As part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Safety Summit on March 15 in McLean, Virginia, more than 200 safety leaders from across the aviation industry met to discuss ways to enhance flight safety. The Aircraft Electronics Association was represented by Ric Peri, vice president of government and industry affairs. Numerous general aviation leaders participated in both the opening session as well as the breakout session to discuss current challenges facing the industry in terms of safety.

During his opening remarks to a plenary session, Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen urged the industry to look at all aspects of their operations with fresh eyes and to “question conventional wisdom” while examining ways to further enhance aviation safety. After the morning plenary session, Nolen urged the attendees to discuss specific steps they could take in their respective areas to further tighten the U.S. aviation industry’s already strong safety net. To watch the opening session of the FAA Safety Summit, click here.

There are only 33 days until the 66th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show gets underway in Orlando, Florida. Attendees must register by April 5 to receive the advance registration rate of $795 (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; opening session with new product introductions; AEA First-Nighter event; and networking with manufacturing and distributors.

Can’t be in Orlando all four days of the show? Daily registration options are available for $275 per day for AEA members and $375 per day for non-members. To register as an attendee, click here.

Need some financial assistance with your education? The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2023-24 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. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is April 1, 2023. More...

The AEA room block at the Gaylord Palms is nearly sold-out. If you do not find availability, Marriott Village Orlando is a complex of three spectacular hotels about 5 miles from the Gaylord Palms Resort. This includes: Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista; Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista; and Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Call 877-682-8552 to make a reservation prior to March 23.

Please note: The AEA does not work with any housing agencies to make hotel reservations on your behalf. We strongly suggest you work directly with the hotel when making your room reservations. More...

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency recently issued a safety information bulletin with applicability to national aviation authorities, air navigation service providers and air operators.

Since February 2022, there has been an increase in jamming and or possible spoofing of Global Navigation Satellite Systems. This issue particularly affects the geographical areas surrounding conflict zones but is also present in the eastern Mediterranean, Baltic Sea and Arctic area. EASA has analysed data from the Network of Analysts and open sources and has concluded that GNSS jamming and/or spoofing has intensified in recent months. More...

On March 2, the FAA published two Federal Register notices requesting public comment, which can be found here.

The agency published a draft policy statement regarding submission of outline of new and changed systems at the beginning of the type certificate amendment process for transport category aircraft with a request for comments. The draft policy statement may be examined here. Comments on the draft policy statement must be received on or before April 3.

The FAA has extended the comment period of the previously issued notice of proposed rulemaking. The NPRM, titled ‘‘System Safety Assessments,’’ was published Dec. 8, 2022. In that document, the FAA proposed to amend certain airworthiness regulations to standardize the criteria for conducting safety assessments for systems, including flight controls and powerplants, installed on transport category airplanes. With this action, the FAA seeks to reduce risk associated with airplane accidents and incidents that have occurred in service, and reduce risk associated with new technology in flight control systems. To review the Dec. 8 NPRM, click here.

AEA members elected Michael Truelsen to the AEA board of directors. Truelsen, who serves as chief executive officer of Scandinavian Avionics A/S and co-owns its parent company, The SA Group, brings 20 years of aviation experience to the board.

Headquartered in Billund, Denmark, The SA Group’s 12 subsidiary companies in Europe and Asia provide turnkey avionics solutions for civil and military fixed-wing, rotorcraft and uncrewed aircraft systems, as well as training for operators and maintenance providers. Truelsen, who has served as CEO for nearly eight years, began as an avionics engineer for his family’s company. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles, including those involving sales, certification and business development. More...

Last summer, the FAA announced that it intends to publish the proposed rulemaking effort called MOSAIC – the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates – in late 2023. In the past few years, MOSAIC was expanded to address both piloted and unmanned aircraft systems in a single rulemaking. Along with the timeline announcement, the FAA told industry the UAS portions of the rulemaking are being pulled out to constitute a separate rulemaking effort. The first MOSAIC notice of proposed rulemaking is now expected in 2023 with a final rule in 2024.

“The MOSAIC NPRM has not been expedited, despite rumors in the industry,” said Ric Peri, vice president of government and industry affairs for the Aircraft Electronics Association. “Over the summer, David Boulter, associate administrator (acting) for aviation safety, said an NPRM will be published by end of 2023 with implementation by the end of 2024. That’s the timeline the industry should plan for at this time.” More...

Even before the pandemic, Flamingo Air in Cincinnati, Ohio, was known for its long-distance learning. Students from around the world – Germany, South Korea, Japan and other nations – log on for 138 hours of certified aircraft dispatcher courses, then visit the school’s campus at Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport for another 62 hours in the classroom.

Popular among busy working adults who can’t be in a physical classroom at a certain time every day, online training offers the flexibility of learning whenever time allows, including nights and weekends. Whether online or in the classroom, Flamingo Air’s programs are designed to be completed in six months or less. In addition to its FAA-approved aircraft dispatcher school, Flamingo Air provides flight instruction, drone training, aircraft electronics technician training and sightseeing tours. More...

An aircraft is in the shop for a supplemental type certificated modification. The work is complete, the return to service is signed, and the aircraft heads home. On the next flight, the equipment modified is inoperative. Is the aircraft grounded?

§91.213 states that no person may take off an aircraft with inoperative equipment or instruments unless an approved minimum equipment list exists for the aircraft, the inoperative equipment or instrument is listed on the MEL, and the pilot complies with the MEL procedures. §91.213 provides some other limited exceptions, but it’s best to assume relief is necessary if equipment is inoperative.

So is the aircraft grounded? The answer depends on whether the equipment is eligible for relief on a minimum equipment list or non-essential furnishings list, whether the STC holder applied for master minimum equipment list relief during the certification process, and whether the operator’s own MEL includes the STC’d item. More...

Interestingly, Mark Cook, director of business development for ALTO Aviation, learned a fair amount of his aviation business acumen in the automotive industry. The parallel field offered valuable lessons on original equipment manufacturers, dealer and supplier networks, entertainment systems and operators’ expectations.

In 2020, Cook joined ALTO Aviation. Headquartered in Sterling, Massachusetts, with research and development services based in Jupiter, Florida, ALTO Aviation develops cabin audio, cabin management systems, passenger controls and in-flight entertainment for business aircraft. In 2022, the company celebrated 25 years in business.

Today, Cook collaborates with ALTO Aviation’s senior leadership team to grow the business and move the company forward while continuing its mission to give every passenger the best listening and entertainment experience at 40,000 feet. Recently, Cook talked about his role at ALTO Aviation, trends in cabin audio and what he believes the future holds for this sector of business aviation. More...

Whether flying across a state or half the globe, high-speed connectivity has become an indispensable tool for pleasure and business travelers. While the unprecedented growth of this segment has been excellent news for avionics shops and MROs, rapid changes in connectivity technology and terminology can often lead to confusion for both the customer and the installer.

To help keep everyone on the same page, Avionics News along with the help from Gogo Business Aviation, StandardAero, and Viasat have created this short glossary of connectivity terms. There is no test at the end, but avionics professionals, both novices and experienced veterans alike, should fully understand the terminology. More...

Later this year, approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators will come together for two days of training, networking and professional development. More specifically, the AEA Regionals 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 in the exhibit hall; and receive important updates on the most current regulatory news affecting their business.

For decades, these events were well-known by AEA members as Regional Meetings, but they were more recently branded as Connect Conferences. Following feedback from members in a survey conducted earlier this year, the AEA Regionals will return in 2023 on dates and locations preferred by the membership with a refreshed schedule and training format. More...

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association recently unveiled the 2022 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. When compared to 2021, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments, and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $26.8 billion, an increase of 6%.

Take a deep dive into the data and the state of the industry with Jens Hennig, GAMA vice president of operations, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...

The AEA and AEROTEAM Training Solutions offer a wide range of technical training (initial and continuation) to the European community, tailored to meet the EASA regulatory requirements and discounted for members.

The AEA enables access to the wide range of training courses for its members at a fixed 25% discount. All courses are available at ATS’ headquarters in Billund, Denmark, or locally at the AEA member upon a case-by-case request. AEA members may find descriptions of courses scheduled for the months of April through June here. Those courses include: EWIS Module G – Practical Training; Part-145 Safety Management System Training; and Human Factors Initial Training. In order to obtain the discount, AEA members must register for a training course and apply the following code upon checkout: AEAats23. More...

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 45th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, reporting on calendar year 2022. 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 marks the 20th annual edition. It is 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...

Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation (course 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. 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.

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (16 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.

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (7 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.

In-flight Connectivity Foundations (14 seats remain)

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 support in-flight connectivity system installations and maintenance. This eight-hour training enables aircraft technicians and operators to gain understanding on the basic airborne networks, IFC systems, and the services they provide.

Certified Repair Station Training (16 seats remain)

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 plan to attend.

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (14 seats remain)

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 touch-screen, 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.

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (14 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 trouble shooting. Bench testing Nav, VHF Com 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 (14 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 (14 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, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (11 seats remain)

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This full-day course offers a regulatory review and an explanation of the proper administrative procedures for completing these critical certifications. Preparing and performing RVSM inspection tasks. ADS-B session covering installation, wiring and return to service review.

The sky is not the limit in aerospace. If you are ready to reach a higher altitude, visit this one-stop resource that was built by industry professionals and powered by the AEA. The site offers a spotlight on career paths in aviation and includes links to jobs, scholarships, aviation schools, veterans’ resources, information for educators, salary data and more. From the hangar floor to low-earth orbit, opportunities abound. More...

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.