losthorse

A short note to share my experience getting avionics work performed on my 1966 M20C. I purchased this aircraft about six years ago and it was equipped with an AirGizmo mounted 296. About a year ago I upgraded to the GTN650 with Crystal Avionics (New Braunfels, TX). I really like John (this has not changed) and he seemed capable of completing the work. He quoted me what I believed to be a fair price for the GTN650 and indicator, a new attitude indicator, new light rings on all gauges, new push to talk buttons, and a 12v power outlet. John called me and told me the work was completed and I made the trip to pick up the plane. Upon entering the aircraft I could not move the seat as it had not been reinstalled correctly. Crystal Avionics was unable to correct the problem so I had to do it myself while the plane sat outside of the hanger in the sun. I found an extraction tool had been left near the seat rail and was preventing proper installation. Further inspection revealed the new light rings were operational; however, the new Garmin indicator light was inoperative. Additionally, the push to talk buttons had not been replaced and the vacuum system had been installed in reverse. In contrast, I recently upgraded the transponder with the fine folks at Pippen & York (Fredericksburg, TX). They quoted me a fair price on the transponder and labor. Additionally, they moved the transponder into the center stack (an impossibility according to Crystal Avionics), upgraded the software to the latest version, properly mounted the 12v power outlet, and replaced my push to talk buttons. Everything works as expected. If you need avionics work performed in central Texas, Pippen & York should be strongly considered.

Thanks Hank. KGGG is about a two hour flight for me, so it wont work for general maintence... it may be okay for the annual. I'll give them a call. Any other quality options near San Antonio or Austin?

Is anyone able to make a recommendation for a quality shop in or near south central Texas for a 1966 Mooney M20C? I used to have service completed at Dugosh; however, they have lost almost all of their Mooney experts and have increased their prices by 30% in the last year.