With the approach of the ADS-B mandate continuing to accelerate, I’m getting an increasing number of calls and emails asking the same question: How do I find a good avionics shop?
My short answer is to point them towards our Dealer Locator page. Not every avionics shop that applies to become a Genesys dealer makes the grade. The ones that do make it are top shelf on anyone’s list.
If the person asking the question needs more guidance than that, I have a few more points that will help make them make an informed choice.
- Recommendations: Find others who own/operate your aircraft type and ask them which shop they have worked with recently. Why did they choose that shop? Would they go back? If not, why?
- Experience: You don’t want anyone going to school on your dollar. If they don’t have current experience with installing or troubleshooting the system you want in your aircraft, move on – quickly.
- Training for their technicians: Ask them for documentation that shows their technicians have recently received training on that particular type of avionics unit and its operation. With Operation being the operative word here. Many a problem has arisen because the installer didn’t really know how to use the unit they were installing or troubleshooting.
- Get a tour: Ask for a tour of the facility. Is it clean and well organized? Do they have security? Do you feel comfortable with leaving your valued aircraft in their care for possibly weeks at a time? If anything doesn’t feel right, it isn’t.
- Are they insured? Everyone asks about coverage while their airplane is in the shop’s hangar (you do, don’t you?), but few think to ask about coverage in the event they test fly your airplane. Some owners don’t even think about the need for a pre- or post-installation flight. Many a bad thing has happed to airplanes during test flights. Don’t wait until it’s too late to ask that question.
- Is there a good restaurant close by? Hey, if it’s a big installation, you’re probably going to be visiting the shop a lot during the project (if you’re not planning on that you need to), so good eats are a must. I’m just sayin’.
- Questions: If they’re a Genesys Aerosystems dealer (or they have a sign out front) feel free to contact me to see if they’re currently authorized or have had any issues reported. I’m here to help make your next avionics installation experience the best it can be.
Until next time, fly safely,
Jamie