AEA West Regional Begins Next Week in Reno

Investing in your avionics technicians' knowledge and skills is crucial for the success and compliance of your business. The AEA is bringing together approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators, and educators for a powerful two-day conference designed to directly benefit your bottom line. Imagine your technicians returning equipped with the latest industry best practices, ensuring higher quality service and increased customer satisfaction.

The AEA West Regional takes place in Reno, Nevada, Sept. 4-5, at the Grand Sierra Resort. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to invest in you, your team and your business's future. Register Now...

Video: Nighthawk Flight Systems Introduces Guardian

Announced at AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the Guardian system from Nighthawk Flight Systems is intended to be a step above the competition with its high-resolution 3D terrain data and a liberal interface that promises to work well with other brands. Avionics News journalist Larry Anglisano spoke with Nighthawk Flight Systems CEO Paul Martin for this video report.

Video: Avidyne Vantage12 Installs Approved for Cirrus

At AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, Avidyne announced FAA certification of the Vantage12 Flight Display System for retrofit in Cirrus aircraft. According to Avidyne, an AEA member company since 1995, the Vantage12 upgrade is initially targeted for retrofit in the more than 4,000 Entegra-equipped and pre-Entegra Cirrus SR20/22 Series aircraft.

Avionics News journalist Larry Anglisano has been following the Vantage12 program since it was introduced a couple of years ago. Now that it’s FAA STC approved, he outlines the install requirements and recently caught up with Avidyne CEO Dan Schwinn for this video report.

Delegates Session Set for AEA Regionals in Calgary and Wichita

The AEA Delegate program is growing, and after three successful Delegates Conferences at the last three conventions, we’re expanding the concept to our Regionals in Wichita and Calgary. We plan to request a level of acceptance for this training from the FAA and TCCA so that, just like the rest of AEA’s training, this session will count toward your recurrency requirements. This is an important next step in developing the support and resources for anyone involved in aircraft certification and delegations.

Register for AEA Canada in Calgary...

Register for AEA Central in Wichita...

Ask the Industry Poll Results

Here are the results of the poll question from the Aug. 13 edition of AEA Wired:

What is your planned method of transportation when traveling to an AEA Regional later this year?

66.7% – Ground transportation (car)

18.2% – General aviation flight

15.2% – Commercial airline flight

Dallas Avionics recently conducted a unique learning experience for students in Seguin, Texas, while partnering with Texas Parks and Wildlife and Friedens Early Learning Center. Students were able to interact with aircraft, ask pilots questions, and learned about the many operations helicopter pilots can perform.

Garmin announced FAA certification of Garmin Autoland and Garmin Autothrottle for select G1000 NXi-equipped King Air 350 aircraft.

Elliott Aviation launched the CJ Flight Deck Evolution Program, a new avionics upgrade solution designed for Citation CJ1 and CJ2 operators. 

Plane Place Aviation has been approved by AFAC and is now a Mexico AFAC certified repair station.

Duncan Aviation welcomed more than 800 guests—including prospective team members, interested community members, and enthusiastic children—to its facility in Provo, Utah, during an open house, Aug. 16. The company also completed an interior refurbishment on a GL-5000 at its full-service facility in Lincoln, Nebraska.

ACI Jet has been granted EASA Part 145 maintenance organization approval, officially certified on July 22, 2025. This milestone authorizes ACI Jet to perform maintenance on European-registered aircraft.

Acron Aviation announced the award of a five-year Indefinite Delivery Requirements contract by the United States Coast Guard for the supply of Electronic Standby Instrument System GH-4001 standby displays. Acron Aviation also announced the installation of an Airbus A320neo Full Flight Simulator at its London Training Centre.

K-State Salina UAS experts will host a webinar on Sept. 4 at noon Central time to learn about the new FAA regulations standardizing BVLOS operations, also known as Part 108. The webinar will include a summary of the Part 108 regulations and details on the public review and commentary process.

Family Fuel

Expertise, values drive QAI Aviation's success

A warm family spirit runs through QAI Aviation, the Part 145 repair station southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Owned by Robert and Lisa Sieber, the service center focuses on aircraft maintenance, repairs, completions, avionics and supplemental type certificates for fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft. Family, friends and relatives of longtime employees make up the staff here and at their second aviation business, QAI Aerospace, a component repair shop in nearby White Oak. More...

Safe Return Autoland for Cirrus

When the shock and awe of Garmin’s Emergency Autoland for turbine-powered airplanes faded to a dull roar, the question was which piston-powered airplane would be the first for Autoland. Perhaps that was an easy call with the Cirrus SR series being the obvious application.

It was hardly a surprise this past April (six years after the first Autoland was type certified in the Piper M600 turboprop) when Cirrus announced that Safe Return (the Cirrus branding of Garmin’s technology) would be standard in every SR G7+ piston airplane to roll off its assembly line. Along with its CAPS parachute, autopilot envelope protection, and now Safe Return, these airplanes have more layers of safety backstop than any other piston single. There’s a long waiting list of qualified buyers ready to slap their money on the table for one. More...

Talent on Display

AEA's inaugural Avionics Skills Competition a resounding success

Inside the exhibit hall at the 2025 AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Phoenix stood a booth with a table full of prizes, three tables stacked with tools and equipment, and 16 nervous students who participated in the first-ever Avionics Skills Competition. According to Nick Brown, the AEA’s director of workforce development, “AEA’s workforce development committee created this competition to challenge, inspire and recognize students who are just beginning their careers. It’s an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned, grow their confidence, and connect with mentors in the field.”

Barrington Irving Technical Training School, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Pima Community College, and Southern Illinois University sent teams to Phoenix to compete on March 20. Over several hours, most of the students would complete five tasks. More...

Recruiting and Retaining Generation Z

Baby boomers, now in their 60s and 70s, are retiring from the aviation industry with Generation X employees not far behind. These retirements are contributing to the ongoing labor shortage in many aviation roles, leading employers to recruit – and retain – the latest generation of employees, Generation Z, who were born between 1997 and 2012 and are now in their mid-teens to late 20s.

How are Gen Z employees different from employees of previous generations? What are Gen Z’ers looking for from an employer and in a career? Avionics News offers insights and answers to these questions. More...

Attend an AEA Regional and Your CAET Exam is On Us!

Ready to take the next step in your career? Attend any one of AEA’s Regional Meetings where we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to advance in the aircraft electronics field.

As a special thank you for attending, you'll receive a free promotion code to take the AEA’s Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) exam at no cost. This is a limited-time offer, and your exam must be completed before the end of 2025. More...

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 those seeking employment.

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

• Aviation Maintenance Technician-A&P at Banyan Air Service, More...
• Avionics Technician at Unique Avionics, More...
• Installation Technician at L.A.C. Avionics, More...
• Sales Representative - Avionics Services (Provo, UT) at Duncan Aviation, More...
• Director of Maintenance/A&P/IA at Horizon Avionics, More...

AEA West Regional

Reno, Nevada

September 4-5, 2025

Approved maintenance organizations, manufacturers, regulators and educators come together for two days of training, networking and professional development at the Grand Sierra Resort. More...

AEA Canada Regional

Calgary, Alberta

September 11-12, 2025

Imagine your technicians returning equipped with the latest industry best practices, ensuring higher quality service and increased customer satisfaction. More...

TSO Workshop

Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil

September 17-18, 2025

This international event brings together civil aviation authorities and industry representatives to exchange insights and experiences related to Technical Standard Orders. The agenda includes updates from ANAC, FAA, EASA, TCCA, and CAA UK. More...

AEA South Pacific Regional

Brisbane, Australia

October 2-3, 2025

Elevate your team's expertise: Learn cutting-edge technical skills and industry best practices to improve efficiency and service delivery. More...

NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition

Las Vegas, Nevada

October 14-16, 2025

Get up close with the newest business aircraft, climb inside advanced air mobility vehicles, meet legendary heroes of flight, witness epic announcements and where the business aviation community comes together – not just to do business, but to connect, belong and celebrate the shared passion that unites our industry. More...

AEA Central Regional

Wichita, Kansas

October 23-24, 2025

Build valuable connections: Network with regional sales and product support representatives to gain insights and find solutions tailored to your needs. More...

AEA East Regional

Orlando, Florida

November 6-7, 2025

Stay compliant effortlessly: Satisfy crucial training requirements and receive the latest updates on regulations impacting your business, ensuring you're always ahead of the curve. More...

AEA Europe Regional

Cologne, Germany

November 13-14, 2025

Discover innovative solutions: Explore the exhibit hall showcasing the newest products and services that can streamline your operations and give you a competitive edge. More...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

September 8-12, 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. Learn More...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (sold-out)

September 15-17, 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. Learn More...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (12 seats remain)

September 16, 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...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (3 seats available)

September 18-19, 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...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (15 seats remain)

October 15-16, 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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (12 seats available)

October 27-29, 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...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (15 seats remain)

October 30, 2025

Virtual-live course

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers and maintainers of ADS-B systems. A small percentage of 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...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (15 seats remain)

December 2, 2025

Virtual-live course

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. Register Now...

Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) Prep Course (15 seats remain)

December 4, 2025

Virtual-live course

The Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) Prep Course is designed for aspiring and current aviation technicians seeking to earn their CAET certification. This course focuses on the fundamental knowledge required for entry-level avionics technician roles. Register Now...

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 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.

Did You Know?

ECRYPT offers AEA members more than 10 years of credit card processing experience, providing its customers with competitive rates, unparalleled customer service and the highest quality technology. More...

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.