Ranks Swell To More Than 1,310 Members
Membership in the Aircraft Electronics Association is at an
all-time high as the Association enters 2007 and prepares for its
50th anniversary.
At the end of 2006, the AEA recorded 1,317 corporate members
from around the world. The AEA also experienced record growth in
2006 with 134 new member companies, which is the largest number of
new member companies in a single year in the organization’s
50-year history. AEA will mark that anniversary during the AEA
International Convention and Trade Show from March 28-31, at the
Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV.
The AEA represents repair stations specializing in maintenance,
repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in
general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes
manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities,
instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment
manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational
institutions.
AEA President Paula Derks attributes the increase to providing
vital services and programs to the membership.
"We had record growth because we delivered business solutions to
current and perspective members that saved time and money, helped
them do business in the ever-changing regulatory environment,
helped them better train their technical staff and helped them
manage and market their business," Derks said.
The Association began in 1957 with its first meeting attracting
50 individuals from small avionics shops interested in pooling
their talents and experience, as well as working cooperatively with
manufacturers and distributors, to arrive at higher industry
standards. In 1977, 20 years after it was formed, AEA’s
membership reached 279. In the 30 years since then, more than 1,000
new members joined.
The AEA isn't resting on its laurels for 2007.
The group's agenda for the upcoming year includes taking a lead
on commenting on the FAA's proposed rulemaking for quality and
ratings systems for Part 145 repair stations; continuing to serve
on the executive board of the National Center for Aircraft
Technician Training (NCATT), a National Science Foundation project
to establish and maintain aviation technician education and skill
standards as well as industry endorsed certifications; offering
more training opportunities on new products, business management
and regulatory knowledge; and partnering with general aviation
sister organizations in the fight against user fees.