Today, for the first time ever, the Aircraft Electronics Association hosted a regional meeting for its members in Latin America. More than 50 attendees participated in the event held at the Bourbon Convention Hotel Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It preceded the annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition, Aug. 11-13.
After an opening conference, Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, presented a regulatory session with invited ANAC representatives. The regulatory session reviewed EASA and FAA regulations, including FAR Part 145 foreign repair station regulations, aircraft modifications and an overview of EWIS and EAPAS regulations in regards to aging aircraft.
In addition, manufacturer/distributor product information sessions were presented by Thrane & Thrane, L-3 Avionics Systems, Mid-Continent Instruments, Avionics International Supply, Aspen Avionics, DAC International, Rockwell Collins, Garmin, Avidyne and Honeywell.
Exhibiting companies at the AEA Latin America Regional Meeting included:
- Aeroflex
- Aircell
- Aspen Avionics
- Avionics International Supply
- DAC International
- Dallas Avionics
- EDMO Distributors
- Garmin
- Global Parts
- L-3 Avionics Systems
- Mid-Continent Instruments
- Thrane & Thrane
The AEA Latin America Regional Meeting followed a successful Latin America round table session held at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show last March in Reno, Nev. Members from the region enthusiastically supported the idea of a regional meeting to include technical training opportunities and manufacturer displays closer to their home base.
“Exactly 25 years ago, the AEA hosted its first European regional meeting, followed 14 years ago with the first regional meeting in the South Pacific,” explained Paula Derks, AEA president. “With the dramatic membership growth we’ve experienced in Latin America in the last few years, it makes sense to officially brand that region and bring those members the same programs and representation that other members around the globe have come to enjoy. Today marks a very historic moment for the AEA.”
Looking ahead, the AEA plays host to the U.S. East Regional Meeting in Naples, Fla., Sept. 28-30, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. The deadline for advance meeting and exhibitor registrations is Sept. 23. For more information or to register, visit http://www.aea.net/Regional/East.