FAA Issues SAIB on AOA Alerting Systems

On Dec. 26, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin to help general aviation aircraft owners and operators understand the importance and safety benefits of angle of attack alerting systems.

The FAA recommends owners and operators of all airplanes type certificated under Part 23 and operating under Parts 121, 135, 91, or subpart K to part 91, and experimental amateur-built airplanes both certified and non-certified, do the following:

• Install and calibrate critical AOA alerting systems.
• Receive training on the use of AOA indicators and how to incorporate them in instrument scans. More...

Take the Avionics News Technical Training Exam

Are you up to the test?

The annual Avionics News Technical Training Exam is now available for avionics technicians and AEA members. By completing the exam, which covers regulatory and technical topics featured in the 2024 issues of Avionics News, technicians can get a head start on their FAA-accepted training. Individuals who pass the exam receive credit toward their repair station training program requirements, IA renewal, AMT awards, and the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award.

Access to the test takes place for AEA members through the AERO platform, which allows exams to be graded in real time, certificates to be downloaded instantly, and a record to be retained for each participant. Don’t have all 12 issues of Avionics News from the past year? No problem. They are all available in the digital archives right at your fingertips. Take the test...

Scholarship Available to Attend AEA Convention

Deadline to apply for Monte Mitchell scholarship is Feb. 1

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 Phoenix, March 18-21, 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...

Honeywell Expands Partnership with NXP

Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors N.V. today announced at CES 2025 an expanded partnership that will accelerate aviation product development and chart the path for autonomous flight. According to a joint announcement, this builds on the companies’ existing relationship, which is focused on helping optimize how building management systems sense and securely control energy consumption, announced at CES 2024.

The collaboration will combine Honeywell’s aerospace expertise, the capabilities of Honeywell Anthem avionics and NXP’s computing architecture, enabling AI-driven aerospace technology that helps improve operational efficiency for planning and managing flights. The work will also support faster transitions to new chipsets and technologies. More...

Innovative Advantage

Simplifying the IFE conundrum

The growing popularity of in-flight entertainment and cabin management systems is closely tied to the steady increases in business jet range. The longer the flight, the more the passengers want to be entertained. Of course, manufacturers were quick to offer a plethora of options, ranging from multidisc CD players to moving maps to hard drives full of movies. Then, as satellite connectivity gained in popularity, so did streaming live news, sports, and movies.

The only thing that didn’t change was the complex nature of IFE installations. All the dissimilar hardware and software required mountains of drawings and countless hours to install and integrate their operation. And woe was the avionics technician who had to troubleshoot any problems. That’s how it was until some 20 years ago when a young entrepreneur had an idea that would forever change how IFE systems were put together. More...

Ask the Industry

As an avionics professional, what is the first course you plan to take in 2025 on the AEA's AERO (Aerospace Education Resource Online) training platform?

Mike Minchow Named President at Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation’s chief executive officer, Jeff Lake, recently announced changes to the company’s senior leadership team. Effective Jan. 1, Lake, who was previously CEO and president, transferred the president title to Mike Minchow, formerly chief operating officer of the company’s Lincoln, Nebraska, MRO facility. Minchow previously served on the AEA's board of directors. Lake is retaining the CEO position. Kasey Harwick, former vice president of quality-Lincoln, was promoted to executive vice president and COO of the Lincoln facility.

Minchow is a 31-year team member with Duncan Aviation, joining the Duncan Aviation Design Center in 1993 as a designer while working on his master’s degree in architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He transitioned to team leader of design, moved to sales team leader, and then on to program manager. He was promoted to sales manager over modifications (paint, interior, avionics, and install) and assumed those responsibilities for airframe and engine in 2011. In October 2015, he was promoted to Duncan Aviation’s senior management team as vice president of sales and then vice president of modifications and engineering. Minchow was named COO-Lincoln in July 2020. More...

Combat Confusion in the Cockpit

Software that can spot GPS spoofing

David Gray’s company, Send, provides the Airtext+ low-cost Iridium connection to business and general aviation aircraft. And when GPS spoofing poked its ugly nose under the business jet tent, it got his attention.

Gray served earlier in his career as a United States Air Force instructor navigator, so when interlopers started messing with a customer’s air navigation accuracy, he immediately wanted to do something about it. The anti-GPS spoofing software has been his pet project since 2023, and he is now more than a full year into the effort. More...

FAA Offers Funding to Inspire Maintenance Technicians

The FAA recently announced it is helping to develop the next generation of aviation professionals through two grants aimed at creating a more diverse pool of aviation maintenance technicians and pilots.

The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants fund programs that prepare people to be aviation maintenance technicians. The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants fund programs that educate students to become aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft systems operators. Representatives of eligible organizations can submit applications at grants.gov through Feb. 5, 2025. Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $1 million for each grant per fiscal year. Last year the FAA awarded $13.5 million in grants to more than 30 schools and organizations. More...

Turbolyft Builds Mission-Ready

At Pitt Meadows Airport in British Columbia, Canada, and Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington, Washington, Turbolyft’s aircraft maintenance engineers customize and equip special mission rotorcraft. Whether it’s helping operators fight fires, conduct aerial surveys, inspect pipelines and powerlines, report news from the air or chase bad guys, they’re bringing the industry’s latest technology and equipment to bear on Airbus Helicopters’ AS350, AS355 and HI30 airframes.

“Recently, we finished a 144-month inspection for the Miami-Dade Police Department and rebuilt their Eurocopter AS350 B3 from the ground up. It’s equipped with fully customized avionics, an all-new upholstered interior, our horizontal stabilizer cameras and more,” said Brandon Lowe, Turbolyft’s director of sales and marketing. More...

Advance Registration for AEA Convention Now Open

Register by March 2 and save $100 per person

Advance registration is available online for the 68th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of aircraft 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 2025. The event will take place March 18-21, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center. 

Attendees must register by March 2 to receive the advance registration rate of $850 (AEA member rate) for a full convention registration, a savings of $100 per person 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 Now...

Shop Talk:

How the repair station regulations support and encourage workforce development

Many avionics repair stations have been successful in recruiting, hiring and training their own technicians. However, in light of the many challenges facing the industry, this episode discusses hiring challenges, rules governing training, recency of experience and documentation, training programs, and the “Moss interpretation” on supervision. Air Sense Avionics President Brian Yablon leads a Q&A discussion with the AEA’s Ric Peri in this edition of “Shop Talk” on AEA Amplified. Listen...

AEA Scholarship Applications Available Online

Apply by April 1, 2025

The AEA Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2025-26 school year to students pursuing a career in aviation electronics or aircraft maintenance, as well as students from AEA member companies.

Since its inception, the AEA scholarship program has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is April 1, 2025. Apply...

uAvionix and partner Capital Sciences successfully completed the design, installation, acceptance testing, and training for a second group of six airports under the FAA’s Surface Awareness Initiative.

ACR Electronics announced its ARTEX ELT 5000 Emergency Locator Transmitter with Distress Tracking has received FAA TSO C126c certification.

Cirrus announced the delivery of its 600th Vision Jet.

StandardAero was selected by US-Bangla Airlines to provide MRO services for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M turboprops powering its fleet of ATR 72-600 regional aircraft.

C&L Aerospace, a C&L Aviation Group company, announced that Jennifer Kempsey has transferred from C&L Aviation Services to serve as a regional sales manager for C&L Aerospace.

Flightstar Corp. announced the addition of Jon Young to the avionics sales and support role.

Innovative Advantage is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2025.

Duncan Aviation announced that longtime member of the company’s paint teams, Kelly Werth, will be heading the customer service department at the full-service facility in Provo, Utah.

Flight Data Systems announced a licensing partnership with L3Harris Commercial Aviation Division for the SRVIVR25 Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders.

West Star Aviation named Jon Hein as the new regional sales manager for landing gear and accessories.

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:

• Electronics Technician at Garmin, More...
• Avionics Technician at Cincinnati Avionics, More...
• Lead Avionics Tech/Shop Manager at Semiplane, More...
• Avionics Product Line Apps Engineer at VIAVI Solutions, More...
• Avionics Department Manager at Angelo Precision Aircraft, More...

Verticon

Dallas, Texas

March 10-13, 2025

This event is formerly known as HAI Heli-Expo. Be part of the world's largest vertical aviation conference and trade show at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. More...

AEA International Convention & Trade Show

Phoenix, Arizona

March 18-21, 2025

Register by March 2 to save $100 for a full convention registration. Don't miss the year's biggest week of training in the avionics industry. More...

Women in Aviation International Conference

Denver, Colorado

March 27-29, 2025

Get ready to be energized by our inspiring keynote speakers, dive into professional development seminars, explore engaging education sessions, and discover exciting exhibits in the hall. More...

Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo

Lakeland, Florida

April 1-6, 2025

From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts, this event has grown to be Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind. Each year, over 200,000 visitors flock to what has become known as “Aviation’s Season Opener” or “Spring Break for Pilots.” More...

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...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (4 seats remain)

January 9-10, 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. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

January 13-17, 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)

January 27-29, 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...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (10 seats remain)

January 30-31, 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 Installation for Experimental Aircraft (sold-out)

February 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. Learn More...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (13 seats remain)

February 6, 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...

Request Your 2024-25 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.