A few online seats remain open for the ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting course on Thursday, June 27. The 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...

The Aircraft Electronics Association's Educational Foundation recently announced the names of the 26 individuals who were awarded scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. The AEA Educational Foundation annually awards scholarships to students pursuing a career in avionics or aircraft maintenance, as well as students from AEA member companies.

The Foundation was created in 1990 to enhance, promote and secure the future of aviation maintenance by furthering the education of students, technicians, members of the AEA and others as determined by aviation industry needs. Since its inception, the AEA has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships. Individuals interested in one or more of these scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year may download an application after Oct. 1, 2024. More...

Here are the results of the poll question from the June 12 edition of AEA Wired:

45.1% – Yes

54.9% – No

Maintenance isn’t done until the paperwork is completed. This “Shop Talk” investigates the recordkeeping requirements for maintenance, repair stations, and best practices to include the differences between required records for work performed for Part 135 operators versus Part 91 operators; the records that must be maintained on parts; and the best way to design and document inspections so that they meet regulatory requirements without impairing the business.

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...

On June 24, Garmin announced that Patrick Desbois and Brad Trenkle have been appointed to the newly created role of co-chief operating officer, effective July 1, 2024. According to the company, Desbois will provide executive oversight for Garmin’s aviation and auto OEM segments, global supply chain and operations, information technology and human resources. Trenkle will provide executive oversight for Garmin’s consumer business segments, engineering innovation and support, as well as global consumer sales, marketing and creative.

Garmin also noted that both individuals will report to Cliff Pemble, Garmin Ltd.’s president and CEO, who will focus on Garmin’s long-term growth strategies, business and organizational development, and the finance and legal functions of the company. More...

Bruce Grammon’s path to an aviation career was serendipitous. After originally being drawn to a career in law enforcement, a chance drive near the Wichita Technical Institute campus one day got him considering other options. “I thought doing electronics would be interesting, so I actually went across the street and applied and got into the tech school,” he said. “I just kind of fell into aviation, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

In March at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show, Grammon was named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious AEA Member of the Year Award, an honor determined by a vote of AEA members. Grammon noted that the emphasis on customer service is regrettably lost at some companies today, “when you call places and the customer service is just not there,” he said. “But still my belief is, whatever it takes, you’re there for the customer. We’ve always done whatever it takes for the customer." More...

Each year, the general aviation industry gathers to find out what’s new and ground-breaking in the world of avionics during the New Product Introductions at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show. Held on March 19 in Dallas, Texas, on the opening day of the 2024 AEA Convention, this year’s NPI session put the best and brightest avionics technology innovations on display during presentations by 25 manufacturers and industry service providers.

Many new avionics products and services were showcased during the well-attended session – from wireless connectivity solutions to weather radar, radios to digital audio systems, fleet management tools to GPS “spoof-proofing” technology. Other avionics products and services announced, in no particular order, were in-flight entertainment, cabin management, flight display systems, smart monitors, batteries, integrated signal processors, flight line test solutions, and much more. More...

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:

When John Winter, the former leader of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics, purchased the company from Joe Farney in 1980, the organization embraced a commitment to engineering, quality and customer service that continues to this day. To gain more valuable one-on-one time with customers, John and his son, Todd Winter, began traveling more and exhibiting at events like the AEA Convention, which quickly took the company from being a local service provider to a national one.

With the 1991 addition of a Southern California facility, and a new direction provided by Todd Winter, the company expanded its service capabilities, innovative product lines and international reach. In 2010, Mid-Continent added its True Blue Power division, the first company in the world to develop and TSO-certify a safe, reliable, lithium-ion main ship aerospace battery – now an industry standard.

Today, Mid-Continent is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of quality aircraft instruments and avionics, electrical power systems and lithium-ion batteries. Employing 214 employees in two locations – Wichita, Kansas, and Chatsworth, California – it has the skilled expertise to overhaul, repair and manufacture thousands of different products, and both locations are FAA/EASA-authorized repair stations. More...

At the mile-high Bert Mooney Airport in southwestern Montana, Butte Aviation is fast becoming a destination for aircraft maintenance and avionics. In addition to local owner-operators of single-engine pistons and light twins, the facility serves customers who fly in from Helena, Bozeman, Great Falls, Billings, Kalispell and other cities in Big Sky Country.

Responding to the customer demand, James Denny Jr., director of maintenance, added a Part 145 repair station certificate in January and a new avionics manager and Garmin dealership in April. Together, these final pieces herald exciting new opportunities and new business. More...

AEA members get access to a variety of partner programs for discounts on goods and services. Including:

If you work for an AEA member company and would like to learn more about the association's partner programs with your member login and password, click here.

ADS-B Configuration, Testing and Troubleshooting (7 seats remain)

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers 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...

Certified Repair Station Training (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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (6 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 out a niche, this class has something for everyone. Register Now...

Advanced Avionics Installation & Configuration (9 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 Service and Testing Fundamentals (6 seats remain)

This intensive three-day course is designed for experienced avionics technicians seeking comprehensive training in avionics testing, troubleshooting and service. Led by industry expert Don Dominguez of Radioman Avionics, participants will gain hands-on experience in bench testing LRUs, flight line testing, and aircraft troubleshooting across various avionics systems. From fundamental concepts to advanced techniques, this course covers a wide range of topics including navigation, communication, and transponder equipment service. Register Now...

SDR-OMNI Operations Training (15 seats remain)

This half-day course is designed to provide avionics technicians with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure the TIC SDR-OMNI all-in-one avionics test set. Several features and functions will be demonstrated with live avionics units. The instructors will provide detailed training in the areas of required FAA testing – transponders, ADS-B Out, and ELTs. In addition, test strategies and techniques will be covered that will allow avionics technicians to efficiently test and troubleshoot common avionics problems using the SDR-OMNI test set. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (12 seats remain)

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 (10 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...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (13 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...

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...

Safety Management System Coordinator (15 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...

Introduction to DO-160 Qualification (14 seats remain)

This course is designed to equip professionals with essential insights into RTCA DO-160, a cornerstone standard dictating test criteria and methodologies crucial for ensuring the operational integrity of systems and equipment within the aircraft environment. Individuals involved in system, avionic or electric design of aircraft, aircraft systems and TSO articles should attend. Whether for type certificate approvals, STC approvals or TSO authorization, this course will provide the necessary background to better understand the system and equipment environmental requirements essential to the fundamental compliance demonstration to show that a system or equipment will function as intended in the exposed environment. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (14 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 (15 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 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...

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.

Published annually, the 2024-25 edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide is available upon request.

This year marks the 22nd annual edition of the publication, 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 last. Get the Guide...

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.