Avionics News July 2012 - 52

The Aerotronics team includes (front row, from left) Gordon Dewey, Tierani Losing, Melanie Clark, Lisa Caron, Jeff Goodman, Steve Vold, president and Gary Wirrell, vice president; (second row, from left) Jason Smith, Andre Todd, Ron Kalvig, Jeff Matye and Karl Loch; (back row, from left) Tom Binon, Jacob Jovanovich, Isaac Horn, Chuck Schmid, Les Hergenrider and Mike Harwood. Not pictured are Gary Herem and Paul Arbizzani.

AEROTRONICS

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includes functional testing and inspection; organized, simple and complete documentation; and a specialized customer service representative to chaperone the process and answer questions. Aerotronics’ experimental aircraft customers are as diverse as the aircraft they build, but they do tend to have several things in common, according to Vold. For most, building an aircraft is part of a lifelong dream, a chance to show off their creativity and create an aircraft that fits their flying needs. “An experimental- or sport-built aircraft project is typically a long-term investment of time for the owner-builder, and most often we become a part of that process from the very beginning,” Vold said. “In some cases, we have been in a relationship with a customer for more
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than 10 years before the project is ready for the avionics. “As time goes on, we are in regular contact with these customers to help them along the way with more than the avionics and instruments, but also offering a social network to make their projects easy and enjoyable.” In reaching out to the experimental community, Aerotronics has exhibited at EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., since 1995. “We like the show because the people there are having a great time, and it shows with their positive attitude and enthusiasm,” Vold said. “AirVenture is a lot like a family reunion. Customers are eager to let us know about their progress and their adventures with their new airplane.” Expanding Online Recently, Aerotronics expanded again, this time online, adding ecommerce trade at its newly updated

avionicsmall.com website. The site sells pilot supplies, aircraft parts and used equipment. “It has drawn a lot of attention from pilots and owners, and we are very pleased with the results,” Vold said. “We’re using social media, newsletters and aviation events around the country to stay in contact with our original customers and establish new relationships at the same time.” According to Vold, this ability to change and adapt, along with an appreciation for new technology as well as fearless motivation, will help drive Aerotronics’ business for another 50 years. “Since the beginning, our approach has been to stay current with new technology, provide continuing education for our employees, and invest in new equipment and market research and planning to ensure we’re ready for the changes when they come,” Vold said. q

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Avionics News July 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News July 2012