites by Aug. 7. More...
Mid-South Avionics' Sales Climb
In 2017, Rhett and Melissa Hart purchased Mid-South Avionics, an FAA repair station at Bessemer Airport southwest of Birmingham, Alabama. The company, which provides avionics installation and service mostly for turboprops, light and medium-sized business jets, and rotorcraft, has been around since 1987. In just a short time, the new owners have made significant strides, expanding the service center’s abilities, adding a Rockwell Collins dealership, and growing sales.  More...
Aviation Ace: Sean Peterson of Pro Star Aviation
Sean Peterson grew up in Westfield, Massachusetts, in an aviation family. His father was in the Air Force and, upon leaving, worked on smaller general aviation airplanes and was an A&P instructor. In the early 1980s, Peterson’s father was hired by Canadair (now Bombardier). 

“I remember going to work with him, around age 5 and getting exposure to corporate aviation,” he said. “That’s when the bug bit me. I had my first Challenger flight at age 6, and I remember it as awesome.” Learn more about this Aviation Ace now working for Pro Star Aviation in this month's Avionics News. More...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Register quickly, as most classes sell out!
Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation
Feb. 18-20, 2019
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. 
Digital Databus Theory & Analysis Training
Feb. 21, 2019
As today’s modern airplanes become much more technologically advanced, so must the professionals that 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.
IFR6000 Operations Training Course
April 26, 2019
This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate the IFR6000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, and DME systems. In-depth training will be provided for testing of ADS-B transponder systems with airborne equipment.
Certified Repair Station Training Course
June 3-7, 2019
This weeklong course provides an interactive environment to learn, understand and implement the regulations that govern repair station design and operations. It is for current quality managers, technicians, mechanics, and repairmen who are involved in the management of a repair station as well as individuals looking to establish a 14 CFR Part 145 repair station.
News from AEA Member Companies
CLAY LACY AVIATION expanded its East Coast charter fleet with a factory-new Bombardier Global 6000 ultra-long-range jet at Palm Beach International Airport.

ADAMS AVIATION is now the stocking distributor for the range of products from Levil Aviation.

AERO DYNAMIX announced its celebration of 25 years in business as one of the world’s industry experts of night vision compatible lighting solutions and modifications.

DUNCAN AVIATION announced that Ted Roethlisberger has accepted the position of assistant manager of customer service at its Battle Creek, Michigan, facility.
UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORP. announced that Kim Stephenson was appointed regional sales manager for Canada.

CUTTER AVIATION promoted David Clifton to director of technical and flight support services.

SOUTHEAST AEROSPACE was awarded the opportunity to provide project management and engineering support services for the U.S. Navy through a new contract vehicle, SeaPort-NxG.
GARMIN announced its aviation webinars through the first few months of 2019. Garmin also announced the GTR 200B, a comm radio and Bluetooth-enabled intercom designed specifically for experimental and amateur-built aircraft.

SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES Ltd. announced that Lockheed Martin Space used its Spectrum Nova laser wire marking equipment to process and identify all the wiring in the manufacture of the complex electrical wiring system for NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Mars Insight lander.

WEST STAR AVIATION announced that Tommi Krell has been named director of corporate communications. In addition, West Star Aviation completed construction on a new 60,000-square-foot hangar at its East Alton, Illinois, location.

GLOBALJET SERVICES named Amy Jock sales account manager.
Looking for a Job in the Avionics Industry?
For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the career listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA careers page provides informational links on how to get AET certified, an avionics technician job summary and wage review, along with scholarship opportunities within the industry. Search the AEA's career listings and see what's on your horizon. Are you up to the challenge? More...
Need to Post a Job? The AEA Works for You!
Is your business hiring? Looking for a new avionics technician or A&P mechanic? Want to buy or sell a business in the general aviation industry? Post these professional opportunities to a target-rich environment: the AEA's career listings website. For $200 a month, you can place a listing online AND receive a print advertisement in Avionics News for FREE! For more information, contact Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive, at rachelh@aea.net
About the AEA
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.
Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
Email:  info@aea.net
Web:  aea.net  
Advertising:
Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive
Phone: 931-787-7565
Email:  rachelh@aea.net

The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.