Goal Is To Demystify The FAA For Startups Coming Into The Avionics Space

By Tom Patton

The perception of the FAA as a monolithic entity that can throw up multiple roadblocks in front of innovation and entrepreneurship ... while at least somewhat deserved ... is one that can perhaps be changed through interaction with the agency.

To that end, the Aircraft Electronics Association has organized a Technology Incubator designed to demystify the path forward to producing parts for certified aircraft with a focus on producing these parts under the FAA oversight. The best and most successful way to demystify anything in aviation is to open the path for communication.

The AEA Technology Incubator will include presentations and discussions focused on understanding the FAA regulatory structure, as well as the Part 23 and production regulations, guidance and policies. In addition, the AEA Technology Incubator will offer ample opportunity to interact with the association staff, FAA personnel and other attendees.

For years, the association has helped startup manufacturers navigate the complex world of aviation regulations through on-demand, one-off requests. As these requests have grown in frequency, the AEA has strategically developed a structured forum to offer greater assistance to these startup companies. To achieve the goals of the AEA Technology Incubator, the association has organized a one-day event scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 16, at its international headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

The AEA is restricting attendance to startups. To attend this forum, the manufacturer must not hold an FAA production approval; however, it may hold a NORSEE approval. This is a forum for startup companies or new entrants into the certified aircraft industry. This is not a forum for established manufacturers; that is the quarterly manufacturer’s forum.

AEA Vice President of Government Affairs Ric Peri (pictured) told ANN at AirVenture that there has been a shift in the culture for approving avionics at the FAA that is preceding the implementation of the Part 23 re-write. "When you look at all the new products here, Part 23 hasn't changed yet," Peri said. "It's still a month away. So it's about the philosophy change. And it's that philosophical change that is bringing this.

"So when you talk to entrepreneurs that were applying for the certification say two years ago, they were still being driven from a top down approach," Peri continued. "You may be looking at a market to install for a 172, but we're going to certify it for a Boeing 787. And that's where the change is. Now we're certifying it for a 172."

The incubator is an invitation-only event. Interested entrepreneurs can get information about how to apply on the AEA website.

Here at AirVenture, AEA is again giving away $1,000 each day toward an ADS-B compliant upgrade. There are still a couple of days left to enter.

This year marks the fourth-consecutive year that the AEA has made the $1,000 award available to five aircraft owners during the show.

FMI: aea.net/events/incubator