May 11, 2022
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
Dates Set for 2022 AEA Connect Conferences
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.
Ask the Industry
The annual inflation rate in the U.S. was 8.3% through April 2022. As a result, which of the following best describes how your aviation business has adjusted customer pricing this year?
Select one option below.
My business has increased customer pricing more than 10%.
My business has increased customer pricing 6-10%.
My business has increased customer pricing 1-5%
My business has not changed customer pricing.
What inflation? My business has decreased customer pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Airworthy
What exactly is the definition and description of the term “airworthy?”

Over the years there have been various proposals, from both within and without the FAA and predecessor agencies, to define “airworthy.” For basically two reasons, such proposals have not been implemented: first, there is no single definition that covers usage of the word in the different FAR parts, and second, no need for a new definition has been shown.

The word “airworthy” has a very limited usage in the regulations, and in the few places that it does occur, it is clearly used as a summarizing or shorthand term denoting the aggregate of requirements that are concurrently spelled out ... Inherent in the connotation of “airworthy” is a necessary flexibility that allows administrative discretion in enforcement situations. More...
New Zealand's NEST Lifts Patient Care
Around 10 p.m. Jan. 18, 2022, two pilots and two intensive care flight paramedics took off in a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter bound for Whangaroa Harbour, an inlet on the northern coast of Northland, New Zealand. They were racing to reach a patient injured after a fall and inaccessible by road. In the dark, amid trees and human-made structures, the team used night vision goggles to safely winch the patient into the helicopter. Once they were safely on board, the pilots landed across the harbour so the medics could begin treatment before flying to Whangārei Hospital.

For more than 30 years, Northland Emergency Services Trust has been carrying people to safety. The nonprofit, a registered charitable trust supported by the Northland community, is funded by the central government and key sponsors, individuals, families, businesses and organizations. More...
Buying Pre-owned Avionics Without Getting Burned
When you step back and look at COVID-19’s overall impact on business and private aviation, you might say it’s been darn good for business. As early as 2021, companies and individuals who never before dreamed of owning an airplane are jumping in feet first. The good news is that sales of new and pre-owned aircraft are literally through the roof. The better news is, because many of those aircraft need upgrades to their legacy engine, interior, paint and avionics, it seems the majority of shops are extremely busy. 

Of course, the fly in this euphoric ointment is the ongoing supply chain issues we’re all facing. Whether it’s new cars or cans of beans, things can be hard to find. And aviation hasn’t escaped it. Let’s look at the two main reasons why an aircraft owner might buy pre-owned avionics as soon as possible: upgrading/adding capabilities or replacing a box that’s broken. More...
Going International With ADS-B
With ADS-B coming to countries outside the United States, how can operators prepare for international trips with other countries’ ADS-B systems? Planning, of course, country by country, location after location.

Always check directly with the target nation, and then check it again as some nations have changed their effective dates. Or use a flight-planning service for the latest information. Of course, start planning early; requirements for advance notices vary from country to country, and missing a deadline can produce delays or fines. More...
Aircraft and Avionics Sales on the Upswing
General aviation aircraft and avionics sales put the effect of the pandemic on sales behind it in 2021 as new entrants of young people discovered the use of aircraft for business and pleasure. This trend is expected to help fuel and sustain the industry for years to come. 

“The demand as we see it (this year) and the durability of that demand is coming from the new entrants, and we hope that this will sustain (the industry) over the long term,” said Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada. She led a panel of prominent industry executives at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s annual state of the industry press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. More...
Part 91 Operators Seek Clarity on Use of Minimum Equipment List in International Operations
Part 91 operators of U.S.-registered aircraft might soon have more clarity on a long-standing challenge regarding minimum equipment lists in international operations, especially to European Union Aviation Safety Agency states. Since 2017, Part 91 operators faced conflicting requirements between the Federal Aviation Administration and EASA. The FAA permits a Part 91 operator of a U.S.-registered aircraft to hold an FAA-issued Letter of Authorization D095, allowing the use of a master minimum equipment list, or MMEL. 

Meanwhile, EASA does not consider the MMEL to be sufficient and requires Part 91 operators to hold LOA D195, authorizing the use of an MEL for a specific make, model, serial number, and registration name. The MEL must include maintenance and operations procedures, Policy Letter PL 36 (the Part 91 master minimum equipment list preamble, and the MMEL). More...
FAA Accepting Applications for Aviation Workforce Development Grants Until June 10
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking applications for two Aviation Workforce Development Grant programs aimed at developing and inspiring a more diverse pool of aviation maintenance technicians and pilots to join the next generation of aviation professionals. This is the FAA’s second funding opportunity for these programs. A total of $10 million is available for the grants.

The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants will prepare aviation maintenance technicians. The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants will educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. Eligible entities can submit applications at grants.gov through June 10, 2022. More...
Podcast: IAE Co-owner Garry Joyce Reflects on Tenure as AEA Chairman
Garry Joyce recently completed a successful three-year term as chair of the AEA’s board of directors. Under his leadership, the association completed a strategic planning process to set the course for the years ahead while navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain constraints, and workforce development challenges.

Joyce is the co-owner of IAE, which is located at Little Staughton Airfield in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, and he is the first AEA chairman from outside North America. He reflects on his time as AEA chairman and looks ahead to the future in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company. Listen...
Become a Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician
Prepare for the AET certification exam
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...
2021 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey Available
FAA survey measures safety, determines funding, and informs the impact of aviation on the economy
The Federal Aviation Administration’s 44th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway, 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:
  • Compute safety metrics, such as fatal accidents rates. 
  • Understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output, and investments in aviation infrastructure. 
  • Track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations. 
  • Determine funding for infrastructure and service needs.
  • Assess the impact of regulatory changes.

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.
On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events
European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
Geneva, Switzerland
May 23-25, 2022
EBACE is the place to experience new and future-forward aviation technologies including everything from high-tech small aircraft through ultra-modern intercontinental jets, advanced air mobility and eVTOL aircraft, state-of-the-art avionics; and much more from all of the top aircraft manufacturers. More...
Connected Aviation Intelligence Summit
Washington, D.C.
June 1-3, 2022
Formerly known as the Global Connected Aircraft Summit, this event brings together airlines, private jet operators, connectivity service and solutions providers who provide networking, keynote speakers and exhibits of the most innovative connected aircraft technologies in the world. The event has expanded its scope to include information and guidance about disruptive new technologies and where new opportunities for technological innovation and financial growth or return on investment exist. More...
FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference
Washington, D.C.
June 14-16, 2022
The Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency are joining forces to advance aviation safety through global leadership. The conference brings together regulators, aerospace industry representatives, and other stakeholders from around the world to share aviation safety information, address current areas of mutual concern, and identify future collaborative opportunities with the global community. More...
AOPA Aviator Showcase
Fort Worth, Texas
June 16-17, 2022
The Aviator Showcase at Fort Worth Alliance Airport will feature an exhibit hall, aircraft display, and educational seminars presented by event sponsors. For pilots looking to upgrade or still searching for the perfect aircraft, local services such as paint shops, avionics manufacturers, and aircraft detailers will be on hand to help. Attendees can also talk to aviation finance professionals, insurers, and dealers about purchasing an aircraft. More...
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
July 25-31, 2022
For seven days from sunrise to well past sunset, your Oshkosh day is filled with thrilling displays of aerobatics, informative programs and hands-on workshops, diverse aircraft spanning all eras of flight, evening programs, and much more. Fun for the whole family that you’ll find only in Oshkosh is waiting for you at the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration! More...
AEA Canada Connect Conference
Toronto, Ontario
Aug. 25-26, 2022
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. Join us at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites. More...
AEA Central Connect Conference
Kansas City, Missouri
Sept. 8-9, 2022
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. Join us at the Hilton Kansas City Airport. More...
AOPA Hangout
Spokane, Washington
September 9-10, 2022
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will bring pilots together for its revamped aviation fly-ins, which are now called Hangouts to better capture the spirit of these new events. The first Hangout is set for Felts Field. Stroll through aircraft displays, chat with aviation vendors, and connect with like-minded individuals while enjoying food trucks, live music, and entertainment. More...
Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (6 seats remain)
May 18, 2022
VIRTUAL LIVE COURSE
This online 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.
AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (10 seats remain)
May 19-20, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
This day-and-a-half course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure IFR6000 and IFR4000 to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, DME, ILS, VOR, Comms and ELT. Plus a complete review of all features and benefits of the AVX-10K Flight Line Test Set with emphasis on testing transponder (Mode S and ADS-B In/Out), UAT, TCAS and DME.
Certified Repair Station Training (1 seat 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.
Avionics Testing Fundamentals (13 seats remain)
Sept. 12-13, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 (15 seats remain)
Sept. 14, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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)
Sept. 15, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 (13 seats remain)
Sept. 16, 2022
In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 (15 seats remain)
Sept. 26-28, 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.
Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)
Sept. 29-30, 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.
News from AEA Member Companies
Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Inc. company, has been selected by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for its HINDUSTAN-228 aircraft to provide the S-TEC 4000R Autopilot product.

Alpine Aerotech received Transport Canada Civil Aviation STCs for the installation of Garmin GTX 3X5 ADS-B transponder systems on Bell Medium platforms.

Blue Avionics' BA-540 Adaptable Avionics Unit is FAA certified by Peregrine on the Embraer EMB-120 to provide interface between dual GTN-650 GPS/COMM/NAV/MFD and the flight data acquisition unit. The BA-540 AAU also provides dedicated discrete outputs for side 1 and side 2 marker beacons.

Duncan Aviation announced an agreement with Aviation Partners to extend its blended winglets authorization designating the company’s Provo, Utah, MRO location as an authorized installer for API blended winglets. Also, Duncan Aviation’s paint and interior teams in Lincoln, Nebraska, took an outdated Citation 525 and gave it a new paint scheme and matching interior makeover.

Satcom Direct is strengthening its Asia Pacific network with the opening of a Singapore office. The new location represents the base for Brian Roos, the recently appointed Asia Pacific, regional director, and newly named regional sales manager, Kaviraj (Kavi) Nadarajah.

Constant Aviation has enhanced its maintenance apprenticeship program, further expanding its recruitment initiatives to meet the growing demand for private aviation MRO services. Apprentices in this improved, next-generation, two-year program will work alongside experienced aircraft technicians, learn by performing daily technical tasks and participate in classroom and lab work all while earning a steady income. Apprentices can acquire the FAA airframe certification.

SKYTRAC Systems announced The Exploration Company has selected SKYTRAC's Iridium Certus midband Satcom terminal for data transmission from its space capsule to the ground. Also, SKYTRAC Systems announced that Kea Aerospace has selected SKYTRAC’s midband Iridium Certus Satcom terminal to be installed onboard the HALE UAV platform, Kea Atmos.

Honeywell released its Guide to Experts in Advanced Air Mobility and related fields. This resource features over 15 experts that can serve to break down technical details, share perspectives and articulate long-term industry goals around urban air mobility, unmanned aerial systems and related fields.

Cirrus Aircraft announced its continued global expansion with investment in two new European locations to meet increasing customer demand. The company will open a European regional operations office in Rotterdam, Netherlands, scheduled to launch in June 2022, in addition to the recently announced aircraft sales presence based in Valenciennes, France.

Garmin announced that the latest update (v10.7) for Garmin Pilot is available now. Among many other new features, the latest update now graphically displays taxiway and apron closures on the dynamic map – as well as SafeTaxi diagrams. 

West Star Aviation promoted Connor Mottice to technical sales manager at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, facility.

Astronics Corp. has expanded its CorePower product portfolio and capabilities to address the needs of the emerging electric aircraft industry. Also, sales for the first quarter were $116.2 million, up 10% over the prior-year period.

uAvionix announced that the skyEcho portable ADS-B transceiver is now available for the New Zealand general aviation market for use in uncontrolled airspace as an ADS-B awareness or electronic conspicuity device. skyEcho can be used by general aviation aircraft to enhance their visibility and increase situational awareness through ADS-B Out and In.

QAI Aerospace, a leader in component overhaul and repair, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

L2 Aviation announced the signing of a strategic alliance with FEAM AERO, a leading supplier of aircraft line maintenance services with 42 line service stations worldwide and two independent heavy maintenance hangars in Cincinnati and Miami.

Texas Aerospace Technologies, a subsidiary of Texas Aerospace Services, celebrated its first anniversary, May 2. The subsidiary was founded to fill a need to establish partnerships worldwide to aid in product distribution, parts certification, and solutions. Also, the company announced its appointment as a distributor for Teledyne Controls.  

Rosen Aviation was selected by Design et-al (Chester, United Kingdom), host of the annual International Yacht & Aviation Design Awards, as a finalist in the “Cabin Design – Concept” category for the 2022 awards show for its immersive first-class VR experience.

Avotek’s newest online course, Aviation Mechanic Instructor Training, gives instructors the tools and knowledge they will use every day in becoming more effective, specifically in aviation maintenance. The course is a companion to Avotek’s popular book, Aviation Mechanic Instructor’s Handbook, which was released last fall.

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies launched the newest in its signature line of Octax high-speed data connectors: the Octax Hybrid.
AEA Jobs Board Offers Free Resume Posting
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...
Are You Hiring? The AEA Works for You!
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.
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 director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
Email: rachelh@aea.net

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