The FAA is working 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. On Friday, June 17, the FAA issued a statement on the subject:

"Key stakeholders in the aviation and wireless industries have identified a series of steps that will continue to protect commercial air travel from disruption by 5G C-band interference while also enabling Verizon and AT&T to enhance service around certain airports. The phased approach requires operators of regional aircraft with radio altimeters most susceptible to interference to retrofit them with radio frequency filters by the end of 2022. This work has already begun and will continue on an expedited basis.

"During initial negotiations in January, the wireless companies offered to keep mitigations in place until July 5, 2022, while they worked with the FAA to better understand the effects of 5G C-band signals on sensitive aviation instruments. Based on progress achieved during a series of stakeholder roundtable meetings, the wireless companies offered Friday to continue with some level of voluntary mitigations for another year." More...

NextOp is hosting a Hiring Veterans in Aviation Seminar, July 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time. This event is in collaboration with the Aircraft Electronics Association and will provide an opportunity for AEA members to learn about hiring and retaining veteran talent, the unique experience veterans bring to the table, and how NextOp can assist companies through this process. This session will be followed by a Q&A portion, where attendees can engage with NextOp staff.

For more information, contact patrick@nextopvets.org. To register for this event, click here.

The Aircraft Electronics Association is collaborating with NextOp to connect U.S. veterans and military members with career opportunities in the avionics industry. NextOp recruits, develops and places high-performing middle-enlisted (E-3 to E-7) leaders into industry careers.

For qualified candidates, NextOp employment coordinators will partner with enlisted service members and veterans through every step of the process until the individual finds, receives and accepts an offer of employment. For AEA businesses looking to hire, NextOp will support each company to develop and execute their veteran hiring and retention strategies.

Learn more from Patrick McManus, employment coordinator for NextOp, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...

Avionics professionals in Australia have an extra two weeks to provide feedback on the proposed Part 43 legislation -- Maintenance of aircraft in private and aerial work operations.

Visit the Consultation Hub by the new deadline of 3 July. You can choose to comment on as many topics as you like.

For additional information:

Say the word “compliance” to anyone in the aviation industry and their thoughts likely go directly to mandates from their national aviation authority. But many other laws and regulations apply to maintenance and other service providers, including the U.S., such as Export Administration Regulations.

This point was made clear by a recent notice from the U.S. Department of Commerce, issued through its Bureau of Industry and Security, which identified several commercial and private aircraft that have flown into Russia in apparent violation of the EARs. More...

An autopilot controlling the pitch axis will never be certified as a stand-alone system. A pitch axis can be added to a single (roll) axis autopilot, or the pitch axis system will be part of a two-axis autoflight system.

The principles used in the pitch axis are similar to those of the roll axis. The typical airplane is much more stable in the pitch axis. This stability translates into a larger effort required to change the attitude of the aircraft, nose up or nose down. In most general aviation autopilots with electric servos, the motors are small and won’t have the torque required to overcome aerodynamic resistance. As a result, the vast majority of pitch systems must use a subsystem to operate trim. More...

Bringing all the various problems they are routinely faced with to a satisfactory end is one of the things that draws avionics technicians to the business. It’s fun to solve the seemingly unsolvable.

As a result, Dale Smith of Avionics News contacted a few shops and asked representatives to share details of their most challenging installation to get some firsthand insights. More...

As the world continued shaking off the pandemic, the avionics industry gathered in New Orleans in March for the 65th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show. Vendors and attendees from all over the world met to pore over the newest products and services, learn the latest installation tricks and, of course, network with their peers.

Over the four-day event, more than 120 exhibitors and 1,352 attendees set up shop in the city’s Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, bringing their tools, toys and talents to mingle among, break bread with and learn from each other. This show is all about the avionics: what they can do, the problems they can solve. It’s about how new technology and connectivity work and play well with those engines and airframes. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 44th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey will be closing in the next week, reporting on calendar year 2021. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft.

Data from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:

The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Participation is voluntary, and everyone who is contacted is encouraged to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. If you have questions, contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide will be unveiled with free distribution at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, July 25-31. AEA staff members will distribute thousands of complimentary copies to pilots and aircraft owners at the AEA's AirVenture booth, No. 2035/2036 in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport.

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...

To help owners of general aviation aircraft modernize their cockpits, the Aircraft Electronics Association will randomly award five aircraft owners with $1,000 toward an avionics upgrade during the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Oshkosh, July 25-31, in Wisconsin.

Aircraft owners may enter to win one of the five $1,000 awards in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport, booth No. 2035/2036, beginning July 25. The AEA will announce one winner each day from July 25 through July 29 via its social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Aircraft owners must be at least 18 years old to register to win. Each of the five winners must use an AEA-member avionics repair station to complete the installation. Each entry gives aircraft owners a chance to win one of the five daily drawings. For official rules and contest entry forms, visit the AEA's booth at AirVenture. More...

The AEA Connect Conferences are where aviation's technology experts gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. These two-day events allow technicians and business owners the opportunity to learn industry best practices; connect with regional sales and product support representatives; satisfy training requirements; see the latest products and services; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business.

To see the dates and locations for the AEA Connect Conferences scheduled for 2022, along with registration links for attendees and exhibitors, click here.

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 attend.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (9 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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (9 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 (11 seats remain)

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 (7 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, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (16 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. With so many questions surrounding ADS-B, this course will provide the answers and what you need to know.

Basic Wiring & 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 (22 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 (15 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.