The Aircraft Electronics Association has named Kevin Bruce as its director of engineering and certification.

Bruce has served as the association's Canadian region regulatory consultant since 2013 and as the director of airworthiness and quality for Diamond Aircraft since 2006. A former regional manager for aircraft certification at Transport Canada, Bruce brings extensive regulatory knowledge and engineering experience to this new role. With the growth of the aircraft electronics industry and the introduction of technologically advanced aircraft, Bruce will help support the AEA's expanding government and industry affairs efforts.

“Kevin's professional background and years of experience with the AEA will benefit our members and industry alike as he focuses on the engineering and certification of avionics systems, emerging technologies and their fitment into next-generation aircraft,” says AEA president and CEO Mike Adamson. "We also look forward to Kevin spearheading our efforts with the delegate community providing mentorship, training and connectivity for this underserved group of professionals.”

Bruce has a bachelor's degree from Ryerson University in aerospace engineering and more than 25 years of aircraft design, modification and repair certification experience, specialising in general aviation and warbirds. He has led certification projects with various authorities around the world, including the FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, Chilean DGAC, ANAC and many others.

In addition, he is experienced in developing policies, procedures and regulations, specialising in airworthiness, certification, quality and safety management systems. He participated in the FAA regulatory committee to rewrite Part 23 and is actively involved on the ASTM committees for the new general aviation design standards (F44), aircraft systems (F39) and light-sport aviation (F37).

"I am honoured to take on this expanded role with the AEA, and I thank the association for its support over the last 10 years," says Bruce. "It has been a great experience so far with the whole AEA family, members and staff. I look forward to the future and supporting our members as we enter into this exciting stage of the aviation industry."