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.