A word about avionics installations

Long-term reliability, servicing, and repair are extremely dependent on a good installation. Avionics problems can be built in at the time of installation if the work is not performed correctly. Every installation should be neat, electrically well-designed, mechanically strong, and properly put-together. Penn Avionics, Inc. designs in quality so your avionics package gives you years of trouble free service.

Several different factors will cause the cost to install a specific item to vary from aircraft to aircraft. The type of aircraft will effect the time required to gain access to mounting areas. Larger aircraft generally require more time to disassemble and re-assemble than smaller aircraft. Available panel space to accommodate the new equipment will vary between aircraft. Existing avionics may need to be relocated to make room for new avionics. Remote equipment may need to be installed to allow backward compatibility of the new avionics with older existing systems.

The condition of existing avionics may need to be evaluated. Some installations require the new avionics to be interfaced with existing systems. For example a new IFR GPS may be required to interface with an existing HSI. If the existing HSI installation is showing signs of problems, those problems should be corrected to ensure the new equipment will perform without problem. If you own an older aircraft that hasn't seen an avionics shop for some time, it may be time to clean up some existing problems during the installation of the new equipment. The goal of a high quality avionics installation is to provide the owner with a trouble free package, that delivers the performance the avionics manufacture promised year after year.

Quality Assurance

Penn Avionics is sensitive to the concern for quality. Not only is it a safety issue, but we understand it is a tremendous inconvenience for a customer to have to stop back to have small issues taken care of after work to their aircraft. Following every avionics installation, Penn Avionics uses a 4 step quality assurance (QA) system to assure the customer receives a fully functional, problem free installation. This QA system was developed by Penn Avionics and S.C.O.R.E. (Service core of retired executives). Each avionics installation job has a lead technician assigned to the project. At the end of the job, that lead technician will complete a five page QA check list. Each page has about 15 avionics line items to be checked. The QA check sheet addresses the complete avionics installation in the aircraft, not just the items that Penn Avionics installed. After the lead technician has completed the QA check list (and corrected any open issues), the list is turned over to a different technician that was not involved in the work. This second technician again completes the full check list. Any discrepancies are noted and corrected by the led technician. After the 2nd QA is completed, the QA check list and all related documentation is turned over to the Installation manager. The Installation manager or General manager performs a third and final QA check. The third QA check includes a flight test in 75% of the cases. Any problems discovered on the 3rd QA or flight test are corrected. A paperwork package including all pilot operating guides, weight an balance forms, log book stickers, and other FAA paperwork are assembled for the owner. When the owner picks up the aircraft, the Installation Manager goes over the work performed and answers any questions. After the owner has taken delivery of the aircraft, Penn Avionics mails out a survey card to the owner asking for feedback on his/her experience with Penn Avionics and any suggestions to help use improve. Using this QA process we have found Penn Avionics can repeatedly deliver high quality, bug free installations for customers.

Installation Shop Pictures

 

Harness construction shop. 

 PA SIX custom panel retrofit

Penn Avionics, Inc. has a complete paint booth facility. 

We can re-finish part, or all of your instrument panel

1968 A36 panel. Re-paint top almond, lower brown

 

Penn Avionics, Inc can apply silk screen lettering, or use engraved placards for panel marking.

Silk Screen lettering (below left), or engraved plastic stock (below right)

                     

Call or Email Penn Avionics, Inc. for a written quote or with your installation questions.

Copyright Penn Avionics, Inc. 2002. 2/11/2008