I did a lot of homework before selecting Aerotronics to build my panel.  I actually flew out to visit several panel builders, including Aerotronics.

The A-Team (Aerotronics) met me at the tarmac and welcomed me in.  They offered me a beverage and then proceeded to spend the next 12 hours straight with me explaining the in’s and out’s of building a panel and offering their expert recommendations and coaching on various avionics alternatives based on their many years of experience and expertise in the certified field as well as the experimental field.  Their level of knowledge was astounding.  I toured every part of their operation, right down to their paint and graphics shop.  It all happens right there.

They loaned me an “airport” car and turned me loose to terrorize Billings before flying home the next day.  The A-Team met me the next morning, showed me additional panel options, and some of the certified work they were doing.

After the D2 fiasco, I got a call from Aerotronics.  They said, “John, we will take care of you.  Your panel may be delayed a few weeks, but it won’t cost you anything extra.  We will cover you.”

There was no quibbling or “sharing” of the pain.  Aerotronics stepped up to the plate and knocked the ball out of the park just as they had done in every interaction I had previously had with them.

 

 

 

 

 

1651 Aviation Place

Billings, MT  59105

Phone:406-259-5006

 

Aerotronics Customers:

 

With all of the information available via the internet it seems apparent that D2A (Direct 2 Avionics) has ceased their operations. Because of this closure many customers have found their deposits and payments at risk that they or dealers (like us) had sent to D2A to purchase Chelton products.

 

The current policy of D2A had been full prepayment of the ordered system.  We became very concerned when the delivery of the prepaid equipment was increasingly delayed, for a variety of reasons offered by D2A. 

 

We were very shocked and dismayed near the end of December when the D2A phones no longer were being answered and in fact all communications ceased with D2A.  Even with this disturbing news we accepted the responsibility we had to our customers for the orders that had been placed with us for the Chelton product.  We immediately began an investigation of the circumstances and ways to protect you, our customers.  We were somewhat relieved on January 6^th when Chelton stepped up to the plate to help the customers who had lost their money with the D2A closer.  Fortunately, Chelton has graciously offered a replacement system to those affected, at a greatly reduced price (this document can be found on the Chelton Web site).

 

We would like to reassure all of our customers who have placed full payment with us, which in good faith had been sent to D2A, that we will provide the replacement of the Chelton systems they had ordered at no charge.  Our company philosophy is to do what we have promised our customers and we feel that this is the right and only thing to do, period.

 

We have continued our conversations with Chelton and we feel that they are working as diligently as they can to meet the needs of the many customers and dealers who have been affected by these events.   Please understand, as we do, that Chelton may need additional time to sort out all of the concerns of the previous order arrangements, new staffing requirements and of course the administration of the new events for Chelton. We will continue to contact each of our customers individually with updates and appreciate everyone’s understanding in this matter.

 

Thank you for being patient as we work through this unexpected, emotionally and financially challenging process.

 

 

Gary Wirrell

Steve Vold

Aerotronics, Inc.