ANN Will Be In Palm Springs!

Aero-News is looking ahead -- and forward -- to spending some time in sunny Palm Springs, CA for the 49th annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show in April.

Representatives with the AEA tell Aero-News space is limited for additional exhibitors as the trade show floor, as over 150 exhibitors have been signed to participate in the show.

During the annual AEA Convention -- which takes place from April 19-22 at the Palm Springs Convention Center --  the AEA Exhibit Hall will be filled with avionics and instrument manufacturers and distributors showcasing the industry’s latest innovations in technology, along with shop owners, managers and technicians. The show is dedicated to providing those in the avionics industry with the chance to participate, network and extract valuable information to boost their business.

Training Opportunities Through AEA

In addition to the three-day AEA Trade Show, the annual convention will feature more than 75 hours of training sessions to choose from, hundreds of new ideas and countless learning opportunities. Informative “Fast Trak Sessions” will be available on opening day of the AEA Convention, Wednesday, April 19, and offer a choice of eight-hour or four-hour workshops. Fast Traks range from in-depth technical sessions to resources for small business management.

Fast Trak Sessions, including workshops presented by Garmin and Global Jet Services, offer the following topics:

• "A Logical Approach to Troubleshooting and Auto Flight Control Systems."
• "Aviation Customer Service and Communication."
• "G1000 Training and CNI Product Line Refresher Training," includes new autopilot and weather radar systems."
• "Marketing Fundamentals—Associates in Entrepreneurship Education."
• "Repair Station Training Program—Management."
• "Hazmat/OSHA/EPA and Security."
• "Communicating Human Factors Information in a Clear and Usable Manner."
• "Finance Fundamentals—Associates in Entrepreneurship Education."

On Thursday, April 21, the Regulatory Round Table, presented by Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, will provide a review and update of the latest regulatory issues affecting technicians and repair stations. Also on Thursday, more than 30 manufacturers will give new product introductions. On Friday, April 22, three Regulatory Panels featuring senior FAA officials will be available.

On the last day of the AEA Convention, Saturday, April 22, AEA will present 28 Technical Training Workshops on new equipment installations, troubleshooting, sales techniques, service and repair. Not only do the workshops provide valuable information to technicians, they also qualify as FAA-recognized training hours toward the Aviation Maintenance Training Awards Program and Inspection Authorization Renewal.

This year’s Technical Training Workshops will be presented by Aero-Flex, Aircell, Airtechnics, Aspen Avionics, Avidyne, Chelton Flight Systems, Chelton Inc., Comant Industries, Crossbow Tech., Global Jet Services, Honeywell, International Communications Group, L-3 Avionics Systems, Mobile Electronics, Nav-Aids Ltd., Revue Thommen AG Switzerland, Rosen Aviation, Sandel Avionics, Shadin Avionics, S-Tec, Trans-Cal Industries, and Universal Avionics Corp.

Looking Ahead

AEA has also announced dates and locations for all its International Convention & Trade Shows through 2011 -- including AEA's 50th anniversary celebration, which will take place at one of the association's most popular convention sites — Reno.

• 2007 (50th anniversary): Reno, NV, from March 28-31, at the Reno Hilton.
• 2008: Washington, DC, from April 23-26, at the Gaylord National.
• 2009: Dallas, TX, from April 1-4, at the Gaylord Texan.
• 2010: Orlando, FL, from April 7-10, at the Gaylord Palm.
• 2011: Reno, NV, from March 30-April 2, at the Reno Hilton.

FMI: www.aea.net