AEA and Modern Skies Coalition Urge United States Congress to Reopen Government

The Modern Skies Coalition, which includes the Aircraft Electronics Association and nearly 60 aviation organizations, recently called on the United States Congress to reopen the government immediately and pass the full year appropriations bill that funds the nation’s air traffic control system.

In an open letter published in The Washington Post, the coalition noted: "The job of keeping aviation safe and secure is tough every day, but forcing federal employees to do it without pay is unacceptable. Without immediate government action, the federal employees charged with the safety of our aviation system are missing paychecks again this week. We owe public servants at the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies supporting aviation, like the National Transportation Safety Board, the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection, a debt of gratitude and a swift ending to this shutdown." More...

Early-bird Registration Opens for 2026 AEA Convention

Register by Dec. 31 and save $245 per person

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 who register by Dec. 31, 2025, will receive the early-bird member rate of $750 for full convention registration, a savings of $245 per person compared with the on-site fee. A full registration package includes four days of technical training sessions, two days of exhibit hall access with lunch, and networking with manufacturers and distributors. Register Now...

Podcast: Meet Aspen Avionics Senior Vice President and General Manager Dan O'Donnell

Having served on the board of directors for Aspen Avionics since 2018, the company recently appointed Dan O’Donnell as its senior vice president and general manager. O’Donnell brings more than 25 years of industry experience in avionics, operations, technology, and safety to his new leadership role. Get to know this industry veteran and learn how O’Donnell plans to guide Aspen Avionics toward new growth opportunities in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen Now...

Ask the Industry

How frequently do you use AEA’s free member access to ASTM Compass?

Southeast Aerospace recently overhauled its Garmin GI 275 STC webpage with expanded details on ESI/IVSI replacements and installation options for legacy standby and IVSI instruments.

Garmin announced the D2 Air X15 and the D2 Mach 2, its latest aviator smartwatches with advanced aviation, health, fitness and other smartwatch features.

Duncan Aviation announced that James Carroll and Kirsten Ehrenfried have joined the company’s aircraft sales and acquisitions team. 

Astronics Corp. entered into a new $300 million senior secured, cash flow-based revolving credit facility (the “New Revolver”). Third-quarter sales increased 3.8% to $211.4 million driven by aerospace growth of 8.5% to $192.7 million.

Gogo's division of SD Government received a five-year federal contract to deliver multi-band, multi-orbit airborne global satellite communications to a U.S. government agency. Gogo also began flight testing next-generation air-to-ground connectivity with 5G chip and Gogo AVANCE LX5 and Gogo X3 products.

Metro Aviation will be the first completion center to offer an EMS-interior STC for the new Airbus H160. Metro also signed a purchase agreement for 12 Airbus H140 aircraft, which will be available for purchase and completion at Metro’s facility. Metro Gulf, a division of Metro Aviation, partnered with Tejas Advanced Solutions to deliver a new Cessna 208 Caravan to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Metro Aviation also welcomed three new partners to its operations family: Vanderbilt LifeFlight, LifeFlight Eagle, and Children’s Nebraska.

Pro Star Aviation unveiled a new brand identity, marking the first major rebrand in the company’s history. It also acknowledged three team members whose experience, leadership, and dedication exemplify the company’s values and continued growth: Alec Kindred, Chloe Roe, and Lisa Fernandez.

Astronautics Corporation of America was named a Fall 2025 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence winner in the category of Employee Well-Being.

Kilroy Aviation is assisting clients in obtaining STC certifications during the U.S. government's shutdown.

Cutter Aviation awarded 14 students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University the Bill Cutter Memorial Scholarship.

uAvionix and OneSky announced a strategic partnership integrating uAvionix’s FlightLine ADS-B traffic data directly into OneSky’s enterprise UTM platform via API.

Outerlink Global Solutions has expanded the reach of its Air IP broadband communications system with the new STC for the Bell 407, bringing secure, high-speed connectivity to public safety, EMS, corporate, and utility operators flying the single-engine platform.

Acron Aviation purchased Trakka Systems, a manufacturer of video transmission and compression technologies for military, law enforcement, public safety and commercial applications across air, sea, and land domains.

A CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL climbed to a verified altitude of 37,609 feet (11,460 meters / 7.12 miles) above sea level over the California coast on Oct. 28, 2025, setting an unofficial new world altitude record for Cub-type aircraft.

SKYTRAC Systems acquired the exclusive, perpetual license to manufacture, sell, and support the Honeywell Sky Connect product line.

Innovative Aerosystems, formerly Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S), announced the opening of its new 40,000-square-foot facility expansion at its Exton, Pennsylvania headquarters.

Ontic opened its first dedicated MRO facility in Miramar, Florida. 

SMS Webinar Set for November 18

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 will take place Nov. 18, 2025, followed monthly through March 2026. All sessions will be from 1-2 p.m. Eastern time. Register Now...

VIDEO: Cabin Connectivity at NBAA-BACE

There's no doubt that reliable cabin connectivity ranks at the top of every corporate aircraft operator's list of must-have systems. This year's NBAA-BACE gathering in Las Vegas was buzzing with praise for Starlink's reliable solution, and AEA-member AeroMech is leading the charge with a handful of STCs. Gogo also offers broadband solutions, and CEO Christopher Moore shared the company's latest news from its booth in the exhibit hall. Avionics News contributor Larry Anglisano took a look at both solutions at the show and prepared this field report. Watch...

uAvionix AV-30-C

Budget-based flight display finally gets IFR interface

The uAvionix AV-30-series flight display is hardly new, first introduced somewhere around 2019, and chances are your shop has gotten requests for proposals to install the instrument. But the showstopper for a lot of buyers has been the display’s lack of a useful IFR interface, including its inability to connect with third-party IFR GPS navigators and VHF nav radios for displaying lateral and vertical course guidance, plus more common autopilot interfaces.

But new software and newly approved external interface accessories change that for the better, stepping the AV-30 up several notches in capability and making it a closer competitor to some of Garmin’s offerings. Here’s a summary of the latest AV-30-C interface when loaded with the current software. More...

View From Washington: Impediment to Perfection

In your business, the customer expects perfection. The regulations mandate perfection. Successful business dictates perfection. What are the impediments to perfection? With regard to aviation maintenance, what is perfection?

Simply, it is always performing airworthy work, that is, all of the work we perform results in a product that conforms to its approved design, and the item is safe for operations. It is important to note that both criteria are necessary for airworthiness and safe for operations: A part that conforms to its design and the maintenance that was performed according to acceptable maintenance data, but is not safe for operations, is not airworthy; both criteria must be met. More...

AirMetrics: New Avionics Shop Takes Off

Before 2020, working in avionics wasn’t on Cory Emmett’s radar. Today, he co-owns AirMetrics at Auburn Municipal Airport in California and works long hours providing avionics services for experimental and light general aviation aircraft. In March, he even received his Part 145 repair station certificate and op specs from the FAA. More...

AEA Partners with AFuzion on Next-Level Training

New course for delegates

The AEA is collaborating with AFuzion to offer a brand-new professional development course at its headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Sign up for Afuzion's Development Assurance Foundations for Avionics Certification: ARP4754A, DO-254, and DO-178C, which takes place Dec. 2-3.

This two-day training offers a hands-on, systems-first approach to understanding development assurance across ARP4754A, DO-254, and DO-178C. With a focus on practical implementation, the course addresses key regulatory drivers such as AMC 20-152A and AMC 20-193, FAA advisory circulars, and common industry gaps. Participants will explore process assurance, DAL distinctions, AEH definitions, tool qualification (DO-330), and model-based development (DO-331), all through real-world examples. Register Now...

AEA Scholarship Applications Open

Apply by April 1, 2026

The AEA Educational Foundation will award multiple scholarships for the 2026-27 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, 2026. Apply Now...

Follow Avionics News on YouTube

The AEA's monthly magazine, Avionics News, has expanded coverage through a dedicated YouTube channel. Keep up with the latest industry news. Subscribe...

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:

• Technical Instructor / Content Creator at Cirrus Aircraft, More...
• Avionics Department Manager at Angelo Precision Aircraft, More...
• Avionics Technician at AirQuest Aviation, More...
• Avionics Technician at Green Mountain Avionics, More...
• Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic at Above All Aviation, More...
• Product Support Specialist at Becker Avionics, More...
• A&P Maintenance Technician at Apex Aviation, More...

AEA Europe Regional

Cologne, Germany

November 13-14, 2025

Discover innovative solutions: Explore the exhibit hall showcasing the newest products and services that can streamline your operations and give you a competitive edge. 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...

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...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (9 seats remain)

November 17-18, 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...

Afuzion's Development Assurance Foundations for Avionics Certification: ARP4754A, DO-254, and DO-178C (15 seats remain)

December 2-3, 2025

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This two-day training offers a hands-on, systems-first approach to understanding development assurance across ARP4754A, DO-254, and DO-178C. With a focus on practical implementation, the course addresses key regulatory drivers such as AMC 20-152A and AMC 20-193, FAA advisory circulars, and common industry gaps. Participants will explore process assurance, DAL distinctions, AEH definitions, tool qualification (DO-330), and model-based development (DO-331), all through real-world examples. Register Now...

Digital Databus Theory and Analysis (15 seats remain)

December 2, 2025

Virtual-live course

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...

Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) Prep Course (12 seats remain)

December 4, 2025

Virtual-live course

The Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) Prep Course is designed for aspiring and current aviation technicians seeking to earn their CAET certification. This course focuses on the fundamental knowledge required for entry-level avionics technician roles. Register Now...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (15 seats remain)

December 9, 2025

Virtual-live course

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...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

January 12-16, 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. Learn More...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (11 seats remain)

January 19-21, 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)

January 22-23, 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...

Advanced Avionics Installation & Configuration (14 seats remain)

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. Register Now...

AVX-10K Operations Training (15 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...

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.