Professional Pilot, May 2017

EVENT COVERAGE AEA 2017 New Orleans The exhibit floor was packed with everything the avionics industry has to offer as the AEA convention returned to New Orleans to celebrate their 60th annual event A DS B inflight connectivity and upgraded communications were the talk of the town as the Aircraft Electronics Association marched into New Orleans Mar 13 16 This marked the 60th anniversary of the annual conference and trade show The sold out exhibit hall of the Ernest N Morial Convention Center was the site of over 135 vendors who presented their newest offerings and services during the 3 days the show floor was open 66 PROFESSIONAL PILOT May 2017 Representing Duncan Aviation were L R Systems Engineer Jeff Hall VP of Parts Sales Avionics Accs Satellites Mark Cote Tech Rep Curt Campbell and Team Leader Rod Walther Cutting the ribbon and welcoming attendees to the exhibit hall were L R Flightstar Corp Avionics Mgr Greg Vail AEA Chair David Loso and Appareo Sales Dir Kris Garberg Sportys Pilot Shop Founder Chairman Hal Shevers speaks to the press gathered for the annual AEA media luncheon AEA Exec VP Debra McFarland welcomes show goers at the opening ceremony and new product introduction L3 Regional Sales Mgr Mark Linsley shows his companys offerings for ADS B compliance including the Lynx transponder and display system The opening ceremony kicked off with 2 awards being handed out Receiving the AEA Member of the Year accolade was Greg Vail of Flightstar Corp former AEA chairman who has spent 36 years in the aviation field The AEA Associate Member of the Year was presented to Appareo a 13 year old company widely known for their Stratus portable low cost GPS receivers Appareo has been an AEA associate member since 2013 Following the award presentations were the always anticipated New Product Introductions This year 29 companies unveiled their latest and greatest in aircraft electronics With the Jan 1 2020 ADS B mandate rapidly approaching there were several products to assist with compliance including transponders STCs and panel modifications All these new devices need power particularly portable models so industry leaders stepped up with several new USB options for the cockpit Other highlights included improved inflight Wi Fi availability affordable cellular packages and advanced testing equipment In addition to the exhibit floor displays attendees were offered over 75 hours of training courses in conjunction with testing and certification presented by a variety of sponsors and vendors These included Avidyne BendixKing Garmin Honeywell Universal Avionics and many others The AEA recently announced that avionics sales were down 64 in 2016 although there was progress seen in the 4th quarter The upcoming compliance requirements are expected to further improve aftermarket product sales and installations as the ADS B deadline draws near For 2018 the AEA convention will head back to Las Vegas NV on March 26 29 By Brent Bundy Phoenix Police Officer Pilot AS350 AW 119 Cessna 182 172 Photos by Brent Bundy