Avionics News July 2018 - 42

BENTON AIR CENTER
Continued from page 41

Bennett said. "For a couple of our T-34 customers, we'll
be doing a full avionics package, which will include the
Garmin G5 Electronic Flight Instrument or an Aspen
EFD1000 Pro package. Those are very popular. A lot of
people are getting rid of their vacuum systems, and they're
upgrading to the glass cockpit with battery backup. The G5
and Aspen EFD1000 Pro are affordable options."
Dynon Avionics recently announced that its popular
integrated avionics system for experimental aircraft is
now certified for general aviation. It's creating excitement
among owner-operators, according to Bennett.
"It's a more-affordable option for people who want to
upgrade their aircraft with a glass cockpit," he said. "We've
paired it with an Avidyne IFD500 navigation system. It's
certified and ready for the Cessna 172 right now."
For operators who need an entirely new panel, Benton
Air Center outsources its panel work to local specialists

who cut the panel with a CNC machine and powder coat it,
if needed. The repair station handles the entire installation
process, including prewiring the avionics and instruments.
"We understand that people don't like having their
airplane down any longer than they have to," Bennett said.
"So, we build up and prewire systems ahead of time on the
bench. That way, when they do bring in the aircraft, their
wait time isn't as long."
The closest avionics shops to Benton Air Center are
located 135 miles to the north in Ashland, Oregon, and 145
miles to the south in Lincoln, California. A shop at a nearby
airport focuses on helicopters. Ostrich and Bennett want
to serve local owner-operators' avionics needs, as well as
build on Benton Air Center's reputation for specializing in
Warbirds and other vintage aircraft.
"Ashland and Lincoln are quite a drive," Bennett said. "We
want to meet the avionics needs of those right here in Northern
California. Also, we have a lot of experience with warbirds.
It's worth the trip for people to come to us from Southern
California to have their avionics work done right." q

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