Editor's Note

This issue of Avionics International focuses on topics related to aircraft maintenance. The first article by associate editor Dan Parsons takes a look at how predictive maintenance for aircraft can contribute to improved efficiency and lower costs for fleet operations. It includes analysis of FedEx’s use of predictive maintenance—powered by AI and machine learning—to replace components before an unexpected failure occurs.

Another featured article in this issue discusses the increasing demand for aviation maintenance technicians, or AMTs. Writer Aaron Karp pulls from industry forecasts and speaks with experts that detail just how serious the AMT shortage is in 2023. MRO providers and airlines will likely be facing this challenge for several years to come.

In this issue, we also explore improvements in Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. Some of commercial aviation’s most exciting developments over the past decade have been improvements to ADS-B transponder technologies, according to writer Mark Robins. He takes a look at recent updates from Trig Avionics, Garmin, uAvionix, L3Harris Technologies, Sagetech Avionics, and BendixKing.

We also feature updates in electronic logbook technology, including insights from CrewLounge AERO, MyFlightbook, FlyGo-Aviation, ATP, and Coradine Aviation Systems. Advancements include smartphone integration, use of artificial intelligence, cloud storage, automation, and improved data collection and analysis.

What did we miss? Email me your thoughts on what we should cover in upcoming issues at jreed@accessintel.com.

Thanks for reading!