On Oct. 4, the Federal Aviation Administration granted the Aircraft Electronics Association and seven other organizations’ request for a 90-day extension to review the complex FAA proposal. With this extension, the FAA has moved the comment period for the NPRM to Jan. 22, 2024.

As reported by the AEA at the beginning of August, the FAA recently published the proposal for the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC). The primary purpose of the proposal, as indicated by the NPRM and numerous news articles, is to expand the aircraft that may be eligible for future certification as light-sport aircraft, and to expand the authority and opportunity for sport pilots.

However, what has not been discussed is that the proposal amends nine separate regulations, including definitions, certification standards, maintenance standards, airman certification, operating rules and the certification of commercial operators. The AEA continues to review the proposal to identify those elements that may affect AEA member companies and employees while focusing on inconsistencies, duplications, and unintended consequences. More...

To help the business aviation community attract, retain and foster the next generation of workforce leaders, the National Business Aviation Association plans to host its inaugural Career Fair at the 2023 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event takes place Oct. 18 from 1-5 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

According to NBAA, more than a dozen companies are expected to host recruiting stations for the event. The in-person Career Fair is designed as a networking platform and a chance for job seekers to learn more about the career opportunities available in the industry. The event is open to anyone attending the show who is searching for a new job or career in business aviation. More...

The third and final AEA Regional in the United States this year takes place at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, Oct. 26-27. 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.

To register, make hotel reservations, and see the training schedule and list of exhibitors for the West Regional, click here.

On Oct. 4, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, convened a nomination hearing to consider Michael Whitaker, President Biden’s nominee to be administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

In his opening statement, Whitaker stated, "The key experience that qualifies me for this position, and that will allow me to make an immediate impact at the FAA, is my three-year tenure there as deputy administrator. During this time, I gained significant technical knowledge of the complex systems that make up our national airspace, such as ADS-B. While at the FAA, I also earned my private pilot’s certificate to better understand the national airspace from the perspective of a user of that system. If confirmed, my priority will be the safety of the flying public. They have put their trust in the FAA to keep aviation the safest way to travel, and the world has looked to us for decades as the gold standard." More...

There may be a new world coming in the national airspace system if the Federal Aviation Administration can figure out how to get to yes to accommodate drone and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) operations “at scale” while continuing to serve traditional aircraft operators.

No one thinks this will be easy, and the complications were on full display at an FAA three-day conference in Baltimore, Maryland, in early August. The term “at scale” was bandied about in the numerous panels over three days but never defined. It means going from operations approved by individual waivers and exceptions to having hundreds or thousands of simultaneous operations over the 4,000-square-mile Los Angeles basin, for example. The air vehicles won’t have pilots aboard (except initially with eVTOLs), and the remote pilots won’t be talking to air traffic control while self-separating with flight data shared over private service networks. That will take care of deconfliction, but the air vehicles will also need onboard detect-and-avoid technology to spot uncooperative aircraft whether they be manned or unmanned. More... 

For aviation maintenance organizations, change can come slowly, especially as teams scramble to keep up with high workloads despite fewer hands. Who has time to learn a new process or take up the latest management fad? The old way works fine, thank you very much. Hand me those stacks of estimates and work orders.

Still, tackling some inefficiencies can improve productivity, reduce downtime, better manage assets and provide insight into your business – all helping to relieve pressure on overworked employees. By taking the time and effort to implement technology in key areas, you can make work easier and more efficient for just about everyone in your crew.

In the late 1990s, at the request of friend and FBO owner Michael Lentini, Eric Baal began developing software to track maintenance and technician time. More...

While it has flown under the radar, EFIS upgrades are nothing new to Enstrom Helicopter’s engineering team. Back in 2008, when the company certified the then-Chelton now Genesys Aerosystems EFIS in its turbine-powered 480, it was one of the first installations of its kind.

Now, the all-new glass panel in the 2023 Enstrom Helicopter line includes a Garmin G500H TXi, GTN 750 TXi, and 650 TXi touchscreens, Howell Instruments digital engine instrument displays, and a SAM standby display from Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics. Overall, the package brings a great deal of added capability, reliability and operational safety to an already capable, reliable and safe helicopter. More...

ASTM International’s autonomy design and operations in aviation administrative committee (AC377) has published a new white paper entitled, “Roles and Responsibilities for Operational Control in the Age of Increasingly Autonomous Flight.” According to ASTM, this white paper discusses the shifting landscape of automation and autonomy in aviation, focusing on the role of aircraft operators, pilots and other stakeholders in ensuring accountability.

In light of emerging technologies and systems, this paper serves as part of a larger reassessment of these various roles. It explores the current responsibilities of the operator (i.e., the entity responsible for initiating, conducting, and terminating a flight) and the impact of increasingly autonomous systems on the aviation industry. It also addresses the potential for shared responsibility and accountability between operators, original equipment manufacturers, and other stakeholders as the nature of aircraft operation changes. More...

If you are already an ASTM NCATT-certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET), you are eligible to take the new Aircraft Electronics Installation Technician (AEIT) endorsement exam for free at the AEA Regionals in the United States.

If you are not AET certified, you must pass that exam first. If you pass the AET certification exam at the AEA Regional, you can take the new installation endorsement exam along with other endorsements. All exams are free for attendees, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation. AET certification exams are normally $175, and AEIT endorsement exams are $150. More...

Membership has its privileges. The AEA brings all ASTM aviation standards to the repair station members that need them for the continuing airworthiness of the general aviation fleet, from light-sport aircraft to the new Part 23 as well as the foundational maintenance of electrical wire interconnect systems for the legacy GA fleet. This unique partnership also includes access to standards for technician certification.

More information can be found on the AEA website with a member login and password. After connecting to the website, click on the button to access ASTM’s Compass. Once at the Compass site, you must register an account that will be set up under the AEA’s access. Once you are registered and logged in to Compass, you will be able to search for standards at no cost. More...

The AEA and other leading aviation trade associations are issuing a survey to seek feedback from industry (manufacturers, maintainers, operators, lessors, etc.) that helps to identify current practices and regulatory issues associated with the digitalization of information within the aviation community. The associations will share the aggregated data gathered with the leading aviation regulators to identify regulatory barriers and provide recommendations for improvement.

This survey will close Oct. 15, 2023. Your responses will be compiled into a broader summary – individual responses and data will not be shared outside the associations sponsoring this survey. More...

Delaying switching your third-party administrator or moving your Anti-Drug & Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program to a TPA due to setup costs? Set up your Anti-Drug & Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program with NATA Compliance Services before the end of the year and your setup fee will be waived. Benefit from their electronic custody and control forms, FAA audit preparation, subject-matter experts, online checklists and more. NATACS can also help with your non-DOT drug program(s). 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...

Published annually, the 2023-24 edition of the AEA Pilot’s Guide is available upon request.

This year marks the 21st 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...

AVX-10K and IFR6000/4000 Operations Training (12 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 (3 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...

AET Prep Course and Exam (13 seats remain)

The Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Prep Course is a hybrid class for aviation technicians who want to earn their NCATT AET certification. Students who register in advance will have access to online modules to self-study the AET coursework before attending the live class at AEA. The online modules take approximately two weeks to complete. Students will attend a one-day review session in person and take the AET certification exam at AEA headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. ($175 value for exam is included in your course registration.) Register Now...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (6 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 (11 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...

Primary Flight Display Installation & Configuration (14 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 touchscreen, 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 (14 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 (14 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 (13 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 (12 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 (14 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...

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.