>>I have a four day stopover in LAX (14th to the 18th) so thought it an
>>opportune time to fly over to the Sun'n' Fun to pick up some avionics.
>>Any advice about such an exercise would be appreciated. Six instruments
>>required, preferably including electrical AH and DI.
>>Has anyone done a similar exercise and for what kind of deals.
>> Many thanks,
>>Tim
--
>>Timothy P Ward
Tim --
I know about Oshkosh but suspect Sun-n-Fun is no different. At OSH 98, I
found only one vendor selling new RC Allen electric AH and DG's at $125 each
more than Aircraft Spruce or Chief Aircraft. At OSH 97, they were selling
the then new GPS III Pilot for a "show special" of $20 off. I flew home,
shopped the net and Trade-A-Plane and saved $125 at a little avionics shop in
Illinois. These people can't pay huge booth fees and slash prices too.
So, if you're buying new, there's no reason to do it at the show. Plus, if
there's a Florida sales tax to be paid, that'll cancel out shipping to where
you are.
Used avionics: I personally have never bought used boxes except from a
friend, a local shop I trust whose business is not selling used stuff and
who knows the item's history, or factory "refurbs" -- warranty swaps. Beyond
that, I would only buy from the larger, well-known dealers (Gulf Coast,
Eastern, etc.). You won't save anything, but get at least some warranty,
with the principal advantage at the show of being able to inspect the unit
and gauge its age and how often it's been pulled and opened up. Don't go by
the condition of the faceplate -- they're often brand new, and if there's not
a scratch on the aluminum pieces, that may mean the original parts were too
beaten up from maintenance pulling, or too many telltale discolorations from
"yellow tags" taped to them -- maintenance releases.
Enjoy the show....
Regards,
Fred FIllinger, A063
|