Among Them: 16 Percent Increase In Attendance From Last Year

Hundreds of manufacturers of avionics, instruments, airframe and test equipment along with shop owners, managers and technicians poured into the exhibit hall at the Aircraft Electronics Association 46th Annual International Convention and Trade Show, March 29th through April 1st in Las Vegas.

Over 1,650 people attended the show, the biggest attendance ever. There were a record-setting 143 exhibitors filling 222 booth spaces answering questions and demonstrating their products. Attendance was up over 16 percent from last year, giving convention-goers a positive look at what business will be like the rest of the year.

Fast-Trak Seminars were offered the opening day of convention. These seminars covered such topics as FlightSafety’s Maintenance Resource Management, Hazardous Material Handling, RVSM Maintenance, Preparing for an FAA Audit, and informative sessions from Honeywell Avionics Systems, Avidyne, Garmin and L-3 Avionics. Regulatory Panels held throughout the week were intense sessions on the program, as FAA and other regulatory agencies discussed the latest regulations. These sessions included an overview of recent regulatory and legislative activity in Washington; regulations and policies affecting maintenance facilities, air carriers and personnel; overview of the FAA’s new FITS program and RVSM maintenance.

Technical Workshops on new equipment installations, troubleshooting, service and repair, and sales techniques were offered by 20 manufacturers and distributors throughout the convention.

A record-breaking 31 new products were introduced during the New Product Introductions session—allowing manufacturers to showcase their latest and greatest equipment. Attendees got an up-close look at what their customers will be asking for in the future.

During the convention’s opening, AEA President Paula Derks recognized Gary Burrell co-founder of Garmin Corp., as AEA’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner. AEA then recognized the winners of over $100,000 in aviation maintenance scholarships, and the AEA member companies who provide funding for many of those scholarships. Also honored were the over 30 companies who qualified for AEA’s First Annual Avionics Training Excellence Award. The award recognizes AEA members for their commitment to training excellence as evidenced by participation in AEA-sponsored learning events.

During the annual Awards Luncheon, WSI was recognized as AEA’s Associate Member of the Year. Fred Atwood of Woodland Aviation was recognized as AEA’s Member of the Year.

The AEA Educational Foundation’s Silent Auction was also a great success—raising over $25,000 to benefit students seeking a career in aviation electronics, and to help provide continuing education opportunities to AEA members. The Foundation provides over $100,000 in scholarships each year.

AEA’s 48th annual show is scheduled for April 27-30 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

FMI: www.aea.net