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.

The AEA West Connect Conference is set for Oct. 5-6, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. Advance registration is open for both attendees and exhibitors. The deadline to make a hotel reservation in the AEA room block is Sept. 16. More...

Kevin Miesbach, the 2020 AEA Member of the Year and a 40-year employee of Duncan Aviation, passed away Aug. 27, 2022, at the age of 60. Miesbach was the components/OEM business development manager and was responsible for driving the company's components repair services toward new business opportunities with OEMs, government entities and new product capabilities.

He had a lifelong interest in aviation and attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he earned an associate degree in electronic engineering technology. Upon graduation in 1982, Miesbach began his career as an avionics technician with Lincoln Avionics.

Miesbach was a regular attendee at AEA events and coordinated training sessions at the AEA Conventions and Connect Conferences with his Duncan Aviation team. More...

Robert Randall died Aug. 31, 2022. He was an avionics professional for more than four decades and was an active AEA member during that time.

Randall most recently served as StandardAero’s director of avionics sales. He also spent a number of years with Universal Avionics, Shadin Avionics, and several other companies throughout his distinguished career. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electrician’s mate from 1978 to 1982.

Randall attended numerous AEA Conventions and Connect Conferences and will be greatly missed by the avionics community.

During the last 15 years, AirQuest Aviation has steadily grown its aircraft services, from FBO line service to aircraft maintenance, avionics, acquisition and management to flight training and charter. It operates two 15,000-square-foot facilities 30 miles apart just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since last year, AirQuest Aviation has been working to expand again – this time focusing on its avionics capabilities.

“At our maintenance facilities at Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport and Beaver County Airport, we maintain and repair aircraft from Cirrus up to smaller jets like Citations and Beechjets,” said Brian Thoma, avionics technician and an airframe and powerplant mechanic. “On the avionics side, we service single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft. It’s our bread and butter. As for customers, we serve both individual owner-operators and businesses with the majority being corporate and charter operators.” More...

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration awarded $231,000 in grants to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math outreach. Three grants are for universities to facilitate STEM outreach to students, especially those who are under-represented in STEM and aviation fields. The schools will design and conduct drone-centered immersion programs, summer camps, after-school programs and community outreach efforts that will educate and inspire youth from elementary, middle, and high schools. 

The STEM outreach grants are awarded to the following universities:

One of the reasons – or more accurately – many of the reasons that Mark Lee, CEO of Forge Flightworks, felt so strongly about the need to reinvent the company’s persona was that throughout his tenure as owner, customers frequently asked if the company could do more than just avionics.

“Their aircraft were already in our shop, so they continued to ask us if we could provide other services,” he said. “They asked about interior work, annuals, engine and airframe maintenance or upgrades. Historically, we had to decline all those requests. All along, I wanted to put us in the position to better serve the needs of our customers in part by saying yes to these requests. One challenge was to determine which types of services, then figure out how and when to introduce them.”

After considerable deliberation, Lee and his team decided that adding aircraft interior repairs and upgrades was the next logical step in the company’s evolution. More...

No matter their size or purpose, all aircraft require visual inspection, a fundamental maintenance task that can be expensive, tedious and time-consuming to perform. In recent years, several companies and airlines across the world have been pursuing a digital solution to cut MRO costs, reduce AOG time and flight delays, and free up maintenance technicians for other work – the use of drones to conduct visual aircraft inspections. More...

So are dreamers still dreaming? Some OEMs are well beyond the dreaming stage. These OEMs are flying full-scale prototypes, developing and testing pilot training programs, and building their business models.

Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, both U.S.-based, each plan to enter into commercial service in or around 2024. To that goal, Joby Aviation, in May, received its 135 Air Carrier Certificate ahead of schedule, initially targeted for the second half of 2022. Lilium, a leader in the European eVTOL market, recently pushed its target date for type certification to 2025. In China, EHang is reportedly close to certification to conduct air taxi or commercial passenger operations.

In the end, whether the dreamers are still dreaming is the wrong question anyway. The question isn’t whether the dream will come true or in what year – the question is who will realize the dream first. More...

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 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...

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 Connect Conferences in the United States, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation. 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 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 at aea.net/aero with a member login and password. AEA AERO will continue to add and update content to help members accomplish their training goals. Members with questions about the new AERO online training system may contact Aaron Ward directly at aaronw@aea.net. More...

Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director for aviation, discusses a variety of important topics impacting the avionics industry and the company’s dealer network in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog Company, AEA Amplified is a podcast for aviation’s technology experts. Learn more about the ever-changing world of avionics technologies from industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts. Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Podbean or Spotify. Listen...

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...

NAV/COMM Equipment Service Training (2 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 (Sold-Out)

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 (15 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.

AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (13 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 (10 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 (11 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 (12 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 (11 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 (14 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 (15 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.

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.