Business & Technical Sessions

The opening Regulatory Rise & Shine offers a thoughtful, substantive and insightful source of regulatory news and information that affects you, your customers and your business. This Rise & Shine is dedicated to the most current aviation news, information and events. The specific topics are driven by the regulatory agenda, international agreements and new technologies being introduced.

• Opening Ceremony
• Chairman's Welcome
• President's State of the Association Address
• Keynote Speaker: Bruce Tulgan
• AEA Awards

The New Product Introductions always is one of the most popular sessions at this annual event, but it has quickly evolved into a must-see, cornerstone showcase in recent years. The event is now the primary launching pad for companies to unveil the latest and greatest in new avionics products and services coming to market for the current year, and more and more industry leaders are taking notice.

So what will be the most-exciting new product announced in 2026? see more

This session is designed for experienced avionics technicians to deepen their understanding of magnetic interference and its impact on aircraft systems. Participants will explore common sources of interference, such as wiring errors, equipment placement, and environmental factors, and learn how to diagnose and mitigate these issues using wiring diagrams, EMI detection tools, and best practices in shielding and grounding. Through real-world examples and interactive analysis, this session equips technicians with the skills to maintain system integrity and ensure accurate navigation and communication performance.
This session also takes place Wednesday, March 25.

This session is tailored to provide participants with a solid grounding in identifying and addressing common avionics challenges. We will unveil common pitfalls and arm attendees with practical techniques to diagnose and rectify issues, and we will discuss the tools and techniques for troubleshooting. This training is suitable for beginners and those looking to solidify their foundational knowledge to help be your compass in the complex world of avionics.
This session also takes place Tuesday, March 24.

How to properly and accurately perform an electrical load analysis.
This session is also being held on Tuesday, March 24

Familiarization with the CMS product lines and what is needed for CMS to put together a proposal. Overview of system architecture.
This session also takes place Tuesday, March 24.

DZMx, DZMx Plus and SmartHub. Common installation and configuration pitfalls and new features with latest firmware. Cell diversity and why choosing the correct low loss coax cable is so important.
This session also takes place Tuesday, March 24.

How to configure Jupiter audio controllers. Solutions for adding ICS capability operating Jupiter wireless intercoms audio impedance adapters.

Continually evolving aircraft certification pathways for lithium batteries including TSOs, TCs, and STCs. Focus on STC certifications including special conditions and advisory circulars including recent changes in industry related to the FAA. Course Objectives: Certification, integration/interface issues, installation.

 
This session also takes place Tuesday, March 24.

Learn how to use the latest feature release on the AVX-10K that provides end-to-end communication and over-the-air power testing, and the benefits of static and dynamic GPS simulation with a step-by-step walkthrough using the latest GPS simulation product from VIAVI Solutions. Note: The OSPREY GPS Simulator can be used regardless of the RF test set that you own. It is an independent GPS TX solution.
This session also takes place Tuesday, March 24.

Your convention badge is required for entry.

This session is tailored to provide participants with a solid grounding in identifying and addressing common avionics challenges. We will unveil common pitfalls and arm attendees with practical techniques to diagnose and rectify issues, and we will discuss the tools and techniques for troubleshooting. This training is suitable for beginners and those looking to solidify their foundational knowledge to help be your compass in the complex world of avionics.
This session also takes place Monday, March 23.

How to properly and accurately perform an electrical load analysis.
This session is also being held on Tuesday, March 24

Aviation is a global industry that relies heavily on the international cooperation of the authorities and the ability to service and support aircraft regardless of state of registry. This session focuses on a conversation with the regulatory authorities impacting the AEA membership and features the FAA and Transport Canada. The authorities will offer their perspective on the import and export of aviation products and services with an emphasis on the installation and maintenance of avionics products.

Explore FAA regulations impacting interior and exterior LED lighting. This session provides a comprehensive overview of compliance requirements and key considerations for aviation lighting systems.

FAA inspections of an Anti-Drug & Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program can happen with little, or absolutely no notice. Is your repair station prepared? Join us for a dynamic, practical session that breaks down the FAA’s inspection checklist and shows you exactly what inspectors look for. Drawing on AirTera’s 25+ years of expertise as a trusted Third-Party Administrator, we’ll explore the most effective methods for maintaining compliance, from smart record-keeping practices to proactive program management. You’ll learn how to avoid the most common pitfalls that lead to findings, how to keep your drug and alcohol testing program inspection-ready every day, and how to leverage proven industry strategies to stay ahead of regulatory requirements. Whether you’re new to program management or a seasoned compliance professional, this session equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to navigate FAA inspections smoothly and successfully.

Join ALTO Aviation and Innovative Advantage for a focused, hands-on session, designed specifically for AEA attendees seeking to strengthen their troubleshooting expertise in IFE and CMS networks. This collaborative training will walk attendees through real fault scenarios, signal flow breakdowns, and best-practice diagnostic techniques. This is an ideal session for technicians, installers, support specialists and avionics students looking to elevate their troubleshooting skills.

Familiarization with the CMS product lines and what is needed for CMS to put together a proposal. Overview of system architecture.
This session also takes place Monday, March 23.

DZMx, DZMx Plus and SmartHub. Common installation and configuration pitfalls and new features with latest firmware. Cell diversity and why choosing the correct low loss coax cable is so important.
This session also takes place Monday, March 23.

Explore the technical advantages of dual-band ADS-B In and how it transforms cockpit situational awareness. This session will provide detailed integration guidance for Collins Pro Line 21 and Universal Avionics Connected Aircraft platforms, as well as strategies for incorporating ADS-B In into other avionics systems. Attendees will learn how to deliver pilots real-time traffic and weather data, improving safety and operational efficiency. Key takeaways: Step-by-step integration with Collins Pro Line 21 and Universal Avionics systems best practices for connecting ADS-B In to mixed avionics environments, and operational benefits for pilots and maintenance teams.

The FAA’s NPRM 4 standards, scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027, will significantly impact radar altimeter selection and installation. This technical session will break down what these changes mean for avionics technicians and operators, focusing on compliance strategies and future-proofing your aircraft. We’ll also review the Terrain Series radar altimeters, their technical specifications, and proven installation practices through real-world case studies. Key takeaways: Understanding NPRM 4 and its implications for radar altimeter compliance. Technical specifications and performance of the Terrain Series installation best practices and lessons learned from field deployments.
This session also takes place Wednesday, March 25.

This session will cover the ARTS-7000 Avionics Radio Test Set, including its capabilities, key functions, and typical use cases. Participants will learn how the system performs comprehensive testing of aircraft radio, communication, and navigation systems. The objective is to understand setup, operation, and troubleshooting steps to ensure accurate and efficient testing in the field.
This session also takes place Wednesday, March 25.

Software for selling, fabrication, and wiring. This class is for shop management wanting to use technology. We will discuss the latest features and the future development.
This session also takes place Wednesday, March 25.

This session will discuss a new product introduction along with existing product lines for any budget, including plug n' play solutions for each market.

Attendees will learn how to use SkyWire Studio to draft professional wiring diagrams to document their installations. The course will cover best practices, including how to organize a drawing across multiple sheets, how to layout each sheet for readability, and where to start when working from scratch on a new installation.
This session also takes place Wednesday, March 25.

 
This session also takes place Monday, March 23.

Learn how to use the latest feature release on the AVX-10K that provides end-to-end communication and over-the-air power testing, and the benefits of static and dynamic GPS simulation with a step-by-step walkthrough using the latest GPS simulation product from VIAVI Solutions. Note: The OSPREY GPS Simulator can be used regardless of the RF test set that you own. It is an independent GPS TX solution.
This session also takes place Monday, March 23.

• Light lunch will be served inside the exhibit hall.
• AEA Educational Foundation Silent Auction begins in exhibit hall.

For AEA Canada members only

Managing Risk: Fundamental to today’s aviation safety philosophy, understanding how to manage and mitigate risk is required to effectively operate a modern repair station and an essential element of SMS. This session will provide the understanding of the risk management process and provide you with the tools to effectively and efficiently incorporate risk management into your everyday operations.

Human Factors in Maintenance: Most maintenance errors trace their origins to some compromise in human factors. This session will investigate the fundamentals of human failure and identify opportunities to improve productivity as well as workplace health and safety.

AEA Safety Management System: The international interest in implementing an effective SMS program continues to grow throughout the aviation maintenance sector with many countries either already mandating an SMS program or are on “short-final” to implementing a new regulatory mandate. This session will provide an overview of the AEA SMS program and how it helps you to cost-effectively establish and operate your safety management system.

Garmin's training will use the same two-room schedule. There will be 30-minute and one-hour sessions scheduled in each room, and attendees can pick which sessions, in either room, they want to attend. Most sessions will be offered twice throughout the day. To qualify for Garmin dealer training requirement credit, attendees must participate in five of the seven hours of training. Attendance will be tracked electronically, so follow instructor directions closely.

The objective for Garmin's training is to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and skills related to installation, troubleshooting and configuration of Garmin products. The training will cover various administration topics and tools relevant to the field.

Training topics include:

• New product training, including overview, quoting, operations and installation considerations.
• Discussion of the latest installation, troubleshooting, configuration and administrative topics from training classes and FSE calls.

Click here for more information.

Accurate wiring schematics are essential—and working without them wastes time and money. Wiring Planner streamlines the process of designing and documenting avionics wiring harnesses, helping technicians and engineers get more done with fewer mistakes. Join this one-hour session to see how the software works and how it can support your shop’s operational and business goals.