Who do you trust for Midwest Avionics?

[William Munney]

Duplicate post.

Edited October 12, 2023 by William Munney

[William Munney]

Looking for a trustworthy and fair avionics shop in the Midwest for a possible Garmin G500 autopilot install.

Thanks all.

[ZuluZulu]

I *heard* that Lafayette Avionics is good, can't remember from who, but I have no experience with them whatsoever and their website says they are booked until January 2025.

https://avionics-laf.com

[PilotX]

Talk to @Warren they have always done great work on my plane in Colorado.

 

http://www.rockymountainaircraftservices.com/index.php?pr=Aircraft_Avionics

[KSMooniac]

Bevan Aviation in Wichita

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[AndreiC]

The Midwest is big, depends on where you are. But the Skycom Avionics shop at Waukesha Airport (KUES) has an excellent reputation in this area (Madison/Milwaukee/Chicago).

[William Munney]

No idea how that duplicate post got in this topic.  Sorry all.

[William Munney]

Thanks for the recommendations all.  I’m taking notes.  I’m amazed at how expensive autopilot installs are…….and also the difference in quotes I am getting for the same work.

[LANCECASPER]

On 10/10/2023 at 7:57 PM, William Munney said:

Looking for a trustworthy and fair avionics shop in the Midwest for a possible Garmin G500 autopilot install.

Thanks all.

G500 is a PFD/MFD. 

GFC500 is an autopilot.

[Echo]

This is a topic that is currenty "near and dear" to my heart.  Wow is it a sellers market in the Midwest for Avionics installers.  I have been trying to get quotes for EDM830 installation...Just quotes mind you...and to quote Rodney Dangerfield "I gotta tell ya, it's tough out there".  Indeed it is.  Based on this it's tough not to get quiet about "your guy".  There are fewer and fewer shops willing to do timely installation (speaking of A&P's) when they are swamped with traditional annual/engine/repair work.  I used to be able to get "my guy" to do this type of work.  No more.  Forced out into the cold competitive hostile world of avionics installation is a tough spot.  You want it when?  (Laughter).  "I can maybe fit it in after first of year if things slow down...You are bringing the equipment?  That is 15% mark up."  Waiting for a one line quote....three weeks and about 10-15 hours high on labor based on multiple other sources for time.  Sigh.  Like fuel prices, bend over, smile and say "Thank you sir, may I have another"...

[KSMooniac]

Are you DIY-inclined?  And have a friendly A&P to supervise and sign for you?  Engine monitor installation is not technically difficult, just very tedious.  But you're correct in the current environment it is tough to get work scheduled and completed everywhere it seems.

[Echo]

8 hours ago, KSMooniac said:

Are you DIY-inclined?  And have a friendly A&P to supervise and sign for you?  Engine monitor installation is not technically difficult, just very tedious.  But you're correct in the current environment it is tough to get work scheduled and completed everywhere it seems.

Yes, but we are talking installation of fuel totalizer and going through the firewal with cabling.  I would be constantly asking questions.  If I had a step by step video I would have a go.  Just reading a manual.  Way beyond my comfort level Scott.  Scott

[KSMooniac]

Understood. I can try to remember to take pics of my installation (EDM 900) where i reused an existing firewall pass thru. I'm currently installing electronic ignition and purchased a firewall grommet kit from Spruce to run that harness. None of the steps are terribly complicated, just tedious. My 900 was a big project with lots of little steps, to include getting hoses specified and made for the pressure sensors, routing and securing wires, connecting to GPS, etc.

I'm not trying to talk anyone into going off their own reservation into dangerous territory, so I hope I don't come across that way. Worst case you get everything apart and can't move the plane if you get stuck! By all means we need to make a plan and stay within our capabilities, and/or have help available.

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[William Munney]

I was asking around about installation of the Garmin auto-pilot.  It is nearly impossible to get a line item summary estimate and a hard quote.  And, the quotes range +/ to - $5000.  Ridiculous.   Then, they want 50% down and for you wait 6-9 months.  What a racket.

[Shadrach]

On 10/12/2023 at 9:39 PM, Echo said:

Yes, but we are talking installation of fuel totalizer and going through the firewal with cabling.  I would be constantly asking questions.  If I had a step by step video I would have a go.  Just reading a manual.  Way beyond my comfort level Scott.  Scott

Seriously, none of those things are a big deal for an experienced A&P.  Likely have existing pathways through the firewall. fuel transducer installation at worst entails making up a hose. Routing and clamping everything is the most tedious part, which does not require great skill, just patience.

[Echo]

2 hours ago, Shadrach said:

Seriously, none of those things are a big deal for an experienced A&P.  Likely have existing pathways through the firewall. fuel transducer installation at worst entails making up a hose. Routing and clamping everything is the most tedious part, which does not require great skill, just patience.

I am not turning in my man card. Lol. Had to change a tire in a suit on way to wedding today. Avionics install is way out of my comfort level…Oh well  

[KSMooniac]

Here is a pic of a couple firewall penetrations. Left one is my EDM 900 in a stock location. The right one with clecoes is a work in progress for my Electroair installation. It uses the Avery kit from Aircraft Spruce, and there will be a piece of fireseal clamped over the wires when it is finished. By far, the most difficult part of the installation is access! Otherwise, it is just simple and tedious attention to detail to route and secure wires.

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