SAB Avionics Ltd. – Wanaka, New Zealand
Steve Bunting has been fascinated by aviation for as long as he can remember, seeing an airplane fly by when he was in his “pushchair” got him hooked. During Bunting’s teenage years, he spent time going to the local airport and sat for hours watching the same machines coming and going without getting bored no matter how many times they were seen that day.

At 17, Bunting decided on a career in aviation. According to Bunting, due to too much time staring out the classroom window watching the aircraft fly by, he didn’t have enough qualifications to be a pilot. He joined the Royal Air Force as a flight line mechanic and only a few months later, still 17, he was working on the F4M Phantom. Later, he trained as an avionics technician and moved to the Avro Vulcan, and for a short time, he had the great privilege of working on the aircraft. He ended his service on the Tornado GR1.

Moving into civilian life, Bunting realized he needed to become a licenced aircraft maintenance engineer. Over the next couple of years, he studied hard and obtained all of his avionics licences.

Work took him to various places, including Saudi Arabia, throughout Europe, Canada, and Brazil working for a couple of regional airlines in the United Kingdom in line maintenance.

After 30 years in line maintenance and having just become a father at the tender age of 45, Bunting and his family decided to immigrate to New Zealand. Aviation in New Zealand is not as big as other countries, but it does have a vibrant general aviation sector with only a relatively small number of maintenance engineers, a small percentage of which are avionics specialists. Armed with a newly minted New Zealand aircraft maintenance engineer licence with avionics ratings, Bunting decided to set up his own company, SAB Avionics. Bunting stated it wasn’t imaginative, as SAB are his initials. Little did he know, coming from an airline background with relatively new aircraft, the average age of the GA fleet in New Zealand is around 60 years old, and every one of them is different, even though they look the same. His learning curve was steep. Over his 19 years in New Zealand general aviation, the curve has become a little less steep and the job has become satisfying. He has been fortunate to work on everything from warbirds to whirlybirds, ultralights to GA heavy metal and some pretty engineers as well.

Bunting’s life in aviation has spanned 51 years. He learns something new every day, looks forward to the next cool piece of avionics to be released, and he still looks up when he hears an aircraft engine.

Omega Aircraft Services LLC – Weatherford, Oklahoma
Dennis Falasco started flying with a chief flight inspector when he was 10 years old as he had a passion for aviation and flight. Falasco was lucky enough that his parents supported his passion for flight and provided the opportunity to fly with a CFI at such a young age. His early childhood goal was to become a pilot for American Airlines. At that time, little did he know what that meant as far as quality of life and living the lifestyle of a commercial pilot.

After graduating from high school, Falasco knew he wanted to be in aviation but did not have any idea how to move forward and obtain his certificates as a pilot. His mother introduced him to some schools that provided maintenance training and a path to obtain his airframe and powerplant ratings. Choosing Colorado Aero Tech in Broomfield was his choice of schools, and he spent the next 18 months obtaining his A&P certificate.

After school, Falasco worked for a contact company for 10 years installing various avionics and cabin entertainment systems around the world for various airlines. Tired of all the travel, he decided to make a change for the family and moved to Texas where he started his general aviation career after a short period working for Lockheed Martin. Falasco started his general aviation career working for S-TEC autopilot as an installation technician and worked his way up to installation manager. As the installation manager, he was introduced to Kent Abbott. Abbott and Falasco would go on to become partners at their current company, Omega Aircraft Services, in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Abbott and Falasco came to an agreement on how to start a Part 145 repair station, and in the fall of 2008 Omega Aircraft was born. Relatively new to the general aviation industry, Falasco was introduced to the AEA after receiving the Part 145 certificate for Omega Aircraft Services. According to Falasco, joining the AEA has been a huge benefit to his organization with training and contacts within the industry. Falasco hasn’t missed an AEA Convention since joining the association.

In 2024, Falasco reached out to Nick Brown, AEA director of workforce development, to help with recruiting talent in his rural area. Being in the country it has been hard attracting talent to make the move. Brown introduced him to Oklahoma CareerTech, which helped him start the Choose Aerospace Program at a local high school.

Falasco’s ultimate goal is to have more qualified technicians and to grow his own workforce. He has committed to growing general aviation; however, he can and is always looking for new ways to grow the industry in Oklahoma.

Green Mountain Avionics – Middlebury, Vermont
Bill Hanf began his avionics career in 1990 with the United States Marine Corps. He worked on CH-46 helicopters and developed his technical ability and leadership skills. He served proudly for six years and received an honorable discharge.

As a civilian, he worked for Cessna Citation Service Centers in California and New York, where he became the avionics supervisor. After 10 years with Cessna, he moved back to his home state of Vermont and took a position as the avionics manager for a Part 145 certified repair station with a Part 135 charter operation, where he worked until he opened his own avionics shop, Green Mountain Avionics, in Middlebury, Vermont.

He has been the owner of Green Mountain Avionics since 2011. The business started with just one employee and has grown exponentially. The business continues to thrive, encompassing two maintenance hangars as well as two company airplanes: a 1964 Beech S35 Bonanza equipped as an avionics demonstrator, and a 1971 Cessna 150L to be used as an avionics demonstrator as well as a primary trainer for company employees interested in pursuing a pilot's license.

Hanf has been an active member of the AEA since prior to founding Green Mountain Avionics and is currently in his ninth year serving on the board of directors and in his third and final year as chairman with prior service as vice chairman and work on various committees.

The relationships that he has established through the AEA have made it possible for him to not only decide to start his own business, but they continue to play a major role in its growth and success as well. He has developed strong personal connections with other industry leaders across the globe, and they provide unprecedented support and guidance to each other. Together with the AEA, they are recognizing industry-wide opportunities and challenges and developing strategies to overcome them.

Fieldtech Avionics and Instruments – Fort Worth, Texas
Kevin Nelms started working with electronics early in life, starting with hand-held two-way radios in the seventh grade and moving on to tube televisions. During an aptitude test for the Navy, his electronic knowledge became apparent, and he quickly escalated to an E5 at 19 years of age. He attended the Memphis Electronic School Naval Air Station in Millington, Tennessee, while in the Navy, which led to a job working for LTV on light-attack aircraft. After leaving LTV, he went to work for General Dynamics on the F-111 combat aircraft program.

Nelms met Pappy Spinks, a renowned aerobatic competitor/promoter and aviation manufacturer, early in his career. He went on to work for Pappy at Oak Grove Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, performing installations on a Bell Helicopter prime contract. This guided Nelms to open his own small shop at Oak Grove Airport. Later he moved to Meacham, where he was installing radios on Piper aircraft. Eventually, he skyrocketed to the biggest avionics dealer in the area. Nelms opened Fieldtech Avionics & Instruments in 1975 with a larger hangar at Meacham Airport. He became one of the first Part 145 repair stations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and quickly landed dealerships for Bendix, King and Collins along with being one of the first AEA members.

Today, 50 years later, Fieldtech and Nelms are going strong. They have branched out globally with offices in Singapore and a repair station and large hangar in the Philippines. Along with the original location in Fort Worth, Texas, the company has over 120 employees and holds dealerships with all the major OEMs.

Duncan Aviation – Lincoln, Nebraska
With over 40 years of electronic repair experience and four decades dedicated to aviation, Scott Samuelson, a longtime Duncan Aviation employee, has built a career rooted in passion, expertise, and a commitment to fostering the next generation of avionics professionals.

Samuelson’s interest in electronics began as a teenager in small-town Nebraska while delivering TVs to a local repair shop. This hands-on curiosity led him to earn an associate degree in electronic engineering technology from Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska.

His electronics career began in 1982, working on communication systems for the Nebraska State Patrol, followed by a role with the National Cash Register company. In 1985, Samuelson joined Duncan Aviation as an instrument bench technician. Over the following years, he cross-trained on various avionics systems, including instruments, NavComm, transponders, flight directors, and test equipment, while also taking on more leadership positions. This broad expertise led Samuelson to his current position as a technical representative.

As a technical representative, Samuelson is a problem-solver and mentor. He assists customers in troubleshooting complex avionics issues and works one-on-one with new technicians, guiding their growth. As one of the few remaining experts in legacy aircraft systems, he occasionally returns to the bench to repair these intricate components.

Samuelson was introduced to the AEA in the late 1980s at a regional meeting in Kansas City. Since this first exposure, he has attended many regional and national AEA events.

Beyond his technical skills, Samuelson is passionate about workforce development and education. As a member of the AEA workforce development committee, he travels frequently to promote aviation careers by speaking at schools, career fairs, and regional events. He’s recruited technicians from diverse backgrounds, including automotive and motorcycle repair, highlighting transferable skills and opening new opportunities in avionics.

His dedication to education extends to teaching. He has been an adjunct professor at Southeast Community College, teaching electronics and energy generation courses. Samuelson is leading a new program with SCC that brings a virtual electronics classroom to Duncan Aviation for team members. He takes great pride in watching young technicians grow and succeed, especially those he has recruited, hired and mentored.

Throughout his career, Samuelson has witnessed remarkable changes in the avionics industry, from the rise of satellite communication to internet connectivity and regulatory advancements like RVSM. Despite these transformations, his commitment to building relationships and creating genuine connections has remained constant. He values the teamwork, integrity and camaraderie he’s found at Duncan Aviation and within the avionics community. His leadership, expertise, and advocacy for aviation careers embody the spirit of the avionics profession.

Wysong Enterprises – Blountville, Tennessee
Since the early 1970s, Steve Wysong has worked in various niches of the aviation industry, including helicopters, airliners, corporate jets, and small airplanes. Today, Wysong Enterprises is one of the few independent customizing facilities still family-owned and is located at the Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville, Tennessee.

Wysong got his first job in aviation at Collins Radio in Miami Florida, working on black boxes used by airlines flying out of Miami International Airport. From there, he went to work at Sunstream Jet Center at the Fort Lauderdale Airport and became the avionics manager after six months.

Wysong founded his first business in 1979, Wysong Avionics, at a helicopter avionics shop located at North Perry Airport in the Miami/Hollywood area. While in Florida, he started to install specialized electronic news gathering equipment for several Miami news stations. In 1987, he decided to sell his shop to Edwards & Associates, which eventually became Bell Helicopter, in Piney Flats, Tennessee. Wysong managed the company’s avionics shop for several years. In 1989, he decided to open his own business and started his current company. His main focus was completing various electronic news gathering helicopters from Miami to Los Angeles to New York. Back in the 1990s, most of the major news events that have been seen from the air were made possible by Wysong’s equipment and installations.

As demand eventually diminished for news helicopters in the early 2000s, Wysong began getting contracts to customize emergency medical, law enforcement and corporate helicopters, which has kept his business thriving through various economic downturns. Today, Wysong Enterprises has three adjoining hangars, which includes a paint shop, at Tri Cities Airport.

From its beginnings, Wysong included his family in his business operations, but none were more involved than his son, Rodney Wysong. While growing up, Rodney moved from one department to another before getting into the sales side of his father’s business and earning the title of vice president. In 2013, Rodney was diagnosed with brain cancer. After three years of traveling the country seeking a cure, Rodney died in April 2016. Steve and Rodney’s Christian faith gives Steve the peace that he will be reunited with his son in heaven.

Wysong has been a member of the AEA since 1997 and is honored to have served on the board of directors for nearly eight years. He currently serves on and has previously chaired the government and industry affairs committee. For quite a few years, Wysong was actively involved in FAA regulatory sessions with the Rotorcraft Directorate through the AEA.

He sums up his life’s work this way: “The helicopter programs that we are involved in give me a lot of satisfaction knowing that the work we do at Wysong Enterprises is a factor in saving lives and keeping safe environments for our families. I am very happy to be involved in an industry of creating and building something, and then maintaining what we assemble.”

Currently the company has around 40 employees.

Steve and his wife, Kim, have been married 47 years. They have two grown daughters, Holly and Kelly. Holly’s husband, Jonathon Davis, is currently working at the company and will eventually run Wysong Enterprises. After 50 years of being in the avionics business and still involved today, Wysong is currently spending more time on the golf course and is helping with various nonprofit organizations.

Aircraft Lighting International is at the forefront of providing LED lighting solutions for the aerospace industry. Founded by Nicholas Michelinakis, ALI has a classic origin story. It started in a garage in Long Island, where Michelinakis first sought to provide improved interior fluorescent lighting with unprecedented customer service for the corporate jet market, all while developing his first LED products that he recognized would be the future. Fast forward to 2024, and you’ll find ALI’s innovative LED solutions in aviation's military, corporate, and commercial sectors for both inside and outside the aircraft.

Founded upon the mission to enhance the aviation experience by providing high-quality aircraft lighting solutions, ALI has now grown into a 20,000-square-foot model facility in recent years. It proudly offers American-made products. The FAA PMA-approved manufacturing facility is certified to AS9100D and ISO9001:2015 standards, underscoring an unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. ALI specializes in designing and delivering safety-certified aircraft lighting systems tailored to meet diverse customer needs, prioritizing passenger comfort, efficiency and sustainability. With over 40 FAA-PMA approvals to date – which continues to grow today – it strives to meet the aviation industry's rigorous demands while advancing innovation and compliance.

A passion for innovation drives it to improve existing designs, explore new technologies, and develop forward-thinking solutions that address the evolving needs of customers and the aviation community. The most recent examples of this are the exterior LED lighting options and the new and improved 3-wire MOOD RGBW LED system. Yes, there are only three wires to each LED, meaning less time to install, less weight, and less to maintain – a prime example of the dedication to the company’s mission.

This relentless pursuit of excellence has made ALI a trusted partner within the aviation industry. Over the years, it has established a reputation as a leader in the industry, consistently contributing to advancements in aviation technology. It works closely with customers and industry partners to deliver lighting solutions that elevate the flying experience while setting new benchmarks for safety and efficiency.

ALI sponsors a $5,000 scholarship through the AEA Educational Foundation, which is available to a high school senior or college student who plans to attend or is attending an accredited school in an avionics or aircraft maintenance program. The company is honored to be recognized by industry peers for its contributions to the aviation sector and is proud to continue a legacy of excellence, innovation and partnership, lighting the way for the future of aviation.

Following another successful AEA Convention in the spring of 2023, a group of entrepreneurial friends – Jaramey Ham, Mike Salmon, Brian Yablon, and Jason and Michelle Kubiak – sat down for dinner to discuss the challenges faced by avionics shops. Their conversation focused on eliminating inefficiencies, particularly the countless unbilled hours that many shops face during installations. Yablon, owner of Air Sense Avionics, joked, “Too bad you can’t just sell time,” prompting Ham to respond with a spark of inspiration: “Why not?” That simple statement became the foundation for Aviation Design and Supply, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the way avionics shops work.

Since 2018, the AMI MX work order management system has been the trusted solution for managing projects, reducing administrative overhead, and simplifying complex workflows. This software reflects ADS’s commitment to practical, technician-friendly solutions that address real-world challenges. ADS’s vision for efficiency extends beyond software.

In the past 18 months, ADS has launched a comprehensive line of Garmin Autopilot Hardware kits, simplifying installations by providing all necessary components listed in the installation addendums of 75 individual STCs and counting. These meticulously designed kits reduce sourcing time, improve accuracy, and ensure compliance – delivering real, measurable benefits to shops seeking to optimize their workflows.

In the fall of 2023, ADS began developing its next game-changing product: the ATAT-1100 Walker, a bridle cable clamp tensioning tool. Designed to simplify and speed up the tensioning process, the tool was created with direct input from the ADS team, many of whom are current or former avionics technicians. Their firsthand experience ensures the tool meets the practical needs of installers, combining efficiency with ease of use. By reducing the complexity and time required for critical tasks, ADS ensures that shops can work faster without compromising quality.

ADS is committed not only to supporting avionics shops but also to valuing its employees. As part of its dedication to creating a supportive and family-friendly work environment, ADS offers free in-house daycare for all employees, providing them with peace of mind and a meaningful benefit that enhances work-life balance.

At the heart of ADS’s mission is a commitment to quality and customer service. Every product is designed and manufactured with rigorous attention to detail, ensuring reliability and performance. ADS takes pride in listening to the needs of its customers, offering hands-on support, and continuously refining its offerings to exceed industry expectations. This dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has earned ADS the trust and loyalty of avionics professionals across the industry.

ADS is more than a company – it’s a partner for avionics shops looking to save time, increase profitability, and enhance their operations. With a passionate team, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, ADS is reshaping the future of avionics installations.

Buller Enterprises is known in the aviation industry for manufacturing the Panel Pro. The first Panel Pro was sold in 1993, but the idea, development and testing started several years earlier. Larry Buller, founder of the company, graduated from Letourneau College with an aviation technology degree, served in the U.S. Army, including one year in Vietnam as crew chief on a Huey. Following his military service, he worked at Aero Comm Systems in St. Petersburg, Florida, as an avionics repair and installation technician. There he gained experience and furthered his education. In 1976, he and his wife, Linda, returned to North Dakota, home state for both, and together they started an avionics shop that was associated with a Cessna dealer. Cessna was only offering ARC avionics at that time, and many of the new aircraft owners wanted other brands. The Cessna dealer would buy the aircraft without avionics and their avionics shop would install the avionics to customer specs. There was a significant amount of panel work for each aircraft, and with every panel being done manually using hole punches, drills, and files, Buller felt “there just has to be a better way.”

The 1980s saw IBM introduce the IBM PC, which made it practical to control external devices like a Panel Pro, Auto Desk released AutoCAD software introducing the dxf file, and now the technology was available for the idea of a Panel Pro to become reality. Buller Enterprises developed the Panel Pro 2216, capable of cutting 22-by-16 inches, making it possible to cut a pilot or co-pilot panel. It wasn’t long before the market was ready for a larger Panel Pro, and in 1997, the next model was available, capable of cutting a King Air panel.

By 2005, the Panel Pro 4824a with new software and updated features was ready for more exposure, and Buller Enterprises joined the AEA as an associate member. The AEA was an important resource when starting the avionics shop. The training received through the AEA was excellent, not only with the equipment but with business management. Many of those early lessons are still valuable today. Becoming an AEA member was a wise decision and gave the company exposure to the shops that could use the Panel Pro. Through the AEA Convention’s New Product Introductions session and exhibit hall displays, they have been able to sell not only in United States but worldwide, and the Panel Pro has become the industry standard.

Tim Buller, Larry and Linda’s son, returned to North Dakota in 2010 after serving in the Navy for 13 years. His computer programming, mechanical, electrical, and supervisory skills combine to make him an integral part of Buller Enterprises.

Buller Enterprises is a family-owned business whose goal is to provide a great product by listening to its customers and providing world-class support. The Panel Pro has seen changes in size, features and accessories from the first Panel Pro 2216 to the current Panel Pro 6126, and Buller Enterprises looks forward to meeting the ongoing needs of the aviation industry by introducing new products, enhancements and continuing its great customer support.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, was founded in 1933 by Arthur A. Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as Collins Radio Company. Its initial focus was on pioneering radio communication technology, including groundbreaking work during the early years of global aviation. The company gained recognition for designing advanced communication systems for aircraft, including its contribution to the first successful trans-Atlantic flight using radio communication.

Over time, Collins expanded its expertise to encompass avionics, navigation and aerospace technologies. Its commitment to innovation positioned it as a trusted partner in both military and commercial aviation.

Collins entered the general aviation sector to bring state-of-the-art avionics solutions to private and business aircraft. By enhancing safety, reliability and connectivity in the skies, Collins earned a reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology that reshaped general aviation.

Collins Aerospace's relationship with the AEA reflects its dedication to advancing the avionics industry, empowering the global dealer network and aftermarket business through comprehensive support, innovative solutions and a commitment to operational excellence. A proud member of the AEA, Collins has supported the organization's mission of fostering excellence in avionics design, installation and maintenance. Through collaboration and participation, Collins Aerospace continues to empower the AEA community and contribute to the growth of general aviation.

Today, as a leading aerospace company, Collins Aerospace remains dedicated to its founding principles of innovation, collaboration and service to the aviation community.

For over 40 years, Universal Avionics has been a pioneer in aviation, dedicated to enhancing safety and efficiency for pilots and flight operations. What began with a focus on developing reliable flight management systems, recorders, and electronic displays has evolved into a comprehensive suite of solutions that guide over 35,000 airplanes and helicopters worldwide, from business aviation to airline, cargo, and civil mission operations.

Universal has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of technology. Recognizing the potential of advanced military technologies, the company forged partnerships with parent company Elbit Systems Ltd., inspiring similar developments for the commercial aviation sector. This led to the achievement of many exciting innovations and industry firsts, including wearable head-up displays, multispectral EVS cameras, Connected avionics, video management systems, image recognition using AI, and voice-to-text systems.

Today, Universal Avionics continues to lead the industry by utilizing the full power of data – integrating artificial intelligence across avionics solutions, augmented seamlessly into the pilot’s view and workflows. Taxi assistance, traffic awareness, and other visual guidance features further enhance situational awareness to prevent incursions and resolve emerging challenges. Whether it’s new industry mandates or supersonic flight – the company is ready to help connect what’s next.

Beyond technological advancements, Universal Avionics is dedicated to supporting the aviation community. A proud AEA member since 1982, it collaborates closely with original equipment manufacturers and dealer networks in the design, development, manufacture, and certification of solutions. Universal Avionics also invests in the future of aviation by funding scholarships for the next generation of technicians and providing comprehensive training and support. Its people are passionate, focusing on quality, dependability, and customer success to ensure safer skies and more efficient travel.