Aircraft Electronics Association - AEA Wired
August 13, 2014
Keeping the general aviation industry connected
The Current 

News from the general aviation industry

 

 

By the Numbers: FAA Says 2020 ADS-B Deadline Won't Change

Last month, Avionics News highlighted the results of an Aircraft Electronics Association member survey for available resources in support of the ADS-B Out mandate. The results were as expected: the industry is ready, willing and able to support the Federal Aviation Administration's mandate. But what do repair shops tell their customers?

 

Let's do the math. As of today, we don't have six comfortable years to equip the entire general aviation fleet of 186,000 operational aircraft. Rather, we have a little more than 1,300 workdays. As a result, we need to be upgrading more than 130 aircraft per workday; currently, we are barely upgrading 100 aircraft a month. 

 

As a result, the pressure to get those aircraft managed in the remaining time means, at the very least, aircraft owners need to reserve an upgrade position before scheduling pressure starts to push aircraft past the Dec. 31, 2019, final equipage date. This means the shops will need to embrace long-term planning and scheduling as we get closer to the deadline and scheduling pressure continues.  More...


 

Regulatory Update

All the latest from the international aviation authorities

 

 
Field Approvals of ADS-B Approved
On June 11, Paula Derks, Aircraft Electronics Association president, testified before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business regarding the benefits and challenges of the Federal Aviation Administration's 2020 NextGen mandate on the general aviation Industry. 

The hearing was subsequently followed by a meeting with Michael G. Whitaker, FAA deputy administrator and chief NextGen officer, along with John J. Hickey, the agency's deputy associate administrator for aviation safety. The follow-up meeting focused on the NextGen installation challenges with a specific emphasis on ADS-B installations. 

During this subsequent meeting, Hickey made it perfectly clear there were "80 FSDOs (Flight Standards District Offices) ready to perform field approvals of ADS-B systems." When asked what systems are field approvable, Hickey focused on any previously approved systems. When asked about aircraft type approval needs, he said they were focused on system approvals. As long as the system pairs have been approved, the system is field approvable on any aircraft type. 

Hickey was highlighting a nearly 2-year-old policy that gave the authority for field approvals of ADS-B systems. Dating to Oct. 10, 2012, the memorandum asked: Can ADS-B Out systems be approved using data approvals other than a supplemental type certificate, including field approvals? The answer is yes. 
 
There are limitations that must be followed. Reference to the field approval job aid will assist the applicant, but this is the last major hurdle to overcome as the industry pulls together in support of the FAA's NextGen initiative and ADS-B Out installations. The field approval process includes the local approval of the ADS-B flight manual supplement. 
More...  
 
On the Radar 

Upcoming AEA and industry events


 

  
Aug. 20-21: AEA Latin America Regional Meeting in Bogota, Colombia
For the first time, Bogota, Colombia, is the site for the fourth annual AEA Latin America Regional Meeting scheduled for Aug. 20-21 at the Ar Hotel Salitre. Register by Aug. 11. More... 
 
Sept. 3-4: AEA Canada Regional Meeting in Kelowna, British Columbia
The Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Conference Center plays host to this year's event. Register online by Aug. 29. More...
 
Sept. 9-11: ICG NxtLink Communications Conference in Portsmouth, Virginia
Reliable and continuous communications with your aircraft and flight crew are paramount for efficient operations and flight safety. Educate yourself on Iridium and Datalink services from key industry leaders. More...
 
Sept. 16-17: AEA U.S. East Regional Meeting in Orlando, Fla.
The DoubleTree Orlando at Sea World serves as the host site for the first AEA Regional Meeting this year in the United States. Register online by Sept. 12. More... 
 
The Connection

Meet the leaders in the general aviation industry

 


A Conversation with Robert Clare of Universal Avionics Systems Corp.

Universal Avionics Systems Corp. is one of the leading manufacturers of innovative avionics systems for business jets, turboprop aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, regional and commercial airliners used by corporate, military and airline operators. Recently, Patricia Luebke spoke with Robert Clare, director of sales, to learn more about his work and life outside the office in this month's Avionics News More... 

 

Vaughn College Labs Simulate Real-world Avionics Shops

In the avionics lab, students at the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology work together to fabricate test harnesses, simulating a transponder installation. Located adjacent to LaGuardia Airport in New York just minutes from Manhattan, Vaughn College is a private, four-year school that teaches aviation, engineering, technology and management. Learn more about this AEA member school in this month's Avionics NewsMore...
 
In the Classroom 

Professional development opportunities

 


Avionics Install Course Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation Training Course set for Nov. 3-5

The Aircraft Electronics Association is now accepting registrations for its Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation training course, which is scheduled for Nov. 3-5 in the Dan Derby Center for Professional Development at its international headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri. 

The course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel, A&P mechanics and others interested in improving or acquiring the skills necessary to perform avionics installations in general aviation aircraft. 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. It is FAA-accepted for 26 hours toward IA renewal. More...

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The Raw Feed

Industry buzz on social media

 


 

New Avionics Products: Jupiter Avionics

Earlier this year, 23 companies introduced new avionics products and services for general aviation at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee. For example, Jupiter Avionics announced its wiJAC-D01 wireless dropcord for its line of wireless intercom systems, among other announcements. Watch the presentation made by Bryan Hart, the company's sales and marketing director, courtesy of the Aero-News Network. More...  

 

The Static

News from AEA member companies

 

 
L-3 AVIATION PRODUCTS announced the upcoming launch of its Lynx MultiLink Surveillance System. According to LARRY RIDDLE, vice president of marketing and sales, Lynx will offer a one-box solution to meet the FAA's ADS-B mandate. The product is expected to be available later this year. The announcement of the new product line took place at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In addition, the company said that Embraer selected the FA5003 Cockpit Voice and Data Recorder system as its standard forward-fit solution for the E-Jets E2 commercial aircraft program.

ASPEN AVIONICS expanded its ADS-B product line to include more options to meet the FAA's ADS-B mandate. The announcement was made at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 

FREEFLIGHT SYSTEMS said the FAA has granted TSO approval to the company's RANGR FDL-978-RX ADS-B receiver with optional built-in WAAS GPS. The system provides a way to add ADS-B In traffic and weather capabilities to aircraft with certified 1090 ES or UAT ADS-B transmitters. 

TRIG AVIONICS introduced the TN70 WAAS GPS Receiver and Antenna, which is a new solution to complete an ADS-B Out installation. The TN70 can be used with any Trig transponder. 

BENDIXKING introduced the KGX 150/130 Series ADS-B Transceivers and Receivers during EAA AirVenture. It is a certified ADS-B solution for flights below 18,000 feet offering an integrated WAAS GPS with optional wireless capability to display traffic and weather on a tablet.

AVIDYNE received TSO and AML-STC for its IFD540 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM. The company also announced that the IFD540 (and IFD440) have integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability, which the company said will provide enhanced utility and cost savings for its customers.

ROTORCRAFT SUPPORT INC. received FAA STC approval for installation of the Garmin G500H Display system into the Bell 427.

WESTERN AIRCRAFT, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, added two new buildings totaling 26,000 square feet to its 18-acre leasehold. The new construction includes an expanded parts facility, as well as a two-story infill building that houses support shops for the company's services operation. 

DUNCAN AVIATION recently honored 245 employees who have worked for the company for more than 25 years. The total comprises more than 10 percent of the company's entire workforce with facilities in more than 30 locations. In addition, Duncan Aviation recently reached a milestone after installing its 500th in-flight connectivity system from Aircell, the business aviation division of Gogo.

SATCOM DIRECT and GARMIN INTERNATIONAL announced a partnership to enable aircraft owners and operators with a Garmin Integrated Flight Deck or avionics suite streamlined access to Iridium services in Brazil. The partnership becomes effective Sept. 1.

STANDARDAERO introduced a new program for European operators of Honeywell TFE731-powered business jets, which features a 14-day guaranteed turnaround time for TFE731 major periodic inspections, including test cell run and door-to-door shipping. In addition, StandardAero Business Aviation opened a new satellite repair station at Houston Hobby Airport.

VECTOR AEROSPACE announced its subsidiary, Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America, added the AS332L1-model to its FAA-certified CVFDR supplemental type certificate. 

CUTTER AVIATION received the 2013 Platinum Award for achieving excellent sales performance among Garmin distributors.

AEROFLEX introduced the 8800 Radio Test Set, a radio test system for analog AM and FM, digital P25, DMR, dPMR, NXDN, and ARIB T98 technologies. In addition, the company is now accepting orders for the new RGS-2000NG TCAS Test Set. 

LANDMARK AVIATION completed the acquisition of Ross Aviation, a network of fixed base operators located throughout the U.S. 

JEPPESEN introduced new features and functionality for Mobile FliteDeck version 2.6 to enhance situational awareness and simplify access to flight information.

Brian Wilson
BANYAN AIR SERVICE named BRIAN WILSON director of sales and business development. He will now be part of the technical sales team. Wilson served as director of avionics since January 2007. In addition, the company received the 2013 Platinum Award from Garmin for achieving excellent sales performance among Garmin distributors.

BOSE recently celebrated 25 years of aviation headsets by honoring the engineers who made it possible. 

DAC INTERNATIONAL, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, received parts manufacturer approval and supplemental type certificate approval on its Digital to Analog Converter and Airborne Data Link Processor, and type certificate approval for its ARINC-to-NMEA 183 converter.

ELLIOTT AVIATION announced FAA STC approval for the activation and use of all Aircell Wi-Fi products in King Air 200, 300 and 350.

UNIVERSAL AVIONICS SYSTEMS CORP. announced that its authorized dealer, MID-CANADA MOD CENTER, achieved the first Transport Canada Civil Aviation future air navigation system certification with the UniLink UL-801 Communications Management Unit. The STC was issued for MC2's FANS installation on a Falcon 50EX. 

NEXTANT AEROSPACE joined the Remanufacturing Industries Council.

BARFIELD INC. welcomed JOHANN PANIER as chief executive officer. Barfield Inc. is a new Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance subsidiary following its recent acquisition from Sabena Technics. 

GENESYS AEROSYSTEMS surpassed 1,500 FAA and international STCs for its S-TEC line of autopilot systems. In addition, the company said its HeliSAS Helicopter Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot is available for ordering for retrofit installation in Robinson R44 series helicopters.

GARMIN introduced a new 7-inch G3X Touch display option for experimental amateur-built and light sport aircraft.

AVIONICS & SYSTEMS INTEGRATION GROUP was awarded a Canadian STC by Transport Canada for the installation of the Class 2 flyTab EFB based upon the Apple iPad platform on the Bombardier CL-600 Series models.
 

 

GA Caucus

Industry advocates on Capitol Hill

 

 

General Aviation Caucuses were formed in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate in 2009, to inform members and staff about the importance of GA to the nation's economy and transportation system. To date, more than 200 members of the U.S. Congress have signed on to the General Aviation Caucus. More...

 

Aircraft Electronics Association
About the AEA
Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in 43 countries, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions. 


Contact:
Aircraft Electronics Association
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-347-8400
Fax: 816-347-8405
Email: [email protected]
Web: aea.net 
Advertising:
Lauren McFarland, director of marketing
Phone: 816-347-8400
Email: [email protected]

The "AEA Wired" e-newsletter is published twice a month by the AEA.