April 9, 2025

AEA Elects New Board Members

Board appoints Mike Berryhill chairman; Danny Santiago vice chairman


Members of the Aircraft Electronics Association recently elected representatives to the board of directors to serve a three-year term through March 2028. Four incumbents were reelected to serve an additional term, while two individuals were elected for the first time.

  • Chris Bergman, Columbia Air Services
  • Chuck Gallagher, Cincinnati Avionics
  • Tom Hass, Park Rapids Avionics
  • Nate Klenke, Duncan Aviation
  • Ian Pruden, PF Flyers
  • Michael Truelsen, Scandinavian Avionics


In addition, the board of directors elected new officers. Mike Berryhill of Cirrus Aircraft was elected chairman, replacing Bill Hanf of Green Mountain Avionics who now becomes immediate past chairman. Danny Santiago of Banyan Air Service was elected the board's new vice chairman. More...

Outgoing AEA Chairman Gives Farewell Address


Bill Hanf, founder of Green Mountain Avionics, recently concluded nine years of service on the AEA's board of directors, including the past three years as chairman. Watch his farewell address to AEA Convention attendees in Phoenix, March 18, courtesy of Aero-News Network.

Ask the Industry


Which AEA Regional will you attend later this year?

Select one option below.
West: September 4-5 in Reno
Canada: September 11-12 in Calgary
South Pacific: October 2-3 in Brisbane
Central: October 23-24 in Wichita
East: November 6-7 in Orlando
Europe: November 13-14 in Cologne

Convention Keynote Speaker Offers AEA Members Free Online Video Training


Bruce Tulgan, who spoke about the great generational shift at the AEA Convention in Phoenix on March 18, is offering every convention attendee a free one-year subscription to RainmakerLearning, with 16 courses based on his best-selling books, including:

  • It’s Okay to be the Boss
  • The 27 Challenges Managers Face
  • The 12 Missing Basics of Professionalism, Critical Thinking, and Teamwork
  • Not Everyone Gets a Trophy
  • The Customer Service Intervention
  • Career Skills for the New Economy
  • Managing Anger in the Workplace

 

To take advantage of this offer, send an email to mail@rainmakerthinking.com.

AEA Convention Presentations Now Available to Members


Many of the regulatory and technical PowerPoint presentations made last month during the AEA Convention in Phoenix are now available online. More will be added as they become available from the presenters. AEA members must use their member login and password to access this information. More...

Picture Yourself in Phoenix


Over 200 professional photos have been published from the AEA Convention in Phoenix. To view the library and/or download your favorite shots, click here.

New Product Alert:

True Blue Power introduces 45-watt charging ports for 14- and 28-volt aircraft


During the new product introductions on opening day at the AEA Convention in Phoenix, True Blue Power unveiled its newest USB charger. The new TA245 Series USB Chargers feature a compact footprint and an input voltage of 12 – 32 VDC, delivering the versatility required across all GA, BA and commercial aircraft, according to the company.

 

TA245 Series charging ports are available in five configurations, including single and dual USB-C (45W), and USB-A (36W), with adjustable halo ring lighting. The TA245 provides reliable convenience power to smartphones, tablets, electronic flight bags, and laptop computers. Its ultra-compact design measures 1.5 inches wide and 1.25 inches deep. This ensures easy installation in tight spaces, including in-seat, cabin, cockpit and galley applications. More...

Garmin Unveils GCO 14 Carbon Monoxide Detector


Garmin announced the GCO 14 carbon monoxide detector at the AEA Convention, a remote-mount sensor that can integrate with select Garmin avionics to monitor CO levels and alert aircraft occupants of potentially harmful CO levels. According to the company, the GCO 14 adds a new layer of situational awareness in the cockpit and provides peace of mind to pilots and their passengers, knowing the invisible threat of CO is being monitored.


The GCO 14 integrates CO level monitoring and alerting into GTN Xi navigators, GI 275 flight instruments and TXi flight displays. Pilots can view the current CO level via a dedicated page or user data fields. In the event where potentially harmful CO levels are detected, the GCO 14 can provide both aural and visual alerts. More...

Flightcell Celebrates 25 Years, New Product


As Flightcell celebrates 25 years in business, its aircraft cellular and satellite communication systems are used by rotorcraft and fixed-wing operators around the world. They’re a familiar sight in first-responder cockpits, from aerial firefighting and air ambulance to search-and-rescue and law enforcement machines. Flightcell’s market also extends to business aviation, oil and gas, and military operators.


It’s in the picturesque port city of Nelson at the top of New Zealand’s South Island where the privately owned company designs and manufactures its products, including the DZMx, SmartHUB, SVS and its newest creation - the Flightcell Controller. More...

IS&S Unveils Next-Generation Prodigy 3ATI Integrated Standby Unit


Innovative Solutions & Support Inc. recently introduced the Prodigy 3ATI Integrated Standby Unit at the AEA Convention, March 18. The ISU is a breakthrough in standby instrumentation that enhances flight safety, reliability, and efficiency for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, according to the company.


When primary systems fail, pilots rely on standby instruments to maintain control and ensure a safe flight. The IS&S Prodigy 3ATI ISU consolidates essential flight data into a compact, high-performance display system. Designed as a direct form, fit, and function replacement for legacy standby systems, the ISU simplifies installation. More...

News From AEA Member Companies

Gogo confirmed STC approval by the FAA for its Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal for Gulfstream GV and Gulfstream G550 aircraft.


Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems company, announced that FAA certification has been achieved for the installation of its Wi-Fi-enabled Flight Management System on Part 25 aircraft models. UA also announced an agreement with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada to supply avionics for flight deck upgrades on the Dash 8 series 100 and 200 aircraft. 


Dynon announced its new line of Corgi Aviation trim servos for experimental and light-sport aircraft.


uAvionix introduced echoESX EXP, a next-generation remotely mounted, Mode S ADS-B transponder designed specifically for general aviation aircraft.


Rosen Aviation launched the world’s first operator designed Cabin Management System for VIP, business and commercial aviation cabins. 


Pilot John International was honored with the 2024 Diamond Strategic Partner Award by the Paragon Network, a premier organization of independent FBOs and international handling agents. Pilot John International also is exhibiting at this week's MRO Americas 2025 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.


Duncan Aviation hosted more than 90 Utah County leaders, elected officials, and community members at its full-service facility in Provo, Utah, on March 10, for an exclusive look at the ALIA CX300 aircraft as BETA Technologies and 47G conducted Utah’s first air taxi demonstrations.


Pro Star Aviation announced the successful installation of the Collins Venue Cabin Management System with the new Venus Smart Monitors in a Gulfstream G550.


Astronautics Corporation of America was awarded a contract from the Empresa Nacional de Aeronautica de Chile (ENAER) to develop a complete avionics system solution for their new PILLAN II basic trainer aircraft.


Thomas Global Systems received STC approval from Colombia’s Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronáutica Civil for the installation of its TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 LCD flight display upgrades on Bombardier Challenger 604, Gulfstream G100/G200, Dassault Falcon 2000/2000EX/50EX, Saab 2000 and MHI CRJ Series aircraft.


Acron Aviation entered into a licensing partnership with KGB Aviation Solutions. This agreement enables KGB Aviation Solutions to securely access and download data from the SRVIVR25 Cockpit Voice Recorder, Flight Data Recorder, and Combination Cockpit Voice Flight Data Recorder, through their custom Data Acquisition Ruggedized Tool.


Barfield, a subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) in the Americas, is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025, marking eight decades of innovation and excellence in the aviation maintenance industry.


CubCrafters announced that its Carbon Cub UL has entered into production.


Cirrus Aircraft announced the release of the new iOS Cirrus IQ app for digital aircraft management. 


C&L Aerospace announced the expansion of its distributorship with Champion Aerospace, a global leader in turbine engine ignition technology.


Astronics Corp. was selected to provide the Frequency Converter Unit for the NASA and Boeing Transonic Truss-Braced Wing X-66 aircraft demonstrator. Astronics also launched the SkyShow Server, an advanced moving map system developed by Astronics CSC in collaboration with FlightPath3D.


ACR Electronics led this year’s 406Day campaign with an urgent call to action for aviators, boaters and hikers: Be prepared to survive by equipping yourself with the best 406 MHz emergency beacon available.


StandardAero was voted Best Engine Overhaul in the annual The145.com Top Shop Awards. StandardAero also is accelerating plans to grow its annual CFM International LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B throughput capacity significantly by 2029.


Textron Aviation announced its European Distribution Center is celebrating 10 years of serving Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers with parts support in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Textron Aviation also announced the opening of its second innovative Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy, located at the company’s east headquarters in Wichita, Kansas.


SkyWay Group received approval from the FAA for the cabin door step replacement for the Cessna Citation Mustang, marketed under the name SkyStep.


Avmax announces aircraft acquisitions from Qantas and enhancement of its long-term partnership with Skytrans.

L3Harris' Commercial Aviation Solutions Business Rebrands to Acron Aviation


On March 31, L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions announced that it will be known as Acron Aviation to reflect its new brand following the acquisition of the business by TJC LP.


According to the company, "the new name is adapted from the Greek word άkron, which means peak, or highest point and aptly symbolizes the ambition and mission the company has for the future. As Acron Aviation, the company is ideally positioned to serve its fixed-wing and rotary customers in the commercial, business jet, military and advanced air mobility markets and proactively offer data-led solutions to top-tier and forward-thinking aviation customers who recognise our value." More...

Wakeup Call for Business Aviation Marketing


Aviation marketers are often not savvy about how customers make buying decisions because engineering-driven companies get stuck on specifications rather than customer needs.


It’s not that specs don’t matter. Mach .9 cruise is clearly better than Mach .8. Getting there faster is fine, but the real question for behavior-driven marketing is this: How does the operator want to use the aircraft, and why does extra speed matter? More...

Collins Aerospace: Everything Old is Better Again


Owners and operators judge the value of their aircraft’s avionics in many ways. While reliability, functionality and ease of use may be at the top of their lists, longevity is also gaining ground. Of course, in the avionics world, a synonym for longevity is upgradeability. Aircraft owners don’t want to suffer through long aircraft downtimes and the high costs of typical panel upgrades.


In a move to better meet its customers’ variety of upgrade goals, Collins Aerospace recently introduced three avionics modernization programs for the legendary Pro Line 21 and Pro Line Fusion avionics suites found on King Air 200/300-series turboprops and Hawker 700/800/900-series jets. More...

Podcast: How Delegates Can Support Your Certification Efforts


Over the last several years, the AEA has engaged in discussions with members and nonmembers on the need for advocacy in the delegate/aircraft certification areas. Join us for a roundtable discussion with members of the AEA delegates subcommittee to learn when you should get a delegate involved, the benefits a delegate can offer, and how the AEA provides a voice for delegates with the international regulators in this episode of AEA Amplified.


Podcast guests include: Kevin Barton, Bartronix; Kevin Bruce, AEA; Scott Starick, Balus Aero; Travis Dahna, TD Aerospace; Nick Olmsted, Kilroy Aviation; Kevin St. Aubin, Arrow Aviation; and Erik Roy, Rocky Mountain Aircraft. Listen...

Featured Jobs: Look Who's Hiring


For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the AEA jobs board is your one-stop resource. Search the AEA's job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available for job-seekers.


Here's a brief sampling of some of the outstanding opportunities currently listed:


  • Avionics Manager at Billings Flying Service, More...
  • Avionics Technician at Roger Wilco Aviation Services, More...
  • Avionics Specialty Mechanic at Billings Flying Service, More...
  • Avionics Technician at East West Avionics, More...
  • Avionics Installer/Technician at Black Mountain Aviation, More...

Save the Dates for 2025 AEA Regionals


Later this year, approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators will come together for two days of training, networking and professional development. 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.


Links to register and make hotel reservations will be available soon. In the meantime, the dates and locations for the 2025 AEA Regionals are as follows:


  • September 4-5: West Regional in Reno, Nevada
  • September 11-12: Canada Regional in Calgary, Alberta
  • October 2-3: South Pacific Regional in Brisbane, Australia
  • October 23-24: Central Regional in Wichita, Kansas
  • November 6-7: East Regional in Orlando, Florida
  • November 13-14: Europe Regional in Cologne, Germany More...

On the Radar: Upcoming Industry Events

NBAA Maintenance Conference

Columbus, Ohio

April 29-May 1, 2025

See the latest innovations, tools and technology in aviation maintenance. This event provides vital education and networking opportunities for anyone involved in business aircraft maintenance – from technicians to directors of maintenance. More...

EBACE

Geneva, Switzerland

May 20-22, 2025

As the European Business Aviation Association takes full control of EBACE, the event is entering a new era – one that reflects its continued importance as the leading forum for business aviation across Europe. More...

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

July 21-27, 2025

Aviation enthusiasts totaling more than 500,000 from 80 countries attend this event at Wittman Regional Airport. The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration has it all when it comes to aircraft. Warbirds. Vintage. Homebuilts. Ultralights. More...

Avionics Training: Save Your Seat for Upcoming Classes

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (12 seats remain)

April 10, 2025

Virtual-live Course

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers and maintainers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 4.8% 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. Register Now...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (8 seats remain)

April 16-17, 2025

Virtual-live Course

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. Register Now...

Advanced Avionics Installation and Configuration (sold-out)

April 28-30, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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. More...

AVX-10K & IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (sold-out)

April 30, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This 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. More...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (sold-out)

May 1-2, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This two-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. More...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (5 seats remain)

May 5-7, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (12 seats remain)

May 6, 2025

Virtual-live course

Risk management is a vital element of any successful business. Whether driven by best practices or responding to a regulatory requirement, the AEA has your solution. Leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership, the AEA developed a proprietary SMS program designed specifically for maintenance organizations. This program is currently used on every continent. The AEA has been coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada Civil Aviation, as well as discussions with the Australian government's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, for future acceptance. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

May 12-16, 2025

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 plan to attend. More...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (11 seats remain)

June 2-4, 2025

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. Register Now...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (7 seats remain)

June 5-6, 2025

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. Register Now...

Avionics Service and Testing Fundamentals (14 seats remain)

August 18-20, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This intensive three-day course is designed for experienced avionics technicians seeking comprehensive training in avionics testing, troubleshooting and service. Led by industry expert Don Dominguez of Radioman Avionics, participants will gain hands-on experience in bench testing LRUs, flight line testing, and aircraft troubleshooting across various avionics systems. From fundamental concepts to advanced techniques, this course covers a wide range of topics including navigation, communication, and transponder equipment service. Register Now...

Request Your FREE AEA Pilot's Guide


Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2024-25 edition of the AEA Pilot's Guide is now available upon request. This year marks the 22nd 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 approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics equipment in general aviation aircraft. It also includes the manufacturers and distributors of these products, as well as technical schools and universities, delegated engineering firms, and consultants for the industry. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy while supplies by clicking here.

AeroCareers.net Offers Aerospace Career Paths


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...

Are You Hiring? List Your Openings


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 approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of aircraft electronics systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of aircraft electronics 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

 

Subscribe to "AEA Wired" 

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

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