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Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:14:34 -0500
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Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Looking for avionics shop in Florida
From: Paul Miller <pjdmiller@gmail.com>
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Dico and others: Contrary to my friend Ronald's good experiences, I
would definitely NOT recommend Avionics Installations at Spruce Creek
(7FL6) based on my experience.   The story is long and horrible but
the end result was that a simple Garmin installation in a TBM 700
resulted in damages exceeding $20,000.   We tried to claim on the
shop's insurance policy but determined Avionics Installations had no
insurance.  Pahan It took no responsibility for the damage, had no
knowledge of the systems they were working with and failed to adhere
to Honeywell's procedures for cooling.  The personnel ran the
Autopilot and EFIS systems on the ground for hours without cooling in
100F hangar temperatures until they failed.  They ignored all the red
and yellow display warnings on the systems.  Then I got the call
stating the avionics didn't work.

My experience with other credible shops are that they inventory
systems when the plane is flown in and go over any deficiencies with
the owner at the outset.  Avionics Installations said they inventoried
but no documents were provided.  Reputable shops fix stuff they break
and have adequate coverage for mistakes and expert knowledge in the
systems they are working on.  Remember that you are not simply looking
to install a $3,000 radio, you are looking for a company that will
protect your asset from possible damage such hangar rash, employee
errors, scratched windows and fires in the worst case (soldering irons
in cockpits have levelled airplanes to ashes).

It's not worth the risk to go to that shop in my opinion.  If anyone
wants details I would be happy to show emails and history of what
happened.

On the other hand, Sarasota Avionics (Venice and Sarasota locations)
have done excellent work and are Garmin dealers.   The TBM in question
above was just flown in there today to repair the damage by Avionics
Installations and upgrade the panel with a G600.  It was more
economical to change to a G600 than deal with Honeywell to repair the
damage by Avionics Installations at Spruce Creek.

Good luck Dico and who is "they" in your original email?

Paul Miller
Calgary, Canada