Avionics News September 2015 - 51

Several recent installations by TexasGYRO have taken place on Beechcraft King Airs, such as this 200 model.

with wiring, I immediately call someone to go help him.
The opposite may also be true."
In order to ensure a good FBO/avionics shop bond,
the company moved to its current location at Fort Worth
Spinks Airport. The company leadership was concerned
about moving to a relatively slow airport, and yet they are
busier now than they ever have been. According to Kevin
Summerlin, avionics manager, "This has a lot to do with the
quality of work and the quality of people employed."
Cost efficiency and responsiveness works for the
company, as well. TexasGYRO has experience and skill
with Part 25 aircraft operating under Parts 91, 135 and
121. By staying current with technology, the company can
assure fast turnaround on FAR and RVSM recertification
by on-site services for fleet and corporate flight
departments. Van Haitsma said, "The industry recognizes
that even though we are small, we have a talent pool better
than most. There aren't many airplanes out there that we
can't fix or make better."
Another best practice working for TexasGYRO is the
ability to see the industry change and adapt. According to
Stewart Dimon, sales and logistics manager, the industry
has gone through what he calls, "drastic changes - almost a
complete change. We started doing bench work on gyros and
radar, but our world has moved off the bench and onto the
flight line."
Although the company provides strong support for legacy

equipment, currently, TexasGYRO spends more time with
installations and modifications.
"This is a major change in our business model," Dimon
said. "We still serve the legacy market, but the industry is
180 degrees from the way it was in 2002."
The company has adapted to many regulatory changes,
especially regarding installations. The changes in regulations
have affected how TexasGYRO approaches a modification.
Dimon noted how they are leaning away from individual
field approvals.
Also working for TexasGYRO is the ability to be
specialized and diverse, simultaneously. According to
Dimon, "For the first three years of our change-of-focus from
bench repairs to installations, we specialized in Westwind
and Astra aircraft. We were quite good at it. About two years
ago, that focus changed more toward the King Air market.
Although we do still see a Westwind from time to time, five
of the last seven installations we have done have been on
various models of King Air. Currently, we have three more
on the schedule. For diversity, we have worked on most
piston-twin, turboprop and jet aircraft, and we have worked
numerous heavy lift helicopters to include Kaman K-1200,
SA330J PUMA, several Bell 407s and a Bell 609 tilt rotor.
Last year, we did major modifications on two Air Tractors
and two Pawnees for a customer in South America, which
Continued on following page
avionics news

september

2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News September 2015