VIDEO: Cockpit Apps Setting Customers Straight

Partly because of the iPad's wireless interface with panel avionics, customers are leaning more on avionics shops for help choosing the right cockpit tablet app to suit the panel gear and their own mission. It's a dilemma for the shop that wants to help but might not know where to start in pointing the customer in the right direction. Plus, shops have enough on their plate dealing with the panel interface.

In this video, Avionics News contributing editor Larry Anglisano talked with John Zimmerman at Sporty's Pilot Shop who had some good advice for anyone trying to navigate the confusing market of cockpit apps and the hardware they play on.

Take Off and Save $100

Register for AEA Convention by March 2

There are only 40 days until the 69th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show begins. It is the world’s largest gathering of aviation electronics manufacturers, distributors and maintenance organizations. The event is set for March 23-26, 2026, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.

Attendees must register by March 2 to receive the advance registration rate of $895 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration, a savings of $100 per person compared with the on-site fee. The attendee full registration package includes four days of technical training sessions, two days of exhibit hall access with lunch, and networking with manufacturers and distributors. Don't miss the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. Register Now...

Ask the Industry

What mode of transportation will you take to attend the AEA Convention in Dallas?

ALTO Aviation, a Heads Up Technologies company, announced more than 100 installations of ALTO’s cabin audio system upgrades and Cadence CMS upgrades have been completed across Gulfstream GV and G550 aircraft worldwide.

Alpine Aerotech received an STC for the installation of its Utility Basket Kit on the Bell 407 helicopter.


Southeast Aerospace launched recent significant updates to its website, featuring expanded avionics and special-missions content, refreshed product and STC pages, and improved site navigation to better support industry partners.

Duncan Aviation customers operating Pratt & Whitney Canada PW300 and PW500 engines now have a dedicated in-house expert, as the company appointed Dillard Knight as its new engine technical representative. Duncan Aviation also expanded its completions and modifications service sales team with the addition of Mason Minchow. The company also elevated its Honeywell HTF7000 series engine program to prioritize getting customers back in the air faster. 

Pilot John International announced its 2026 trade show schedule and will participate at the AEA Convention; MRO Americas; NBAA Maintenance Conference; Air Carriers Purchasing Conference; and NBAA-BACE.

Yingling Aviation announced the successful completion of its first 192-month inspection on a Gulfstream G550, marking a significant milestone and the largest project completed by the company to date. Yingling Aviation also announced the successful installation of its first High-Definition Venue Cabin Management System by Collins Aerospace on a Gulfstream 550.

Elliott Aviation is marking its 90th anniversary with an incentive for customers upgrading to select Garmin full cockpit retrofit programs. For every qualifying Garmin cockpit installation completed in 2026, Elliott Aviation will include the customer’s first year of Garmin databases at no cost, along with a Garmin MARQ Aviation smartwatch.

Garmin announced new tools and enhancements for Garmin Pilot Web to allow pilots to compare, sort, and select a route to fly to their destination. A new graphical editing feature allows users to drag and drop their route where they want on the map. Garmin also announced the availability of the GHA 15 height advisor. Garmin also has acquired a hangar and office complex at the Mesa Gateway airport in Mesa, Arizona.

Metro Aviation announced that Milton Geltz, managing director, was awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, one of the highest honors presented by the FAA to recognize lifetime achievement in aircraft maintenance and over 50 years of service.

Cirrus introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 Vision Jet. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era of smart and safe personal aviation.

Banyan Air Service announced the continued expansion of its MRO footprint in Florida with its satellite facility at Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine. In addition to supporting HondaJet and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, the SGJ facility is now open for King Air 90 and 200 maintenance and service.

Dynon announced that its autopilot – already available for Mooney M20J/K models equipped with SkyView HDX – is now approved for Mooney M20C, M20D, M20E, and M20F aircraft.

Cutter Aviation appointed Nicholas A. Charles as chief pilot.

ACI Jet announced the completion and activation of a 900-panel solar array at its San Luis Obispo location.

SMS Webinar Set for March 10

Integration of SMS Into Repair Station Operations

The AEA and ARSA have partnered to present an informational webinar on the effective integration of a safety management system within the operations of a repair station regulated under 14 CFR Part 145.

This hour-long virtual session is designed to help U.S.-based repair stations that are implementing an SMS program in compliance with 14 CFR Part 5 as required by the US-EASA special conditions of the Maintenance Annex Guidance with the effective and efficient integrations of SMS into the daily operations of the repair station. The next session will take place March 10, from 1-2 p.m. Eastern time. Register Now...

Soaring Ambition

Universal aims to connect 10,000 legacy cockpits

Modern integrated cockpits already include built-in connectivity, but approximately 10,000 aircraft equipped with legacy federated cockpits and a Universal FMS can now be connected for $11,000 or less.

No major hardware replacement is required for most recent models while only a software upgrade is needed to enable Wi-Fi capability in the Universal Data Transfer Unit. In some aircraft, the work can be completed for as little as $6,000. Repair shop schedulers who suggest this improvement to customers may open the door for broader avionics upgrade opportunities. More...

Bohm's Aviation: Wheels to Wing

For decades, Naomi Bohm has worked on her own car, from handling tuneups and oil changes to repairing the brakes and more. Even now, she spends most weekends in the garage working alongside her husband repairing and restoring BMWs, Audis, Porsches and Mini Coopers. What began as a necessity has turned into a lifelong endeavor.

While Bohm had hoped to open an auto repair shop, she faced bias and barriers in the male-dominated field. Instead, the aviation community welcomed her expertise and talents, turning the auto world’s loss into aviation’s gain. More...

VIDEO: uAvionix Product Line Revisited

It was the skyBeacon/tailBeacon budget-based ADS-B products that put ‪uAvionix on the GA avionics map, which already dominated the UAV avionics market. Then came the AV-30/AV-20 series electronic flight displays.

The company has been building its installer/shop network since the AV-30 recently got a major upgrade that makes it a player for IFR GPS navigator interfacing, plus autopilot capability. As a follow-up to the cover story in the November 2025 edition of Avionics News, in this video, contributing editor Larry Anglisano joined up with Shane Woodson at uAvionix for a look at the latest interface, plus a new portable ADS-B Out/In device designed for low-altitude ops in aircraft that can't be easily equipped with ADS-B Out panel gear.

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 sample of the opportunities currently listed:

• Avionics Manager at Banyan Air Service, More...
• Inspector at GigaFlight Connectivity, More...
• Avionics Service Technician at Trimec Aviation, More...
• Avionics Installation Technician at Sky X Aircraft Services, More...
• Aircraft Avionics Systems Installer at Southeast Aerospace, More...

VERTICON

Atlanta, Georgia

March 9-12, 2026

Join 15,000 attendees from more than 85 countries along with 600-plus exhibitors at the world's largest vertical aviation trade show. More...

Aeronautical Repair Station Association Annual Conference

Arlington, Virginia

March 17-20, 2026

Experience the international aerospace maintenance community’s premier event. Join ARSA members and invited guests from around the world to engage governments, network with peers and improve the state of the aviation world. More...

AEA International Convention & Trade Show

Dallas, Texas

March 23-26, 2026

Register by Dec. 31, 2025, to receive the early-bird discount price of $750 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration. The early-bird promotion offers a $245 per person savings off the on-site registration fee. More...

Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo

Lakeland, Florida

April 14-19, 2026

From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts, this event has grown into one of the largest aviation events of the year and is Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind. More...

Business Aviation Safety Summit

Provo, Utah

May 5-6, 2026

Organized by Flight Safety Foundation in partnership with the NBAA and NATA, this event brings together industry leaders, safety experts, and key decision-makers to advance safety practices in business aviation. More...

NBAA Maintenance Conference

New Orleans, Louisiana

May 5-7, 2026

Whether you’re an aircraft technician or a director of maintenance, you’ll find the resources and tools to elevate your expertise and advance your career. More...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (sold-out)

February 18-20, 2026

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. Learn More...

Advanced Avionics Installation & Configuration (sold-out)

February 23-25, 2026

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 touch screen, and a Garmin GTX 345 transponder. This course is designed for technicians who have experience with avionics installation practices and are looking for more training integrating common general aviation installations. Learn More...

AVX-10K Operations Training (6 seats remain)

February 25, 2026

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 AVX-10K 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. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (10 seats remain)

February 26-27, 2026

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. Register Now...

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

April 2, 2026

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...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (13 seats remain)

April 8-9, 2026

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...

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

April 14, 2026

Virtual-live course

This official preparation course for the AEA Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) exam is ideal for entry-level technicians or new employees at a Part 145 repair station seeking to learn the fundamentals of avionics. The curriculum is designed to align directly with the certification test, providing an effective path to success. Students will gain the foundational knowledge required for entry-level avionics roles—including core electrical concepts, wiring procedures, digital avionics, and key systems—to ensure they walk into the exam and shop with confidence. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory & Analysis (15 seats remain)

April 15, 2026

Virtual-live course

As today’s modern airplanes become much more technologically advanced, so must the professionals that 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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (2 seats remain)

April 20-22, 2026

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 (14 seats remain)

April 23-24, 2026

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...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

May 11-15, 2026

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...

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.

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.