AEA Amplified

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 delivered one of the busiest years for new avionics introductions in recent memory. In this episode of AEA Amplified sponsored by Blackhawk Aerospace, Avionics News contributor Larry Anglisano discusses the products that stood out, why Garmin's AXIS generated so much attention at the world’s greatest aviation celebration, and what innovations from Dynon, uAvionix and others could mean for the future of aircraft upgrades.

Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, Innovative Aerosystems recently made a series of strategic acquisitions that are reshaping its role in the aviation industry. Larry Riddle, senior vice president of sales, discusses the company's acquisitions of the S-TEC 3100 autopilot product line, Honeywell avionics products and Honeywell power generator systems. Learn how these additions support a broader vision for integrated cockpit technologies in this episode of AEA Amplified, sponsored by Blackhawk Aerospace.

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.

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.

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.