The newly formed ad-hoc AEA Strategic Outlook Committee met for the first time, June 9-10, at the AEA International Headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Avionics industry executives gathered for the two-day event with a focused mission statement: To assess the relationships between the AEA and the general aviation industry between now and 2020; identify, evaluate and implement strategic plans that enable the association to continue to fulfill its original mission. The committee is responsible for identifying and interpreting relevant information about the aviation business environment and its effect on the AEA membership, and, in turn, evaluate the probable impact on the association.
“We are fortunate to have a dynamic group of industry leaders participate in this committee,” said Paula Derks, AEA president. “It’s not an easy task. The committee is examining major game-changers: technology paths, a declining pilot and technician market, regulatory challenges, part obsolescence issues, and changing business models between the OEMs and their dealers…and, then, interpreting our findings with possible solutions and opportunities in the future. ”
The group expects to meet a minimum of four times during the next nine months and develop a progress report to the association and its members at the 55th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Washington, D.C., April 3-6, 2012.
Committee members include:
- Greg Vail, Bloomington Avionics
- Gary Harpster, Duncan Aviation
- Jeanne Rau-Flattery, Aero Express
- Barry Aylward, Kitchener Aero
- Mark Wilken, Elliott Aviation
- Brian Campbell, Hawker-Beechcraft
- Mike Beazley, Honeywell
- Paul De Herrera, Universal Avionics Systems
- John Uczekaj, Aspen Avionics
- Matt Harrah, Garmin
- John Peterson, Rockwell Collins
- Paula Derks, AEA
- David Green (moderator)