Western Avionics

Part 2– Stan said it would be ready Tuesday. It wasn’t. No phone calls, nothing. I called on Wednesday morning and they said it was done and were wrapping up the paperwork. I asked what the bill was and I got the usual sticker shock. This is my fault. I should have requested a written estimate. But then again, I was never offered one either, so two wrongs don’t make it right. Thursday morning I went in to pay the bill and asked Scott what happened. He said he wasn’t sure if we were coming in on Monday. I asked why he had to order the parts then. Wasn’t that your clue that we were coming when we said we were? Whatever…
No apologies, no explanation why the price was so high. I was under the impression we were saving a few bucks by doing some of the work ourselves. Instead, I paid more than advertised prices for the same hardware completely installed. Ok. Lesson learned. Just because they are on the same airport doesn’t mean it is a) more convenient, b) you’re going to get treated better, and c) cost less. Next year, it’s to somewhere else that might appreciate it. They get three stars because the hardware works, but no stars for the service, attitude, and lack of communication. Oh, and that upgrade for the new glass panel on my other airplane? Not here.

This place is a joke, Scott Gregory, looked at my aircraft, I told him what avionics we wanted to put in and that it was an ASAP Job. It took Western Avionics 3 days to put together a quote. When I told Scott we would be buying the equipment ourselves (to save money) he stated that Western would have no problem installing the equipment. Next I go to their location and speak to Stan Erickson and ask when we can be put on the schedule for install, he initially states Monday the 14^th Jan, then I receive an email the next day stating the 7^th of Jan is now open:
Hello Zach,
We are waiting for parts on the Beech so we can start work on the 210 Monday the 7^th if you like.
Thanks,
Stan
Stan Erickson
President
Western Avionics, Inc. ‚
SO I SEND THE FOLLOWING:
Hello Stan,
That would be great Stan, I can taxi N94— over today (4^th) and drop off the plane and go over install cost, or first thing Monday morning.
I have in my possession;
1) GDL 69: but need
Connector kit 011−997−00
Mounting Rack 115−658−00
back plate 011−796−35
and wiring harness
I found needed items at;
(waiting on email reply)
2) I also have the SIGMA TECH 5000B 36 attitude indicator ready to go
3) UPS shipping says the:
530W
Diplexer
GMA 340
will be here on Monday by 12 noon
what I need from you guys:
GARMIN GI 106A ILS IND
And any other stuff you think I need or you can wow me with?
All equipment is YELLOW TAGGED or 8130 – 3
Let me know what the best plan of attack is on this project?
thanks
Zach
I then receive a call from Scott Gregory stating that there is not enough money to be made on my job so they will not complete the install, this call is received on the 7^th of Jan the day we have scheduled for my install. Last minute and completely unprofessional. There was never conversation about additional cost, charge, fee, or anything just click, dial-​tone.
I would not trust my life to a shop that is managed in this manner.