Published annually by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the 2023-24 edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide will be unveiled with free distribution at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, July 24-30. AEA staff members will distribute thousands of complimentary copies to pilots and aircraft owners at the AEA’s AirVenture booth, No. 2035/2036 in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport.

This year marks the 21st 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. Individuals residing in the United States may request a free copy at aeapilotsguide.net/request.asp while supplies last. More...

Thales recently announced that it has entered into exclusive negotiation to acquire Cobham Aerospace Communications for $1.1 billion.

“With the acquisition of Cobham Aerospace Communications and its highly skilled team of aerospace communications experts, and combined with our own critical avionics experts, Thales will establish a game changer in the very attractive and fast-growing communications and connectivity market to the benefit of a more sustainable aerospace future," said Yannick Assouad, Thales executive vice president of avionics. "By guaranteeing a cyber-secured, live connection between the cockpit and air traffic control, aircraft will be able to fly optimized trajectories in real time, significantly reducing fuel consumption and, consequently, CO2 emissions in the next two to three years.”

Cobham Aerospace Communications has 690 employees and 190 engineers. It operates across an investment footprint that includes France, South Africa, Canada, Denmark and the United States. The company is expected to generate $200 million in revenue in 2023. More...

Here are the results of the poll question from the July 5 edition of AEA Wired:

29.4% – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (September 28-29)

19.3% – Queenstown, New Zealand (November 9-10)

16.0% – Daytona Beach, Florida (September 14-15)

15.1% – Reno, Nevada (October 26-27)

11.8% – Calgary, Alberta (August 24-25)

8.4% – Prague, Czech Republic (October 5-6)

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking to develop the next generation of aviation professionals through two grants aimed at creating a more diverse pool of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants fund programs that prepare people to be aviation maintenance technicians. In addition, the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants fund programs that educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. Representatives of eligible organizations can submit applications at www.grants.gov through Aug. 16, 2023.

Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $500,000 for each grant per fiscal year. Last year, the FAA awarded $10 million in grants to more than 20 schools and organizations.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant provides detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, evaluation criteria and application procedures. To ensure fair and open competition for the grants, answers to frequently asked questions will be posted on the FAA website at www.faa.gov/go/awd. Potential applicants should visit the site to review answers to frequently asked questions, eligibility requirements and guidelines that may assist them in completing their grant application. More...

Attendee and exhibitor registration is open for the AEA Canada Regional in Calgary, Alberta, Aug. 24-25, at the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel. Join aviation’s technology experts for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers.

This two-day event is where technicians and business owners 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. Register...

Need help "finding something" in Avionics News about a certain topic, product, individual or company? Yes, there is an archives system in place to help readers find what they seek. The first step in your research is to open a digital edition at avionicsnews.net – it can be the current issue or any prior edition. In the flip-page format you just opened, simply click on the menu (three stacked lines) in the upper left of the desktop screen to access more functionality and features. This will take you to a menu that literally asks, “What would you like to do?” At this point, click on the magnifying glass next to the “Search” feature and enter your keywords. This is where you must apply those Google search skills that you have honed over several years.

Enter your keywords and then choose the appropriate dropdown to search any of these words; all of these words; or the exact phrase. Finally, choose the desired option you want to search, which will either be this issue only or the entire historical archives. Not only will your archives search results appear extremely similar to a traditional Google search that crawls the entire World Wide Web, but it is conducted in a target-rich environment only applicable to Avionics News. Thus, you are eliminating all the outside noise, literally making the Avionics News digital archives your go-to resource to find the content you need, when you need it. More...

Fans of the movie “Field of Dreams” are undoubtedly familiar with the iconic line, “If you build it, they will come.” Well, the folks at Southeast Aerospace have changed it a bit to read, “If you build it, test it, repair it, modify it, sell it, STC it, kit it, or do whatever it takes to make it right, they will come.”

Founded in 1993 by the Braddock family, Melbourne, Florida-based Southeast Aerospace has grown from a small avionics shop to an established aerospace solutions company that supports the changing needs of its long list of general aviation, business aviation and government customers. More...

When Texas-based Arcus Aero received its Part 145 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration in February, the moment marked a milestone nearly two years in the making. Of course, it wasn’t just any two years. Despite a pandemic and lingering supply chain issues, Sarah Aciego and Darrin Adkins, along with their silent partner Michael Banigan, have created a growing business focused on aircraft maintenance, repairs, avionics, inspections and restorations.

Based at Bridgeport Municipal Airport, Arcus Aero sprang from a conversation between Aciego and Adkins, both flight instructors at the time. While they didn’t set out to create a repair station, they quickly realized the necessity. It only took Aciego and Adkins two months to realize they needed to be able to perform avionics installations, testing and certifications in-house instead of outsourcing the work. More...

The various branches of the U.S. military have a long history of purchasing commercially derived aircraft and modifying them to meet specific missions. Everything from Piper Cubs to business jets to 747s has served the country well at home and abroad. Although it’s no surprise the massive cost of designing and building these airplanes tax the military’s seemingly bottomless budget, the dependence on modifying commercial airplanes for specific needs is stronger today than ever.

A timely example is the U.S. Special Operations Command’s recent award to L3Harris Technologies with a contract to modify a fleet of Air Tractor AT-802U aircraft to meet the needs of its ongoing Armed Overwatch program. In short, USSOCOM’s Armed Overwatch program provides specially modified aircraft to deliver close air support, precision strike, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) capabilities in extreme combat environments. Like so many other commercial-to-military conversions, USSOCOM turned to a proven partner – in this case, L3Harris – to deliver an affordable and easy turnkey solution. More...

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and its True Blue Power division continue to introduce trusted products for the general aviation market with the release of the company’s Flex 2-inch digital standbys, as well as two new lithium-ion main ship batteries specifically designed for smaller Part 23 aircraft.

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics’ Flex Digital Standby Package is a digital instrument suite of three essential gauges: the Flex Digital Airspeed Indicator, Flex Digital Attitude Indicator, and Flex Digital Counter Drum Encoding Altimeter. All three instruments are supported by an approved model list supplemental type certificate covering more than 180 aircraft models, including the Beechcraft Baron, King Air, and Cessna Citation Mustang. First announced at the 2023 AEA International Convention & Trade Show in April, the digital 3-Pack will help modernize general aviation cockpits by replacing older mechanical 2-inch instruments.

Also announced at the AEA Convention, True Blue Power introduced two new lithium-ion main ship batteries – the certified TB14 (13 amp-hour) for 28-volt aircraft and TB28-12V (26 amp-hour) for 14-volt aircraft. Each weighing just 10 pounds, they are the company’s smallest and lightest main ship batteries – even small enough that both batteries can fit in a shoe box together – and designed specifically for smaller fixed-wing Part 23 aircraft. More...

To help owners of general aviation aircraft modernize their flight decks, the AEA will randomly award five aircraft owners with $1,000 to be applied toward an avionics upgrade during the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh, July 24-30, in Wisconsin. Aircraft owners may enter to win one of the five $1,000 awards in Hangar B at Wittman Regional Airport, booth No. 2035/2036, beginning July 24. The AEA will announce one winner each day from July 24 through July 28 via its social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Aircraft owners must be at least 18 years old to register to win. Each of the five winners must use an AEA member company to complete the installation. There is no cost to enter, and each entry gives aircraft owners a chance to win one of the five daily drawings. For official rules and contest entry forms, visit the AEA’s booth at AirVenture. More...

Attendee and exhibitor registration is now available for six AEA Regionals, including three outside the United States, as aviation’s technology experts will gather for technical training from leading avionics, instrument and test equipment manufacturers. These two-day events are where technicians and business owners 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.

The AEA Regionals return in 2023 on dates and locations preferred by the membership with a refreshed schedule and training format. Registration is now available online along with hotel information and reservation links. More...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (10 seats remain)

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. Designed for technicians who have experience with avionics installation practices and are looking for more training integrating common general aviation installations. Register Now...

Avionics Testing Fundamentals (10 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice, familiar with basic soldering skills and are looking for experience in LRU bench testing and avionics trouble shooting. Bench testing Nav, VHF Com and transponders will be the focus of study. Technicians will fabricate a general-purpose test panel that they will use in the course. Attendees will keep their fabricated test panel at course completion. Register Now...

Transponder Service Training (11 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in transponder LRU bench testing, transponder flight line testing and aircraft troubleshooting. ADS-B transponders systems will be the focus of study. Attendees will keep their fabricated wire harness at course completion. Register Now...

Nav/Comm Equipment Service Training (5 seats remain)

This course is designed for technicians who have experience with basic avionics installation practice and are looking for experience in avionics flight line testing, LRU bench testing and aircraft troubleshooting. VOR, localizer, glideslope, marker beacon and VHF comms will be the focus of study. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (7 seats remain)

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

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (15 seats remain)

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

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (9 seats remain)

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers of ADS-B systems. Approximately 7% 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...

Inflight Connectivity Foundations (15 seats remain)

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 support inflight connectivity system installations and maintenance. This eight-hour training enables aircraft technicians and operators to gain understanding on the basic airborne networks, IFC systems, and the services they provide. Register Now...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (11 seats remain)

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)

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...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (15 seats remain)

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...

Aircraft Instrument Systems (14 seats remain)

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...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (15 seats remain)

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. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (15 seats remain)

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...

On July 13, the AEA hosted a members-only webinar that offered an overview from the FAA of ongoing work pertaining to ADS-B In and Out, including an update on regulatory work for allowing certification and use of ADS-B version 3 avionics.

As a follow up to this update from the agency, AEA members can now replay the webinar in its entirety and download the PowerPoint presentation on the AEA website with their member login and password. More...

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...

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the job listings page on the AEA website is your one-stop resource. The AEA jobs board provides informational links on how to get AET certified, an avionics technician job summary and wage review, along with scholarship opportunities within the industry. Search the AEA's job listings and see what's on your horizon. Free resume posting is available. Are you up to the challenge? More...

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.

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.