Tue, May 05, 2009
We've known Paula Derks for quite a number of years and a number
of adjectives come readily to mind when we consider the leader of
the Aircraft Electronics Association... competent, decisive,
expert, cheerful and insightful... and now we feel compelled to add
one more -- inspiring.
This year's rendition of the annual AEA Convention took up the
Derks mantra and therefore wound up being a surprisingly upbeat
affair. While everyone bemoaned the awful economic situation forced
upon them, to a person there was unanimity in the belief that the
industry would not only survive but come back bigger and stronger
than before... and Paula set the tone.
“We are purposely choosing to emphasize the positive
attributes of the industry this week,” said Paula Derks,
president of the Aircraft Electronics Association on the opening
day of this year’s annual convention and trade show, which
took place from April 1 to 4, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in
Dallas.
Setting this tone seemed to work as nearly 1,500 attendees
crowded the AEA Exhibit Hall and the meeting rooms to research
products and gain knowledge through educational forums on technical
and regulatory issues.
Among the positive highlights of this year’s convention
were:
- More than 31 companies taking part in the “New Product
Introductions” session.
- More than 140 companies and organizations displaying during the
trade show.
- Attendees receiving more than 75 hours of FAA-accepted
technical training classes.
“It would be premature to announce the light at the end of
the tunnel,” Derks said, “but many of the manufacturers
told me they are making good contacts and writing orders at the
booths, which means their dealers — our members — are
buying product.”
Next year’s AEA International Convention & Trade Show
is set from April 7-10, 2010, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in
Orlando, Fla.
More News
Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots >[...]
"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-t>[...]
(Pilot) Reported That There Was A Sudden And Violent Vibration Throughout The Airplane That Lasted Several Seconds Analysis: The pilot was returning to his home airport at an altit>[...]
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.19.25): Option Approach
See All