Avionics News June 2012 - 4

NOW

My Take on the AEA Convention

ne of the biggest things on my mind lately is the everyone a complete overview of what is changing within AEA International Convention & Trade Show that the FAA and other government agencies that affect us all. just concluded in Washington, D. C. I’ve been very fortunate Topics, such as SMS and certification issues, are explained to attend most conventions during the past 30 years, and I by various representatives of government and the industry. would not have wanted to miss this one either. The AssociaThe New Product Introductions session is always welltion CEO panel discussion hosted by AEA President Paula attended. This year, there were 27 rapid-fire presentations Derks was very informative, and the keynote address by Re- on what is new to the avionics marketplace. Attendees may tired Air Force Col. Mark Tillman left me with a whole new follow-up with the presenters and learn more about a spelevel of respect for our military and the previous presidential cific new product or service in the AEA Exhibit Hall. What administration. The AEA International Convention is such a a great way to expand your knowledge base, and it beats the great opportunity to learn and grow professionaldaylights out of looking at a website. ly, and I don’t think this gets emphasized enough. The theme during the 55th AEA Convention Have you ever stopped to think about the was “Take Pride. Take Ownership. Take Back importance of this show? For starters, it is the Your Industry.” This message was made loud and largest wholesale avionics show in the general clear by Derks in her opening remarks and was aviation industry. Nearly 1,500 avionics manuboldly displayed in many places throughout the facturers, distributors, government representahalls and meeting rooms all week. I believe it cartives and academic representatives come together ries a message for all of us to be mindful of in the from all corners of the world. I make it a personal Chuck Freeland days ahead: Collectively, we are a distinguished goal to shake hands with several new faces each part of aviation, and we need to remain proud day, and I am surprised every year at how many of those of the many positive contributions we make in our jobs, people remain in touch after the event. If you are involved despite the negative comments made by elected officials in in our industry, this is a must-attend event with phenomenal our government. This economic downturn that has touched networking opportunities. virtually everyone may not reverse course rapidly. But, for Do you need training and education classes to meet Federal those who hang tough in these times, it will get better. And, Aviation Administration requirements for your business? hopefully, the new technology introduced will be allowed Well, it doesn’t get any better than the AEA International to expand and flourish in aviation without the ever-present Convention with several different classes offered by various burden of over-regulation by governments. q industry experts, college instructors, manufacturers representatives, professional consultants and government authorities. Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, gets a bit of grief from the membership about his early-morning Regulatory Rise and Shine sessions. But, CHUCK FREELAND it’s the only way to fit all the material into the schedule, Secretary, AEA board of directors and there always is a packed house. These sessions give Otto Instrument Service Inc., Ontario, Calif.

“Ric Peri... gets a bit of grief from the membership about his early-morning Regulatory Rise and Shine sessions. But... there always is a packed house.”

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Avionics News June 2012

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