28 March 2007

Mid-Continent Instruments leads elite group offering Bendix/King autopilot repair capabilities

WICHITA, Kan. — Thousands of new Cessna and Diamond aircraft are populating our local airports and airways.  They all depend on the latest Bendix/King autopilot systems and create a growing need for proper maintenance, repair and recertification.

            Mid-Continent Instruments is one of only three facilities in the United States to offer full testing and repair capabilities for the KAP and KFC autopilot system components.

“We guarantee to offer the same high level of service and quality as the factory, but with a faster turnaround and, in some cases, a little bit lower price,” said Todd Winter, president of Mid-Continent Instruments.  “When the factory gets backed up and the turnaround times are slower than people would like, we give customers another option.”

Customers also have another option for warranty work.  As a warranty service center for Bendix/King, Mid-Continent Instruments provides warranty work on the KAP and KFC autopilot systems.

One reason for faster turnaround times is that both Mid-Continent locations (Wichita, Kansas and Van Nuys, California) service the entire line of Honeywell autopilot systems.  “Two sites help reduce AOG time because a larger exchange pool is available and extended operating hours allow shipping late into the night,” said Bruce Grammon, autopilot lab manager. 

The dedicated staff at both locations offer gyro and computer alignment that can be done in-house.  That cuts down on configuration setup during re-installment.  “The ultimate goal is to get customers in the air as soon as possible,” said Winter.  “We are excited to be part of the select few that can make that happen.”

Mid-Continent Instruments manufactures aircraft instruments for the general aviation industry.  Services at the Wichita, Kansas facility also include developing and manufacturing new avionics products.  Mid-Continent Instruments West in Van Nuys, California provides new instrument sales and is the top-rated instrument overhaul shop on the west coast.  Together the locations employ more than 150 people and offer the largest general aviation instrument overhaul/exchange program in the world.  Specialties include gyro, altimeter, HSI and autopilot system overhauls.  Mid-Continent instruments are found in all new Cessna airplanes and in Raytheon’s Beech line of Bonanzas, Barons, King Airs and 1900 Airliners.  Instruments are sold to other manufacturers such as GARMIN International, Honeywell, Cirrus, Lancair, Piper Aircraft Inc., Diamond and Robinson Helicopter Co.