PIREP - Stark Avionics

[Brandontwalker]

As many of you, I appreciate pireps from those of you with experience with shops you use (good or bad) and like to pass on my experience for the consideration of others as well.  After a so-so experience during a recent avionics install, I found myself looking for an alternate avenue for the installation of a new transponder for ADS-B compliance.  I called two local shops first.  The price of one was so high that I actually busted out laughing on the phone as if I were at a comedy bar.  He was apparently not as amused as I.  I was telling the story of my local quote to a friend at the airport and he recommended that I call John Stark at Stark Avionics for a quote.  In doing my due diligence prior to calling John, I browsed Mooneyspace and BT for pireps on the shop.  In doing so, I came across an absolutely terrible pirep on Stark Avionics.  (Search in BT if you would like to read it).  This pirep caused me serious concern about whether or not to call Stark for a quote. 

I posted a general query for recommendations on an avionics shop and received another recommendation for Stark from another MSer (Oldguy).  He and I spoke regarding his experience with Stark and I decided to give John a call based on the two recommendations I received from trusted sources.  I was open with John regarding my concerns relating to the negative pirep on MS and the fact that I was gun shy based on the previous experience.  As they always say, there are two sides to every story and John took his time to explain his side to me as I am certain he will be willing to do with anyone else who would like to call him in that regard.  Our conversation shifted from the pirep to pricing.  John and I discussed different equipment options, what would best suit my needs/wants and the flat fee installed price for each option.  We ultimately decided to install the Stratus ESGi for ADS-B in/out.  John quoted me a soft price, but was up front that the number could be slightly higher if the tray was riveted in (as many Mooneys are).  I went to the airport that night, took pictures and confirmed that my trays were attached with screws and forwarded those pictures to John.  John responded in a very timely manner and confirmed the flat fee price for the equipment and install in writing and we scheduled the install date and pickup date.  The plane was to be dropped off the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  John said he would have everything ready by Tuesday, but I opted to schedule the pickup for Wednesday in case there were some snags along the way.

My 20J was dropped off at Stark on the scheduled date.  John communicated with me the following day to confirm that he found the keys and that work was underway.  I received a call the next day (Tuesday) to advise that everything was complete and the plane was ready for pick-up.  Weather did not cooperate for the pick-up and the trip was not made until Friday.  I arrived to find the plane secure in the hangar and ready to go.  The invoice was for the exact amount quoted.  I would not hesitate to use Stark in the future for any project and hope anyone considering the same would weigh this pirep against the negative one referenced above when making their decision.

Brandon

Edited December 7, 2016 by Brandontwalker

[carusoam]

Nice Pirep, Brandon!

Best regards,

-a-

[LANCECASPER]

Could you share what the installed price of the Stratus ESGi was on a Mooney?

[Brandontwalker]

Could you share what the installed price of the Stratus ESGi was on a Mooney?

Sure. The ESGi was $3555 out the door. I was told it would be around $200 more if the rack was riveted in (as many Mooneys are), but mine was not.


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[ELT]

That is a great price!!!!!!!

I am getting installed prices on ESG I of around $5,500.00.  That is $3,495 for ESG I, labor and install parts $1,850.00. Labor and parts are taxed in NC.

What are other's getting for quotes?