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Keeping the general aviation industry connected
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Next AEA Members-Only Webinar Set for May 19; Previous Webinars Now Available Online
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The AEA has scheduled a series of members-only webinars to cover a variety of regulatory topics. Members can find a link to register for this free webinar on the AEA website with their member login and password. Below is the schedule for the next few weeks, and more sessions will be added later in the spring.
AEA Safety Management System - Tuesday, May 19 (3 p.m. EDT)
The international interest in implementing an effective SMS program continues to grow throughout the aviation maintenance sector with many countries either already mandating an SMS program or are on “short-final” to implementing a new regulatory mandate. This session will provide an overview of the AEA SMS program and how it helps you to cost-effectively establish and operate your safety management system.
Classifying Alterations for In-service Aircraft - Tuesday, May 26 (3 p.m. EDT)
Now, more than ever, using a proven evaluation and classification methodology will save the shop time and money, and show the customer the FAA-accepted means of compliance. This training is updated and refreshed; aligned with the ASTM standard; and represents an FAA recognized methodology for evaluating and classifying alterations.
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European Deadline Extended to Equip Planes With Surveillance Technology
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On 29 April 2020, the European Commission announced that the coronavirus crisis has made it necessary to reconsider the upcoming 7 June 2020 deadline to equip aircraft with ADS-B. As a relief measure to airlines, the Commission amended Regulation 1207/2011 on 29 April 2020 in order to postpone this deadline by six months to 7 December 2020.
In addition to the transition period introduced in the amended Regulation, this change will provide aircraft operators that had planned to retrofit their aircraft between now and June more time to do so, or to put in place an appropriate retrofit program.
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AEA Elects New Board Members
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Members of the Aircraft Electronics Association recently elected new representatives to its board of directors. The following individuals will serve a three-year term through March 2023: Simpson Bennett, Genesys Aerosystems; Gordon Cox, Avionics 2000; Rick Garcia, Gulf Coast Avionics; and Aaron Hall, ACS Avionics LLC. In addition, the board of directors elected Tom Harper, director of marketing for Avidyne, as its new secretary.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Changes (Alterations) Affecting ADS-B Systems
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Question: How do you manage software changes affecting previously installed ADS-B Out systems?
Answer: 14 CFR § 91.225 defines the ADS-B Out equipment and use while 14 CFR § 91.227 defines the ADS-B Out equipment performance requirements. The FAA requires the initial ADS-B Out system pairings (transmitter/GPS) to be approved for installation using the type certificate, amended type certificate, or supplemental type certificate process. The airworthiness compliance is evaluated based on the applicable intended function rule (such as §§ 23.1301, 25.1301, 27.1301, or 29.1301) recognizing that the intended function is to meet the equipment requirements in §§ 91.225 and 91.227.
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2019 GA and Part 135 Activity Survey
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The 42nd annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is now underway. It is the Federal Aviation Administration's primary source of information about the size and activity of the general aviation and on-demand Part 135 fleet. The survey is conducted on behalf of the FAA by Tetra Tech, an independent research firm, and all survey responses are confidential. Tetra Tech would like to hear from everyone who received an invitation to complete the survey to prepare accurate statistics on aviation activity. The GA Survey is a scientific sample of aircraft from the Civil Aviation Registry. If you have questions, please contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email
infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.
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Unknown Drone: Identify Yourself
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The Federal Aviation Administration wants to be able to identify and locate every drone flying if it weighs more than about a half-pound, and a newly proposed rule sets the stage for this to happen in the years ahead.
The agency wants to integrate drones into the national airspace system even though a lot of the small ones will be flying below 400 feet where few manned aircraft fly except near an airport. It has specified a requirement for remote identification so the agency and other parties can track the air vehicle’s location and registration information. The rule calls not only for the collection of data such as identity, location and altitude of the air vehicle and the location of its control station on the ground but also the storage of this data.
The FAA released its proposed rule in December 2019 as one of its key initiatives to integrate these new types of air vehicles flying in the national airspace system for either recreational or commercial purposes. Remote ID is seen as a prerequisite for the FAA to allow commercial drones to fly beyond visual line of sight or over people on a routine basis without waivers.
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Brexit is Official: What Happens Next?
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The long-awaited and often controversial Brexit finally occurred earlier this year when the United Kingdom left the European Union at midnight Jan. 31, 2020.
Considering the number of aviation regulatory and safety topics established and overseen by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and other issues such as customs and taxes managed by different EU agencies, what does Brexit mean for aviation organizations and individuals in the aviation industry, including pilots and mechanics?
A number of aviation-related issues hang in the balance.
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Registration Open for AEA Connect Conferences
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Join aviation's technology experts at one of the upcoming AEA Connect Conferences later this year. Online registration is available for both attendees and exhibitors. 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)
Nov. 10-11: AEA South Pacific (Queenstown, New Zealand)
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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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FAA UAS Symposium
Virtual Event
Date TBD (early summer)
Due to ongoing concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and for the health and safety of the unmanned aviation community, the FAA and AUVSI made the decision to host the 5th annual FAA UAS Symposium virtually instead of in-person in Baltimore. The event was originally scheduled for June 16-18. A series of virtual events will address the important content already planned for this year’s program. The exact date will be announced soon.
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AEA Canada Connect Conference
Calgary, Alberta
Sept. 10-11, 2020
Join shop owners, managers and lead technicians for the latest regulatory and technical training at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel. Advance registration is open through Sept. 2 for individuals to attend and for companies to exhibit.
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AEA U.S. East Connect Conference
Naples, Florida
Sept. 23-24, 2020
Join shop owners, managers and lead technicians for the latest regulatory and technical training at the Naples Grande Hotel. Advance registration is open through Sept. 18 for individuals to attend and for companies to exhibit.
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AUVSI XPONENTIAL
Dallas, Texas
Oct. 5-8, 2020 (rescheduled date and new location)
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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NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
Orlando, Florida
Oct. 6-8, 2020
Join over 23,000 industry professionals for the most important three days of business aviation. Ranked as one of the largest trade shows in the United States, NBAA-BACE will bring together current and prospective aircraft owners, manufacturers and customers into one place where they’ll get critical work accomplished, be inspired during engaging keynote sessions and advance their careers through dozens of education sessions.
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AEA U.S. Central Connect Conference
Kansas City, Missouri
Oct. 19-20, 2020
Join shop owners, managers and lead technicians for the latest regulatory and technical training at the Hilton Kansas City Airport. Advance registration is open through Oct. 14 for individuals to attend and for companies to exhibit.
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Metrojet Opens New Facility in the Philippines
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For Metrojet, whose sister company is a network of luxury hotels, impeccable service comes naturally. The Hong Kong-based maintenance, repair and overhaul facility provides meticulous, high-quality aircraft maintenance, management and charter services to an elite clientele of corporate and private ultra-high net worth operators.
“We have a passionate team of experts who value safety and delivering high-quality service to our customers,” said Sarith Vaikuntan, general manager of Metrojet Engineering Clark.
Metrojet meets IS-BAO Stage 3 international safety standards for business aircraft operations, the highest level under the International Business Aviation Council’s system.
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Diversity: Getting on Top of ADS-B's Global Potential
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As accurate as they are, today’s ground-based ADS-B connection networks suffer with the limitation of being terrain-based. As good as it is, ADS-B was developed around a ground-based infrastructure, with more than 500 ground stations in the United States providing the connection to relay aircraft ADS-B squawks to controllers’ display screens.
The ADS-B system was conceived and built around existing technologies that mandated those ground stations. But a new ADS-B technology began to take shape about midway through the nine-year adoption period that ended at midnight on New Year’s Eve. And that’s the basis for this new potential surveillance system – one capable of providing coverage over the entire planet.
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$100 Mystery Make and Model Challenge
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Attention avionics technicians! How well do you think you know your avionics inside and out? New and old? Then put your knowledge to work.
What is the product make and model shown in this image?
The first individual who submits the correct answer will be awarded a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Southeast Aerospace, and the winner will be announced in the next edition of
AEA Wired.
In addition, each award recipient in 2020 will be entered to win a random drawing for a $500 Visa gift card at the end of the year, also from Southeast Aerospace.
Email your answer...
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Avionics Training and Professional Development Classes
Register quickly, as most classes sell out!
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Certified Repair Station Training
July 13-17, 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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Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation
July 27-29, 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. 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.
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Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting
July 30-31, 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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Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft
Aug. 5-7, 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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Avionics Installation and Integration Training
Aug. 12-14, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
This course is designed for technicians who have completed the AEA’s Basic Wiring & Avionics Installation Course and/or have a couple years of basic avionics installation practice and are looking for more experience integrating common general aviation installations. Technicians will learn how to plan, install, interface, configure and check out an installation consisting of a Garmin GTN 650 touch screen nav/com/GPS, Garmin GTX 345 transponder and an Aspen EFD1000 primary flight display.
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Bench Basics and Flight Line Troubleshooting
Aug. 17-19, 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. Attendees will keep their fabricated test panel and harness projects.
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Pitot-Static and Transponder Testing and Inspection with ADS-B Implementation
Aug. 20, 2020
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.
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IFR6000 and IFR4000 Operations
Aug. 21, 2020
Lee's Summit, Missouri
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 system, and to operate the IFR4000 for ILS, VOR, COMMs and ELT.
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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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Duncan Aviation announced that its three main facilities and its satellite shops throughout the country are now installing a chemical-free air purification system from Aviation Clean Air. The company has installed this component in Gulfstream aircraft and is working on certification paths for other makes/models. Duncan Aviation also added main-ship battery maintenance capabilities in Bedford, Massachusetts; Morristown, New Jersey; Ft. Worth, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia.
Universal Avionics announced the appointment of John Berizzi and John Wasmund to the U.S. sales team. Berizzi joins the company as South-Central U.S. regional sales manager and Wasmund as Southwest U.S. regional sales manager.
Millennium International Avionics announced the availability of a new program dedicated to operators utilizing GE/Smiths Multipurpose Control Display Units. Aimed at reducing overall cost of ownership and extending useful life of this equipment, Millennium is now offering an engineered repair with upgraded subassembly component parts including repair using brand new LCD Screen, LED Backlight Assembly and more robust Keyboard with Backlit LED buttons, allowing units to be repaired instead of the expensive alternative of complete replacement.
Pentastar Aviation was named one of the best U.S. and best independent FBOs in the 2020
Professional Pilot magazine PRASE Survey.
Fargo Jet Center named Anthony Manzella maintenance service advisor; Bill Berg was promoted to assistant chief inspector; and Keith Lowe was promoted to aviation maintenance technician lead.
Robotic Skies and Intelligent Energy, the U.K. fuel cell engineering business, signed a memorandum of understanding. The partnership enables Intelligent Energy to expand post-sale support for its industry-leading Fuel Cell Power Modules.
Elliott Aviation's Elliott Technologies launched a new website for its product Prizm cabin LED lighting that provides product descriptions, photo gallery of installations, and a dealer locator. Elliott Aviation also announced a $3,000 per day guaranteed four-week downtime on stand-alone Citation Excel/XLS Garmin G5000 retrofits. The company also announced a $3,000 per day guaranteed three-week downtime on stand-alone King Air Garmin G1000 NXi installations.
Garmin announced that
Fast Company, a business magazine that focuses on innovation in technology, leadership and design, recognized Garmin as a finalist for the development of Autoland as part of its 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards.
StandardAero was awarded a $237 million multi-year contract by the U.S. Air Force to provide MRO services for General Electric J85 turbojet engines powering the USAF fleet of T-38 trainer aircraft.
Genesys Aerosystems announced that Avionics Services of Sao Paulo, Brazil, delivered the first Pilatus PC-7 modernized with the Genesys Aerosystems avionics suite to the Chilean Navy.
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Aviation Institute of Maintenance will offer its entire student population access to its multi-award-winning, adaptive Airframe & Powerplant courses powered by Adaptive 3.0 learning platform, Fulcrum Labs.
Appareo announced a new addition to the company’s line of crash-survivable, remote-mountable, flight data recording modules for rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft. The Recoverable Data Module, model 300 (RDM-300) is a small, lightweight, flexible, and crash-hardened flight data recorder that was originally developed as a custom solution for a customer and has now been equipped with an auto-detect feature for ARINC or serial buses.
Clay Lacy Aviation now provides comprehensive aircraft cleaning and disinfecting services at the company’s maintenance centers and through its mobile response teams. It has designed and implemented its CleanCheck Standard to provide customers and guests the highest level of confidence in their safety and health for each phase of the flight experience. The company also recently completed its 10th 10-year/120-month inspection on Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 aircraft, with five additional inspections underway.
West Star Aviation was voted No. 1 preferred MRO in the 2020
Professional Pilot Magazine's annual preference regarding aviation services and equipment survey for the seventh consecutive year.
Cutter Aviation announced that one of its HondaJets set a new company record for a maximum performance leg on any light jet. The HondaJet departed Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on April 13, landed in Kelowna, Canada, and returned to Phoenix Sky Harbor on the same day. The flight stretched across 2,437 miles (2,118nm) in just 6 hours and 18 minutes of flight or 6 hours 56 minutes of total round-trip travel.
Thomas Global Systems' TFD-7000 Series plug-and-play LCD flight deck displays was chosen by Wayne, Pennsylvania-based Eastern Airlines for its Boeing 767 fleet. Deliveries to Eastern Airlines are underway.
WireMasters is now offering build-to-order QPL Mil-Spec connectors.
Constant Aviation has installed the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck in 25 Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft since launching the program in 2018. The MRO provider has many more installations scheduled this year and is on pace to install the in-demand avionics package in more than 35 604s by early 2021. This represents nearly 15% of the Challenger 604s in use across the United States.
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies announce special missions and temporary passenger cabin reconfigurations for airlines seeking to move more cargo on their passenger aircraft. Tenencia, a CIT company, offers turnkey kit design, procurement, installation support as well as regulatory approval services to give airlines greater flexibility in optimizing their aircraft.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the second and third all-new Gulfstream G700 test aircraft have taken flight, further advancing toward certification and customer deliveries. Gulfstream also announced its Gulfstream G600 earned type certificate approval from the EASA, enabling aircraft registrations and deliveries to begin for EU customers.
FlightSafety International announced that training for the Gulfstream G650 aircraft is now underway at its Dallas Learning Center using a new FlightSafety FS1000 simulator.
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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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Need to Post a Job? The AEA Works for You!
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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. For more information about premium job listings, contact Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive, at
rachelh@aea.net.
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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 director of advertising
Phone: 816-366-5109
The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.
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