Whether you are a seasoned anti-drug and alcohol program manager, or you have been asked to take on the role, you won't want to miss this webinar produced by NATA Compliance Services. The webinar takes place Wednesday, July 5, at 1 p.m. EDT.

This one-hour session discusses checking your random status report, using the right testing forms and what is considered an accident under FAA guidelines.

Managing your anti-drug and alcohol misuse prevention program can be a challenge. One accidental oversight or mistake could place your operation in noncompliance. This free webinar has been designed to provide you with the tools needed to launch and oversee your program with confidence. Register...

Garmin’s PlaneSync system connects pilots to their aircraft from remote locations, including on the beach getting a suntan. It can also provide automatic database updates on avionics. Now a pilot can check a mobile phone or laptop to make sure the fixed-base operator has serviced the aircraft as requested before folding up the beach chair and heading for the airport. This takes some of the guesswork out of preparing to launch for a new destination. Pilots, of course, are still required to perform preflight checks when they get to the aircraft. The pilot can use the Garmin Pilot smartphone app or the D2 Mach 1 smartwatch to check the status of the aircraft and its systems remotely.

Garmin introduced PlaneSync at the Aircraft Electronics Association’s International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, in April. The PlaneSync system is expected to be available for retrofit in the third quarter of this year with the list price starting at $3,995 at authorized Garmin dealers. More...

The Aircraft Electronics Association's Educational Foundation announced the names of the individuals who were awarded scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year. New scholarships awarded this year include the Kevin Miesbach Memorial Scholarship and the Susan T. Friedle Scholarship. Formerly known as the Duncan Aviation Scholarship, the company renamed the scholarship in honor of Miesbach, a longtime employee at Duncan Aviation who received the AEA Member of the Year Award in 2020 and served the aviation industry for 40 years.

Also awarded for the first time is the Susan T. Friedle Scholarship, which is named in honor of the co-founder of CE Avionics. Friedle formed lifelong relationships with customers and vendors and enjoyed being a pilot, earning IFR and multiengine ratings. Friedle's flying experience and avionics knowledge allowed her to fully debrief pilots and troubleshoot discrepancies while running the business side of the operation. More...

The Aircraft Electronics Association will host a members-only webinar on Thursday, July 13, beginning at 2 p.m. EDT. Join us for 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. Discussion will include the most commonly identified installation issues.

Presenters from the FAA include: Alex Rodriguez, Technical Advisor – Surveillance; Brent Elliott, Aviation Safety Inspector; and Michael Akers, Aircraft Maintenance Division. AEA members can find a link to register for this free webinar on the AEA website with their member login and password. Register...

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...

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics and its True Blue Power division continue to introduce trusted products for the general aviation market with the Flex 2-inch digital standbys, as well as two new lithium-ion main ship batteries designed for Part 23 aircraft. 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. Additionally, True Blue Power unveiled the certified TB14 (13 amp-hour) for 28-volt aircraft and TB28-12V (26 amp-hour) for 14-volt aircraft. Learn more about these new products from Matt Harrah, senior vice president of technology and products, in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Genesys Aerosystems. Listen...

At AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota, a machinist meticulously eyes pieces of newly formed aluminum, checking that the edges are smooth and match up perfectly. Together, the pieces form an antenna bracket destined for a business jet. Elsewhere, a technician laser scans the gutted fuselage of an Embraer ERJ 170 regional airliner to create a 3D CAD model. AirCorps Aviation is reverse engineering the structure so that engineers can design modifications to accept electronics and equipment that support in-flight cabin entertainment systems.

Over in AirCorps Aviation’s restoration shop, airframe and powerplant mechanics and technicians put the finishing touches on a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a heavy World War II-era fighter with a powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial engine. The aircraft, which received Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness approval in June, will be shown at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. More...

First introduced in April 2022, the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast rebate program has been extended until 5 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time on 31 May 2024 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. The Australian government has announced a total of $30 million over three years for the program from 2021-22 to 2022-24. In May 2023, the program was extended for a third year until 31 May 2024.

The grant amount will be up to 50% of eligible project expenditure (grant percentage). The maximum grant amount is $5,000 per eligible aircraft. Only one grant per aircraft and per device is permitted. The owner can apply for multiple grants if they own more than one eligible aircraft. A grant may be made for each eligible aircraft for an ADS-B or an ADS-B EC, but not both. The owner/operator is responsible for funding the remaining eligible and ineligible project costs. More...

A new final rule has been published by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the Federal Register that will soon give DOT-regulated employers the option to select oral fluid drug testing. The DOT stated this change was made to “give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program.”

According to the DOT, “DOT oral fluid testing cannot be implemented until the Department of Health and Human Services certifies at least two laboratories (one to serve as a primary laboratory, and a second to serve as a split specimen laboratory).” This final rule went into effect June 1, 2023. To read the final rule, click here...

On June 29, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it is asking for public comments on the environmental assessment to replace 31 outdated airport traffic control towers at smaller airports across the country. The FAA has set aside more than $500 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support site evaluation, preparation, and early construction activities.

These would replace towers functioning beyond their intended design life. They will incorporate key sustainability elements such as all-electric building systems, materials and products free from chemicals known to pose health risks, a thermally efficient façade, high-recycled steel and metal products, renewable mass timber when usable, and ground-source heating and cooling in some environments. The towers, designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism of New York, will range in height from 60 to 119 feet. Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2023-1368 to the Federal Regulations portal. The FAA is accepting written comments until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 31, 2023. More...

The U.S. government isn’t good at tracking interference with GPS signals, and an expert advisory committee on precision, navigation and timing to the government believes GPS is falling behind similar systems in China and Europe. In addition, many instances of serious GPS interference have been reported, particularly to aircraft. There are well-established techniques such as multi-element antennas that would virtually eliminate the threat of such interference, but the U.S. government does not allow manufacturers to produce and sell them. Sadly, foreign (for example, Turkish) companies are advertising and selling such “jam-proof” GPS sets, but U.S. airlines and general aviation aircraft are prohibited from installing or using them.

If these shortcomings are not corrected, it could affect not only aviation users in the future but what is now one of the keystones of the entire U.S. economy. For example, most of the U.S. financial sector relies on timing from GPS to make financial transactions run on time. More...

The Australian government's Civil Aviation Safety Authority will work with the aviation industry and the Australian Communications and Media Authority on the introduction of expanded 5G services in Australia. CASA has worked closely with ACMA to ensure that the rollout of wireless broadband services, including 5G, in the 3.7 – 4.0 GHz band (mid-band) can be done in a way that ensures the safety of aircraft and acknowledges the importance of Australian aviation.

This includes measures mitigating against potential interference by 5G to radio altimeters (radalts) used in aircraft to determine height above terrain. Information from radalts is displayed to pilots and used by other safety systems. More...

To help owners of general aviation aircraft modernize their flight decks, the Aircraft Electronics Association will randomly award five aircraft owners with $1,000 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. 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.

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...

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...

As an AEA member, every employee in your company may access the members-only section of the AEA website, which includes ASTM standards, online training, warranty forms, equipment exchange program (EEDirect), technical publications, in-depth regulatory information, STC resources and much more. The AEA gives everyone in your company full access to online member services and benefits.

If you work for an AEA member company and would like to become an AEA insider and register for a members-only web account, click here.

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (Course sold-out)

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 (8 seats remain)

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 (8 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...

Certified Repair Station Training (Course sold-out)

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...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (11 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 (12 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 (13 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 (9 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 (10 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...

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...

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 45th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey is taking place, reporting on calendar year 2022. The deadline for completing surveys is July 14. The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft.

Data from this survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:

The FAA and industry need accurate data on a broad range of aircraft. Participation is voluntary, and everyone who is contacted is encouraged to respond to the survey so that all aviation activity is represented. If you have questions, contact Tetra Tech at 800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.

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.