On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it is publishing 54 GPS-guided routes in Alaska, allowing pilots to navigate direct flight paths at lower altitudes to avoid icing conditions. The 30 new and 24 amended Terminal Transition Routes, known as T-routes, are part of the FAA’s Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.

Pilots use T-routes to navigate along specific points while flying under instrument flight rules using approved GPS/Global Navigation Satellite System equipment. To date, 13 have been activated; another 20 are expected to go live in November and December, and the remainder in 2023. More...

Holding off on switching your third-party administrator or moving your anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program to a TPA due to setup costs? Well, NATACS has a treat just for you!

Set up your anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program with NATACS before the end of the year and your setup fee will be waived! Benefit from the electronic custody and control forms, FAA audit preparation, subject-matter experts, online checklists and more. NATACS can also help with your non-DOT drug program(s). More....

Avionics professionals will gather at the AEA East Connect Conference in Tampa, Florida, Nov. 2-3. 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.

Following the event in Tampa, the AEA South Pacific Connect Conference will take place Nov. 17-18 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. Advance registration is open for attendees and exhibitors at both the East and South Pacific Connect Conferences. More...

Advance your career and industry knowledge by earning a certification provided by ASTM International. These certifications demonstrate the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician and promote integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce.

Repair stations and aviation maintenance professionals across the industry use these certifications to recognize qualified and competent individuals. The FAA formally recognizes the AET certification as equivalent to formal training when showing eligibility for the issuance of a repairman certificate. Exams are free for all those in attendance at the AEA East Connect Conference in Tampa, Florida, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation. More...

When the Federal Communications Commission first established procedures for the first 5G spectrum auctions, most original equipment manufacturers didn’t pay much attention, according to FreeFlight Systems President Anthony Rios. “There was an assumption that certain areas of spectrum would be protected due to safety requirements for aviation,” he said. “Fast-forward to today, it’s taken four years for the industry to realize that assumption is no longer true.”

By contrast, Rios noted that FreeFlight Systems leadership at the time quickly identified potential risks to the spectrum auctions and began to identify solutions. “We took fate into our own hands and started to design a product to address the issue,” he said. More...

With its growing product lineup and big ambitions, newcomer Cabin Management Solutions feels like a company that’s been around a while. Just three-and-a-half years in, Texas-based CMS has been hard at work on several systems and components to help business aircraft operators manage all of their cabin and entertainment systems. In doing so, CMS is leaning heavily into innovative design and manufacturing, from wireless technology and 3D printing to modular designs, with the goal of reducing the installation time and, potentially, the cost.

In October at the National Business Aviation Association’s convention in Orlando, Florida, CMS plans to showcase its new and upcoming systems. More...

Business aviation accounts for only approximately .04% of global human-made emissions, but despite this fact, some business aviation users have had to answer to recent social media heat regarding sustainability and carbon footprint of business aircraft travel.

The business aviation industry set a goal of being net-zero by 2050, and the Biden Administration recently announced a similar goal for the United States aviation industry as a whole. Two recent initiatives, including a proposed rule to mandate fuel efficiency standards for aircraft and tax incentives for sustainable aviation fuel, will advance the industry toward these goals. More...

AEA members recently elected Jamie Luster to the board of directors. Bringing more than 20 years of aviation experience to the new board position, Luster serves as director of sales and marketing for Genesys Aerosystems, a role she’s had since 2011.

Based in Mineral Wells, Texas, Genesys Aerosystems provides integrated avionics systems for military and civil operators. In December 2020, Genesys was purchased by Moog of Elma, New York, and folded into the company’s aviation group.

Luster’s aviation sales and marketing experience runs deep with previous sales and marketing roles at Cobham, FreeFlight Systems and Avidyne. She’s also a private pilot with more than 450 flight hours, primarily in Mooney aircraft, and has a bachelor’s degree in aviation management and a master’s in business administration. More...

This new Airworthiness Code is designed to provide practical guidance on the key airworthiness topics for owners and operators of general aviation aircraft and includes:

The AEA encourages the United Kingdom members who work on light aircraft to review and familiarize yourself with this new Airworthiness Code, which can be viewed online or downloaded for later use here.

Forge Flightworks CEO Mark Lee turned to automotive interiors expert Gil Vigil of Speed & Design to help the shop expand beyond the avionics business. Vigil brings his award-winning craftsmanship and experience from working on premier custom cars to the aviation industry, allowing Forge Flightworks to offer its customers a new service – premier-quality aircraft interior upgrades.

In this episode of AEA Amplified sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, Lee and Vigil share their unique story on how they have successfully grown their repair station in Smyrna, Tennessee. Listen...

Registration has opened for the 66th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of aviation electronics manufacturers, distributors and approved maintenance organizations in the world. It is the platform of choice for the introduction of new avionics products and services coming to market in 2023. The event will take place April 24-27, 2023, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Attendees must register by Dec. 31, 2022, to receive the early-bird discount price of $695 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $200 per person savings off the on-site registration fee. The attendee full registration package includes: four days of technical training sessions; exhibit hall entrance for two full days with lunch; and networking with manufacturers and distributors. Register for the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. More...

The AEA’s online training platform called AERO, short for the Aerospace Education Resource Online system, allows users to train at their own pace and operates like a personal learning management system. A brand-new course on Indoctrination Training: Regulatory Familiarization has been released and is free for AEA members with a member login and password.

In addition, a dozen new courses that took place at this year's AEA Convention in New Orleans are now available, including OEM technical sessions; Troubleshooting Antennas & Transmission Lines; Marketing Beyond the Runway; How to Succeed in Business (Aviation) Without Really Trying; Clarity is Magnetic -- A Discussion in Leadership & Personal Development; and Airplanes or Marketing: It’s All About the LIFT.

Convention attendees may access the sessions recorded at AEA New Orleans for free, and those AEA members who could not attend the convention may purchase them. Training content is exclusive to AEA members. AEA AERO will continue to add and update content to help members accomplish their training goals. More...

Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2022-23 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide was recently unveiled. 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...

AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (12 seats remain)

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 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.

Aircraft Instrument Systems (2 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 (4 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 (9 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.

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.

Certified Repair Station Training (13 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 touchscreen, 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 (12 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 (11 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 hands-on training, including 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.

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (11 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 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 (14 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.

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.