Nearly 1,500 avionics manufacturers, dealers, installers and other general aviation professionals have converged at the 55th annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show, which opened today at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The four-day event takes place April 3-6, and it is the largest gathering of avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world.
The AEA convention is dedicated solely to the general aviation avionics industry. Not open to the public, this event’s primary focus is providing avionics professionals with educational and marketing opportunities between equipment manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations.
A few of the highlights during the week are:
- The debut of new products;
- More than 75 hours of regulatory, technical and business management training and professional development;
- The AEA’s Fast Traks and technical training workshops are approved for credit toward the AEA’s Avionics Training Excellence Award, as well as accepted for FAA IA renewal and the AMT Awards Program;
- More than 110 exhibitors in the AEA Exhibit Hall;
- Learn about the latest regulatory issues impacting the avionics industry. Representatives from the civil aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Canada Civil Aviation, the European Aviation Safety Agency and others, convene to share vital regulatory information with all attendees;
- Manufacturers offer dealers deep discounts as a part of the AEA’s Show Specials. These specials are only available to attendees in Washington, D.C.;
- More than $100,000 in scholarships awarded to avionics and aviation maintenance students;
- Nearly $100,000 of silent auction items to bid on, including avionics equipment, home electronics, wines, jewelry, golf items, sports collectibles, aviation art, gift baskets and much more, benefiting the AEA Educational Foundation;
- Recognition of Paul Ryan, founder of Ryan International, as the recipient of the 2012 AEA Lifetime Achievement Award;
- Social events and networking opportunities with industry colleagues, including the First-Nighter Party with a Crab and Beer Fest, the AEA annual Awards Luncheon and the Last Call Reception.
In addition, the AEA Educational Foundation, in partnership with the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT), will offer registered attendees free Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification and endorsement exams, April 4-6. Attendees may test their knowledge in achieving the NCATT’s highly regarded avionics technician certification. This $100 value is only available through the AEA at the convention.
For more information: AEA.net
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