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Southeast Aerospace announced that Brett Braddock has transitioned into the role of business development coordinator and will work closely with Luke Gomoll to support customer and industry relationships and identify new opportunities in aviation and aerospace markets.

Moog announced the completion and commissioning of a new ISO Class 8 certified clean room at its Niagara Falls facility.

West Star Aviation launched a new Live AOG Technician Map, giving business aviation operators greater visibility into its nationwide Aircraft On Ground support network and the technical expertise available to assist when aircraft are unexpectedly grounded.

Blackhawk Group launched the Blackhawk Engine Exchange, a new, dedicated business line established to reduce aircraft downtime and provide cost certainty for PT6A operators facing overhaul.

Clay Lacy Aviation was recognized by Los Angeles World Airports with two honors highlighting its commitment to sustainable operations and community partnership at Van Nuys Airport: the VNY Friendly Flyer Award, marking the company’s 10th time receiving the recognition, and an inaugural VNY Green Tenant Award.

Duncan Aviation's Joe Tulowitzki, turbine engine service sales rep, was recently honored with the FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, recognizing his 51-year career and lifetime dedication to the aviation maintenance profession. Duncan Aviation also has added a Global NLG (nose landing gear) to its rental inventory to help customers minimize AOG downtime.

Garmin announced the delivery of its 1,000th G1000 integrated flight deck retrofit for King Air aircraft.

Lexington Creative launched WhyWeFly.aero, a searchable digital library of more than 100 aviation articles by pilot, author, and small-airport advocate Dr. Mike Jones, originally published in Cessna Pilots Magazine, Professional Pilot Magazine, and General Aviation News.

Elliott Aviation announced the completion of its 100th Garmin G5000 flight deck retrofit. The milestone installation was completed on a Citation XLS operated by Centennial Jets.

Pilot John International will exhibit at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, Oct. 20-22, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Yingling Aviation was chosen by Epic Aircraft to join its network of authorized service centers.

C&L Aerospace named Justin Kinckle regional sales manager, focusing on business jet aircraft parts sales and supporting customers throughout the Northeast and Midwest United States, as well as Eastern Canada.

Ontic opened its new dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

Plane Place Aviation named Ron Reiling as its new sales manager.

Metro Aviation’s partnership with BETA Technologies continued in North Carolina as BETA’s all-electric ALIA conventional takeoff and landing aircraft took flight as part of eLIFT-NC, giving ECU Health a firsthand look at how next-generation aviation could support health care and emergency response across the state.

Gogo signed a sovereign-based communications lease in excess of $15 million USD to provide geostationary satellite connectivity to a government customer. Gogo also announced that Duncan Aviation has placed a prepaid order for 40 Gogo Galileo HDX systems, marking Gogo’s largest single MRO order this year. 

Omni Aircraft Maintenance named Olivia Stokes regional sales executive for Texas.

Master Switch Avionics completed its EASA certification. The company can now provide dual-release documentation, supporting customers who require maintenance or approved services that meet both FAA and EASA regulatory requirements.

Avcon Industries announced FAA STC approval of the installation of the Honeywell Aerospace MKV-A Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System.

Western Aircraft, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, named Alfredo Garcia director of MRO sales and marketing.

Early-bird Registration Opens for 2027 AEA Convention

Register by December 31 and save $255 per person

Registration is open for the 70th 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, 2027, at the Savannah Convention Center in Georgia. It is the premier venue for the introduction of new avionics products and services entering the market in 2027.

Attendees who register by Dec. 31, 2026, will receive the early-bird member rate of $790 for a full convention registration, a savings of $255 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...

2026 Rate and Labor Survey Results Now Available to AEA Members

The annual AEA Rate and Labor Survey provides valuable benchmarking data on shop and labor rates, employee compensation and benefits, and business outlook trends. New for 2026, shop and labor rate data is organized first by region and then by aircraft type, giving participants a more meaningful and accurate comparison of their business to others performing similar work. This enhanced reporting structure recognizes that operating costs, labor requirements, and market conditions can vary significantly across aircraft categories, resulting in fairer and more actionable benchmarking data.

The report's quick-glance format makes it easy for owners and managers of approved maintenance organizations to evaluate their position within the marketplace, identify compensation trends, and assess competitiveness. Whether your goal is attracting and retaining skilled technicians, reviewing labor rates, or strengthening your overall business strategy, this survey provides valuable insights to support informed decision-making.

AEA members may download the survey results with their member login and password by clicking here.

The Customer Experience

More than customer service, servicing the client starts and continues with impeccable communication. The current issue of Avionics News kicks off an in-depth series on best practices for customer care, an initiative developed in collaboration with the AEA’s member relationships committee. In an aircraft maintenance climate that’s more difficult and competitive than ever, the goal is to help AEA-member shops not only win new business but also retain their existing base of good clients through best customer service practices. More...

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. Here's a sample of the opportunities currently listed:

• Experienced Avionics Technician at Coastal Winds Avionics, More...
• Avionics Specialist at Preferred Airparts, More...
• CNC Machinist Programmer/Operator at Southeast Aerospace, More...
• Avionics Apprentice at Bismarck Aero Center, More...
• Assembly Technician at GigaFlight Connectivity, More...

NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)

Las Vegas, Nevada

October 20-22, 2026

Enjoy unrivaled access to the decision-makers shaping business aviation. Launch innovations, connect with high-value prospects and build the partnerships that move your business forward. More...

AEA West Regional

Reno, Nevada

October 29-30, 2026

Join us at the Grand Sierra Resort for two days of technical training. More...

AEA Central Regional

Kansas City, Missouri

November 4-5, 2026

Join us at the Hilton KCI Airport Hotel for the last AEA Regional of the year. More...

AUVSI Drone & AAM Policy Symposium

Washington, D.C.

November 9-10, 2026

With new executive orders in effect, implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act underway, increased focus on secure supply chains and the FCC covered list, and growing pressure on certification and airspace coordination, uncrewed systems policy is at a critical inflection point. More...

NATA Aviation Business Conference

Denver, Colorado

November 9-10, 2026

Join NATA, industry experts, thought leaders, and key industry decision-makers representing various sectors of the GA community, including FBOs, airports, air charter operators, MROs, and AAM/UAM. More...

Digital Databus Theory & Analysis (14 seats remain)

October 20, 2026

Virtual-live course

As today’s modern airplanes become much more technologically advanced, so must the professionals that 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...

Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft (10 seats remain)

October 26-28, 2026

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

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 and AXIS flight display systems. A simplified example harness is constructed as part of the hands-on portion of the class. While the AXIS flight display 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...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (sold-out)

November 9-11, 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. Learn More...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (10 seats remain)

November 12-13, 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. Learn More...

Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) Prep Course (13 seats remain)

December 3, 2026

Virtual-live course

This official preparation course for the AEA Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) exam is ideal for entry-level technicians or new employees at a Part 145 repair station seeking to learn the fundamentals of avionics. The curriculum is designed to align directly with the certification test, providing an effective path to success. Students will gain the foundational knowledge required for entry-level avionics roles – including core electrical concepts, wiring procedures, digital avionics, and key systems – to ensure they walk into the exam and shop with confidence. Register Now...

Software Control & Compliance in Aircraft Maintenance (15 seats remain)

December 7, 2026

Virtual-live course

Modern aircraft are no longer just mechanical systems, they are software-defined platforms. A single improper update, missed verification step, or unauthorized action can compromise configuration control, invalidate airworthiness, or introduce latent system risk. This high-impact training program is built around the FAA’s guidance in AC 43-216A, focusing on the real-world execution of software management during maintenance not just policy, but what technicians actually do on the line and in the shop. Register Now...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (13 seats remain)

December 8, 2026

Virtual-live course

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers and maintainers of ADS-B systems. A small percentage of 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...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (11 seats remain)

December 9, 2026

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. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

January 11-15, 2027

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...

CAET Train-the-Trainer (15 seats remain)

February 11-12, 2027

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

Learn to teach avionics to industry standards. This course is a two-day, hands-on class that prepares aviation maintenance educators to bring Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) content into their classrooms. You'll spend 16 hours learning directly from industry how to incorporate hands-on avionics training into your own program. This course is limited to instructors at Part 147 aviation maintenance schools, aviation high schools, and technical colleges who want to add avionics to their program or sharpen the avionics instruction they already deliver. Register Now...

Advanced Avionics Installation & Configuration (10 seats remain)

February 22-24, 2027

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. 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 (12 seats remain)

February 24, 2027

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...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (15 seats remain)

February 25-26, 2027

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...

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.