Bendix-King KI-300/KI-310 Solution

[PWL]

My experience with a KI-300/KI-310 system installed in our M20J was flawless, and I was surprised by the recent Emergency Airworthiness Directive (2020-18-51).  When the AD came out, Depot Avionics in Alamosa, Colorado contacted Bendix-King (BK) to ask for their help in finding a solution.  Because my A&P in Los Alamos, New Mexico had already removed the nearly end-of life vacuum pump, and my vacuum AI needed overhaul, BK refunded the cost of the KI-300/KI-310 units and the installation cost.  Depot Avionics was then able to replace the BK system with a Garmin GI 275 interfaced to the autopilot with no additional cost to me.

Although I don't know if this is a general BK policy, but I think that both BK and Depot Avionics went out of their way with exceptional customer service.  Others in this situation might want to talk to their avionics installers to explore options as I did.

 

[carusoam]

Great pirep, PWL!

The BK device is a scary animal... it is all good, until it isn’t...

Following it in IMC would be hazardous... if it decides to go AWOL and without notice... 

Best regards,

-a-

[J0nathan225]

3 hours ago, PWL said:

My experience with a KI-300/KI-310 system installed in our M20J was flawless, and I was surprised by the recent Emergency Airworthiness Directive (2020-18-51).  When the AD came out, Depot Avionics in Alamosa, Colorado contacted Bendix-King (BK) to ask for their help in finding a solution.  Because my A&P in Los Alamos, New Mexico had already removed the nearly end-of life vacuum pump, and my vacuum AI needed overhaul, BK refunded the cost of the KI-300/KI-310 units and the installation cost.  Depot Avionics was then able to replace the BK system with a Garmin GI 275 interfaced to the autopilot with no additional cost to me.

Although I don't know if this is a general BK policy, but I think that both BK and Depot Avionics went out of their way with exceptional customer service.  Others in this situation might want to talk to their avionics installers to explore options as I did.

 

I will second that BK handled the replacement and install of a gi275, for me too, very well. It sucks the ki300 didn’t workout, but they made it right for me. Hopefully their products get sorted, their customer service has been world class though.