Garmin Selected as Associate Member of the Year

The Aircraft Electronics Association has announced its 2022 award winners, with James Temple of Temple Electronics and Garmin as Member and Associate Member of the Year. 

The industry awards were presented during the opening session of the 65th annual AEA convention & Trade Show, kicking off the biggest week of the year for aircraft avionics and cockpit equipment releases. Members of the AEA voted James Temple in for his work in the industry with his company, Temple Electronics. 

Temple assisted with the namesake company opened by his father in 1973, initially supporting operations through the manufacture of wiring kits and simple installations.  His father, Marshall Temple, oversaw the business while James attended training for Honeywell, BendixKing, and Universal Avionics in preparation to assume greater responsibilities over time. By the late 1980's, he had taken on the bulk of duties, such that his father was able to retire in 1993. His leadership has allowed Temple to weather the ups and downs of the industry with a steady hand, making its way through a series of upswings and downturns - but always coming out the other side in good condition. Temple Electronics sponsors the Marshall Temple scholarship in partnership with the AEA Educational Foundation. 

The 2022 Associate Member of the Year, Garmin, took the honors to highlight its efforts to increase the level of safety for the average general aviation operator. In 2021, the company introduced its Smart Glide system, something it calls a "revolutionary safety tool that helps pilots in an emergency." For those Garmin systems compatible with Smart Glide, aviators have immediate access to airport recommendations and directions meant to save time and optimize workload in the event of an emergency. For single-pilot operations at GA altitudes, the system could well be a lifesaver. 

Garmin has been a member of the AEA since 1990, advertising in association publications through Avionics News. They have consistently exhibited and sponsored the AEA International Convention & Trade Show, as well as AEA Connect Conferences throughout the year. Much like Temple Electronics, Garmin also sponsors an annual scholarship through the AEA Educational Foundation, ensuring the next generation of avionics specialists make their way into the industry pipeline. 

FMI: www.templeavionics.com, www.garmin.com