February 1 is Deadline to Apply for Monte Mitchell Scholarship to Attend AEA Convention

Attention AEA members: This scholarship honors Monte Mitchell’s service of more than 40 years to the Aircraft Electronics Association and the general aviation industry. It will be awarded to an AEA member employee and will cover a full registration to attend the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Dallas, March 23-26, along with travel and hotel expenses.

The award recognizes an AEA member employee for their exemplary job performance and pursuit of professional development. This is an annual award given prior to the AEA Convention. Apply Now...

AEA and Joint Aviation Community Respond to FCC's Upper C-band NPRM

On Jan. 20, the AEA and 22 other aviation stakeholder groups that comprise the Joint Aviation Community submitted comments that "acknowledges the critical importance of efficient spectrum usage to support evolving communication technologies while maintaining the highest levels of aviation safety and operational integrity. In response to the Federal Communications Commission’s notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the reallocation of spectrum adjacent to the radio altimeter band, the Joint Aviation Community is committed to providing constructive input to ensure a balanced and informed decision-making process." More...

VIDEO: Dynon HDX Certified

The Dynon product line has evolved steadily since the early EFIS, with the flagship big-screen SkyView HDX the current integrated suite. The company has expanded its field installation force and FAA approvals for its certified version of SkyView HDX (SkyView HDX Certified). It also purchased Trig Avionics, a company that has been silently providing components for the Dynon suite over the years. In this video, Avionics News contributor Larry Anglisano talked with Dynon's Michael Schofield to see how it's going.

DOT, FAA Announce New Structure to Improve Safety

On Jan. 26, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford announced their plan to implement an overhaul of the FAA’s organizational structure. 

The reorganization, which the agency says is the largest in its history, creates a new safety oversight office. This office, which was supported by Congress in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization, will implement a single safety management system and risk management strategy for the entire FAA. More...

Ask the Industry Poll Results

Here are the results of the poll question from the Jan. 14 edition of AEA Wired:

Do you utilize artificial intelligence to support your business operations?

34% – Yes, but infrequently; maybe only once or twice a month.

34% – Never

31% – Yes, on a regular and consistent basis.

Duncan Aviation was named No. 160 on the 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Companies list. It also promoted Hannah Bodenstab to assistant manager of parts and rotables sales. Marko Camargo was named manager of the satellite in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Blackhawk Group received FAA STC approval for the integration of Hartzell Propeller’s 5-blade composite propeller with Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on the King Air 350. Also, Blackhawk and Seair Seaplanes announced the near completion of Seair’s first Cessna Caravan upgraded with the Blackhawk XP140 Engine+ Upgrade and Yukon four-blade propeller. 

Elliott Aviation begins its 90th year in business by introducing the Founder’s Award, the highest individual honor bestowed within the organization. Paul Schmidt is the inaugural recipient.

SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.’s TrooTrax Mission flight following and aircraft tracking system was selected by by Nolinor Aviation for use in its operational control center to support compliance with GADSS recommendations established by the ICAO.

Omni Aircraft Maintenance acquired a new 40,000-square-foot hangar facility at KTUL to support increasing demand from individual aircraft operators and fleet customers. 

Yingling Aviation announced the completion of its first ALTO Cabin Audio System installation on a Gulfstream G550 aircraft, marking a new milestone in the company’s expanding portfolio of premium cabin technology upgrades.

Rotorcraft Support Inc. celebrated its 40th anniversary on Jan. 24, marking four decades of supporting helicopter operators and keeping critical missions flying across the United States and internationally.

West Star Aviation announced an upcoming video series that will provide a glimpse into its aircraft paint and interior services.

Rotorlink received its ISO 9001:2015 and AS9120:2016 certifications.

C&L Aviation Group is expanding its team in Bangor, Maine, and is hosting a careers event, Feb. 5. It is hiring A&Ps, experienced aircraft mechanics, and mechanics

wanting to join the aviation industry. Those with experience in aviation and hydraulics are encouraged to apply.

QAI Aviation received approval for its STC from the FAA for its Single-Pilot IFR cockpit upgrade on the Airbus EC135 helicopter.

Astronics Corp. announced the release of its latest diagnostics tool: FaultFinder Electronic Troubleshooting System.

Avmax announced the completion of its acquisition of Condor Aircraft Accessories.

Acron Aviation Academy marked another milestone in its 40-year history by announcing the return of two of its most popular pilot programs, the Accelerated Airline Pilot Track and the Professional Pilot Program – plus the launch of a new merit-based EXCEL Scholarship Program.

SMS Webinar Set for February 10

Integration of SMS Into Repair Station Operations

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

These hour-long virtual sessions are 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 – SMS Integration Overview – will take place Feb. 10, from 1-2 p.m. Eastern time. Register Now...

Take Off and Save $100

Register for AEA Convention by March 2

Advance registration is open for the 69th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, 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. It is the premier venue for the introduction of new avionics products and services entering the market in 2026.

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...

FAA Approves uAvionix Tower Surveillance System

In mid-October 2025, uAvionix Corporation’s FlightLine Airborne Position Reference Tool received system design approval from the FAA. FlightLine APRT is a situational awareness tool designed specifically for use in the 91 contract airport traffic control towers that lack surveillance technology. APRT provides real-time aircraft position information derived from ADS-B data and presents it on a comprehensive web-based display for contract tower controllers.

The system will significantly enhance operational airport safety and efficiency by providing controllers with a real-time visual aid to display aircraft positions tailored to the local airspace. Situational awareness will help controllers improve their overall service to aircraft, identify aircraft not in communication with the tower, quickly validate potential transponder issues, and enhance their ability to assist aircraft in distress while also providing traffic and terrain information. More...

Banyan Air Service Joins the Connectivity Big Leagues

Outfitting the largest business jets with low-Earth-orbit satellite connections is driving a surge of business at Banyan’s avionics hangar at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport while traditional cockpit retrofits are taking a back seat. Installing exterior antennas and related systems costs between $300,000 and $400,000, depending on the airframe. Today, connectivity accounts for 80% of Banyan’s avionics business, with more than half of those installations on large business jets. Banyan is currently outfitting numerous large Gulfstream and Bombardier Global Express jets with LEO systems. More...

Are You Up to the Test?

Take the Avionics News Technical Training Exam

The annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now open for avionics technicians and AEA members. Covering regulatory and technical topics from the 2025 issues of Avionics News, this exam is a smart way to get ahead in your FAA-accepted training.

Technicians who pass earn credit toward repair station training requirements, IA renewal, AMT awards, and the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award. AEA members can take the exam through the AERO platform, which offers real-time grading, instant certificates, and a full record of participation. Missed any of the 12 issues from the past year? No worries – they are all available in the digital archives for easy access. Take the exam...

VIDEO: How Blackhawk Retrofits Garmin Autoland in King Airs

It was Blackhawk Aerospace's avionics shop in Missouri that installed the first aftermarket Garmin Emergency Autoland with Autothrottles in a Beech King Air 200—which also happened to be the first real-world Autoland deployment that happened in Colorado this past December after the aircraft suffered a pressurization problem at altitude. In this video, Avionics News contributing editor Larry Anglisano sat down with Blackhawk's Conrad Theisen on what goes into this major retrofit.

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 Service Technician at Trimec Aviation, More...
• Maintenance Technician at Trimec Aviation, More...
• Avionics Installation Technician at Sky X Aircraft Services, More...
• Warehouse Technician I at GigaFlight Connectivity, 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...

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 (12 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 (12 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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (14 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 (15 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 (5 seats remain)

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. 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.

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.