Avionics News July 2013 - 26

Walter Aronow routinely repairs transponders and handles IFR certifications at his repair station in Roanoke, Texas.

EXP AIRCRAFT SERVICES
Continued from page 25

More than ever, owners are looking to upgrade their analog
“steam-gauge” panels to glass, according to Aronow.
“Today’s glass panels, especially for the experimental market, are
absolutely phenomenal with functions, performance and reliability
that rival the best avionics out there,” he said. “Folks in the experimental market also are jumping on the ADS-B bandwagon with
both feet. They are seeing the benefits of having traffic and weather
in the cockpit now rather than waiting for the 2020 deadline.”
Aronow takes pride in just how detailed and meticulous he is,
starting with the type of test equipment he uses. For transponder
testing, Aronow relies on the Aeroflex IFR 6000. And for altimetry
testing and calibration, he uses DFW Instrument’s DPST-8000M,
an RVSM-certified unit.
“Even though very few of our customers require the accuracy
RVSM offers, we believe all of our customers can benefit from the
increased accuracy this equipment provides for testing and calibration services,” he said.
Another example of his extreme attention to detail is how
Aronow handles an IFR certification.
“I will adjust the altitude encoder to a more stringent plus or
minus 50-foot tolerance when the spec allows for a plus or minus
125-foot error,” he explained. “This way, I know things are as perfect as I can get them, and the system will stay in tolerance for the
full two years after leaving the shop.
“Along the same line, if the transponder frequency is off, I will
remove it and adjust the frequency back to the spec where it be26

avionics news

•

july

2013

longs. Granted, it takes extra time to do these things, but I like
things to be right when they leave my shop. It’s a personal thing, I
guess, but it makes me feel good when I know things are just right.
It’s the same way I maintain my own airplane.”
Help When You Need It
EXP Aircraft Services participates in the EAA’s technical advisor program, offering free inspections for experimental aircraft
builders. The program helps builders use correct construction
methods, techniques and materials so their aircraft turns out airworthy.
“The most important inspection comes when the aircraft
is complete and I perform the final inspection prior to the first
flight,” Aronow said. “The goal of the Technical Counselor Program is to help EAA members present a zero-defect aircraft at its
final inspection by the FAA, and have a routine first flight with
no surprises.”
In the near future, Aronow plans to expand on those services
by offering a full experimental aircraft and RV builder assist center where customers can build their aircraft with access to tooling,
as well as professional and technical assistance.
Builders will be able to choose from a menu of options for
a monthly or hourly rate, depending on what they need – from
building space with use of tools to hands-on assistance to complete aircraft wiring and avionics installations.
“Best of all, everyone will be encouraged to work together and
learn from each other,” Aronow said. “This is a great community
to be a part of, and we plan to be here for a long time to help folks
with their aircraft projects.” q

Avionics News July 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News July 2013