Fourteen trade associations submitted joint comments to the part 147 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking, delivering a powerful message of unity and support for technician education.

The coalition echoed comments previously submitted by ATEC, asking the agency to reconsider prescriptive terms, and pushing for an outcomes-based approach to regulatory oversight. The group reiterated the need for a simplified approach to dual enrollment programs and deference to Department of Education requirements for matters concerning the quality of education.

Aspen Avionics announces it has obtained FAA approval to install its budget-friendly E5 Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) into aircraft without a panel-mount GPS. The E5 is the only flight display in Aspen’s product line approved with this installation configuration, opening the door to many aircraft owners and flight schools with aircraft equipped with dual or single NAV/COMs that want to update their existing steam gauges to glass at an affordable price.

Appareo announces the acquisition of Aerovie, LLC, developer of the Aerovie electronic flight bag (EFB) suite that includes AHRS and synthetic vision, VFR sectional, IFR low/high and geo-referenced approach charts.

Rolls-Royce announces the Royal Thai Air Force as the first international customer to update its C-130H transport fleet with the Rolls-Royce T56 Series 3.5 engine upgrade.

TRAXXALL, a business-aviation maintenance management provider, announces that it has been named a recommended maintenance-tracking provider by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, the Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker OEM.

Omaha, Nebraska-based Aircraft Specialties, Inc. announces that Aerospares Services, a Mexican aircraft-support company headquartered in Mexico City, will be the company's authorized Mexican sales representative.

Flightdocs announces that it has been named a recommended provider of maintenance tracking services for all Textron Aviation business aircraft. The Cessna, Hawker and Beechcraft OEM will now offer Flightdocs as an option for all new and pre-owned factory delivered turboprop and turbofan aircraft, with a free year of service on Flightdocs Enterprise™ Maintenance and Inventory modules. As part of the relationship, Flightdocs can support all customers enrolled in Textron Aviation's ProAdvantage™ program and any in-service Textron Aviation business aircraft.

The General Aviation Awards Program has announced the recipients of the 2019 National General Aviation Awards. The award winners are:

Gary Dale Reeves of Decatur, Texas—2019 Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year

Jon David Monti of Gardnerville, Nevada—2019 Aviation Technician of the Year

Karen Ann Kalishek of De Pere, Wisconsin—2019 FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year

Duncan Aviation announces that its full-service facility in Battle Creek, MI, has installed an ALTO Cadence cabin management system (CMS) and speaker system in a Challenger 604. The ALTO system was a perfect fit for the customer, who did not want to replace the existing switches with touchscreen cabin controls.

West Star Aviation announces Kenneth Rivers has been named the new satellite manager at its Scottsdale, AZ (SDL), location. Rivers will be responsible for the managerial oversight of the facility and staff.