AEA Amplified

Ep. 60 – How to build your workforce pipeline through apprenticeships

The avionics industry is facing a critical workforce challenge, and a new initiative is creating a structured path forward. In this episode of AEA Amplified, Dave Harrison of Fastport discusses the newly announced partnership with the Aircraft Electronics Association as a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor. Learn how this program, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, is designed to help avionics businesses attract, train and retain the next generation of technicians. Together with AEA Director of Workforce Development Nick Brown, Harrison shares how structured, on-the-job training combined with technical instruction and the nationally recognized CAET credential can reshape workforce development across the industry. If your shop is struggling to find skilled talent, this episode offers practical insight into a scalable solution. Tune in to learn how apprenticeship programs are moving from concept to reality and what it means for the future of the avionics workforce in this episode, sponsored by Blackhawk Aerospace.

Ep. 59 – Rethinking the Cockpit: Inside Nighthawk’s Guardian Avionics System with CEO Paul Martin

The next evolution of the cockpit may not come from incremental upgrades, but rather from a complete rethink of how avionics systems are designed and integrated. Paul Martin, CEO of Nighthawk Flight Systems, joins us with the latest on the Guardian Cockpit Avionics System and the philosophy behind it. From its 3D synthetic vision to its modular NEST architecture, Guardian is designed to reduce pilot workload while also addressing long-standing challenges in installation, upgradeability, and system interoperability. Tune in for a conversation that explores what sets Guardian apart from traditional glass cockpits, how it changes the equation for avionics shops, and where it fits in today’s retrofit and OEM markets in this episode, sponsored by Blackhawk Aerospace.

Ep. 58 – ALTO Aviation’s Anthony Molina shares aftermarket opportunities for IFE, audio, and CMS

When aircraft owners and passengers step into a freshly upgraded cabin, what do they notice when it comes to in-flight entertainment, audio, and cabin control systems? And when integrating these modern technologies, what should installers prioritize to ensure a smooth, intuitive, user experience? Anthony Molina, director of aftermarket sales for ALTO Aviation, shares his insights on these topics and more in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Ep. 57 – Meet Aspen Avionics Senior Vice President and General Manager Dan O’Donnell

Having served on the board of directors for Aspen Avionics since 2018, the company recently appointed Dan O’Donnell as its senior vice president and general manager. O’Donnell brings more than 25 years of industry experience in avionics, operations, technology, and safety to his new leadership role. Get to know this industry veteran and learn how O’Donnell plans to guide Aspen Avionics toward new growth opportunities in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Ep. 56 – Demand for new business jets hits record levels

Honeywell’s 34th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook forecasts a record-setting number of new business jet deliveries over the next decade. According to Honeywell, 8,500 new business jets with a projected value of $283 billion – the highest in the report’s 34-year history – will be delivered over the next 10 years with an average annual growth rate of 3%. Take a deep dive into the report’s key findings with Honeywell’s’ Kevin Schwab in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Ep. 55 – Bruce Baxter and Gordon Cox Preview AEA South Pacific Regional

AEA members from Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the South Pacific will convene at the AEA South Pacific Regional Meeting in Brisbane, October 2-3. Bruce Baxter, AEA’s regulatory consultant for the region, shares the spotlight with Gordon Cox of Avionics 2000. Together, they offer a preview of the upcoming two-day event and offer insight into the value that AEA membership brings to avionics businesses in the region.

Ep. 54 – How Gogo’s C1 box enables seamless transition from legacy ATG to LTE network

The Gogo C1 Line Replaceable Unit is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for aircraft currently using the company's legacy Air-to-Ground systems to the new LTE network. Aircraft using legacy ATG systems will need to upgrade to the C1 or an AVANCE system before the LTE network launch in May 2026, to avoid losing in-flight connectivity. Tune in for all the details, what you need to know, and how to receive rebates for the upgrades, from Dave Salvador, Gogo’s vice president of aftermarket channel, in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Ep. 53 – When does your repair station need to implement a safety management system?

The answer varies depending on where the repair station is located. Tune in as Ric Peri breaks down this frequently asked question and learn whether you need an SMS program, when you need it, and how the AEA is helping member companies in this episode of AEA Amplified.