Yes. Contact us for a copy of our credit agreement. Please note, three aviation-related companies are required as references.
Which credit cards do we accept?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Are loaner units available?
Loaners or rental units are not available. Overhauled units are offered on an exchange basis. Units that are not needed may be returned subject to a restocking fee.
What type of packaging is recommended for shipping our products?
Bubble wrap or foam is acceptable. Packing peanuts are ineffective in protecting an instrument during shipping.
What methods of shipping are acceptable for our products?
When properly packaged, our products can be shipped by air or ground service.
What about shipping problems?
The shipping company requested at the time of the order is responsible for delivering the shipment on time and in good condition. Our Customer Service team will provide as much information and assistance as possible to track down shipments and to help to recover losses, but delays or incidental charges, including missed flights, added expense, etc., are not the responsibility of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics or True Blue Power.
How soon will my order ship?
Most orders will ship the same day, unless it is a large quantity order, or an item has a quoted lead-time.
How do you ship lithium products?
The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the shipping of all lithium batteries under its Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). For more information on these regulations and how to properly ship lithium products, please contact us.
What is our policy on restocking?
There is a charge of 15% for items returned unused. This helps to offset the cost of re-certifying the unit. Additional charges may apply for a product that has been installed or handled improperly.
How are core deposits handled?
We do not typically bill up front for a core on an exchange transaction. An RMA is sent out with the exchange unit and should be returned with the core. Overseas shipments, along with some domestic COD transactions, may require a core deposit, which will be quoted at the time of sale.
How many days are allowed to return an exchange core?
Unreturned cores will be subject to billing after 30 days. The deadline may be extended if arrangements are made before the end of the 30-day period.
To which location should the core be returned?
Cores may be returned to either of our two locations:
Kansas
9400 East 34th Street North
Wichita, Kansas 67226 USA
California
9722 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Chatsworth, California 91311 USA
Is it less expensive to have a unit overhauled versus getting an exchange?
No. Our team of expert technicians performs full teardown overhauls (see “What is an overhaul?“). Units can be evaluated and repaired as necessary (90-day warranty applies). We provide our exchange service to customers at no additional charge.
What is the warranty on an overhauled or repaired unit?
We provide a one-year/800-hour limited warranty on overhauled instruments and 90 days on repairs.
Are overhauled instruments available outright?
Overhauled instruments are offered for exchange only, and are not available for outright sale. We strive to maintain availability of units in our exchange pool for all of our customers. Check availability of a new unit from us, or purchase a core from a reputable dealer that will guarantee that you receive a repairable unit.
What information is needed when ordering an exchange unit?
You will need the manufacturer’s part number and serial number when ordering an exchange unit. The aircraft type, voltage, lighting voltage, and panel tilt may also be needed, depending on your unit. It is also helpful to have the mod status. The exchange transaction requires the return of the exact same part number and acceptable mod level and/or serial number. Any discrepancies should be addressed in advance.
What is an overhaul?
The FAA does not recognize the term “overhaul”, but does require units installed in an aircraft to be “serviceable”. Returning a unit to service may be as simple as a functional test, but in order to provide the longest life and the least possibility of a recurrence of an intermittent failure, our technicians perform a complete teardown of the unit. Units overhauled by Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics have all bearings, worn or defective parts, and all painted parts replaced. All factory-required modifications are included in order to provide a “like new” instrument.
Why does the new overhauled directional gyro, that has been installed, not agree with the wet compass?
It’s always a good idea to have a compass swing performed on an aircraft whenever a directional gyro is installed.
Why is a new or recently overhauled air-driven gyro from Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics slow to erect, not indicating roll or pitch level and/or tumbling?
After verifying that the unit is connected properly (air inlet and outlet ports) and that there is adequate vacuum/pressure, be aware that air driven instruments frequently fail due to contamination in the air system, including the lines, filter and pump. Check the air inlet port on the gyro to be sure that there is no sign of contamination visible on the internal mesh screen. Caution: very small particles may pass through these screens and will damage the bearings in the instrument.
Is an instrument that has been exposed to water repairable?
Water usually causes corrosion and, in most cases, will cause the unit to be beyond economical repair. If no corrosion is visible, send the unit for evaluation or contact us for a recommended replacement.
Is a turn coordinator a suitable replacement for a turn and slip (needle and ball)?
Many aircraft were certified with either type of gyro. The OEM may be able to supply an alternate part number that would allow for installation of a turn coordinator in place of the turn and slip. We recommend the EGC brand.
What is the hourly shop rate for repairs?
The hourly shop rate for repairs is $135 per hour.
Does it matter which serial number is received on an exchange?
Instruments are fully overhauled and brought up to the latest manufacturer’s specifications — a lower serial number does not indicate that the unit is more likely to fail in the future.
The original manufacturer’s data tag is illegible or no longer with the unit. Is this an acceptable core?
In compliance with FAA regulations, we cannot service an instrument that cannot be properly identified. Please contact us for a recommended replacement.
Is the new instrument a direct replacement for the worn out instrument?
The installer is responsible for signing off an aircraft after work is performed. If there is a doubt as to whether any part is interchangeable, the installer should consult their local aviation authority.
What certification is included with overhauled instruments?
We include an FAA/EASA-approved return to service Form 8130-3 on all overhauled and repaired units.
What documentation is included with a new unit?
As an FAA-approved repair and manufacturing facility, we supply all new units with a signed Certificate of Conformance. A Form 8130-3 is available and included at no additional charge for items shipped to any international destination.
What are Gen5 Lithium-ion Aircraft Batteries?
True Blue Power Gen5 batteries are our fifth generation of lithium battery products. They cut aircraft battery weight by more than 60% and increase your useful load. Gen5 lithium-ion batteries provide constant monitoring, protection, and capacity data, require no capacity checks, and last 8 years.
What products feature a limited lifetime warranty?
We offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty for select new manufactured True Blue Power USB charging products (manufactured on or after 1/1/2018). We will repair or replace a unit under warranty once the unit is returned and the malfunction is verified. This Limited Lifetime Warranty applies only to original installation and non-commercial applications (Part 121 & 125). To qualify, you must register the unit(s) within 45 days of purchase and accept the warranty terms. For complete warranty details visit our Warranties page.
Loaners or rental units are not available. Overhauled units are offered on an exchange basis. Units that are not needed may be returned, subject to a restocking fee.
How are core deposits handled?
We do not typically bill up front for a core on an exchange transaction. An RMA is sent out with the exchange unit and should be returned with the core. Overseas shipments, along with some domestic COD transactions, may require a core deposit, which will be quoted at the time of sale.
How many days are allowed to return an exchange core?
Unreturned cores will be subject to billing after 30 days. The deadline may be extended if arrangements are made before the end of the 30-day period.
To which location should the core be returned?
Cores may be returned to either of our two locations:
Kansas
9400 East 34th Street North
Wichita, Kansas 67226 USA
California
9722 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Chatsworth, California 91311 USA
Is it less expensive to have a unit overhauled versus getting an exchange?
No. Our team of expert technicians performs full teardown overhauls (see “What is an overhaul?“). Units can be evaluated and repaired as necessary (90-day warranty applies). We provide our exchange service to customers at no additional charge.
What is the warranty on an overhauled or repaired unit?
We provide a one-year/800-hour limited warranty on overhauled instruments and 90 days on repairs.
Are overhauled instruments available outright?
Overhauled instruments are offered for exchange only, and are not available for outright sale. We strive to maintain availability of units in our exchange pool for all of our customers. Check availability of a new unit from us, or purchase a core from a reputable dealer that will guarantee that you receive a repairable unit.
What information is needed when ordering an exchange unit?
You will need the manufacturer’s part number and serial number when ordering an exchange unit. The aircraft type, voltage, lighting voltage, and panel tilt may also be needed, depending on your unit. It is also helpful to have the mod status. The exchange transaction requires the return of the exact same part number and acceptable mod level and/or serial number. Any discrepancies should be addressed in advance.
Do you have charge-back or ‘add-bill’ fees?
Charge-back fees are very rare, however some components do require a charge-back. In those cases, we will notify the customer upfront.
How long do I have to return a core? When will I know if the core I sent is good?
Cores must be returned within 30 days and will be assessed within 7 days.
I purchased an exchange unit. I found the problem was something else before I took your unit out of the box, so I won’t be using it. What is your return policy for an unused item? Is there a fee?
An unused item may be returned within 90 days and is subject to a restocking fee.
What is the difference between repaired and overhauled?
A repair is a fix for something that is broken. An overhaul is a complete teardown of the unit which occurs in accordance with the manufacturing specifications.
What is an overhaul?
The FAA does not recognize the term “overhaul”, but does require units installed in an aircraft to be “serviceable”. Returning a unit to service may be as simple as a functional test, but in order to provide the longest life and the least possibility of a recurrence of an intermittent failure, our technicians perform a complete teardown of the unit. Units overhauled by Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics have all bearings, worn or defective parts, and all painted parts replaced. All factory-required modifications are included in order to provide a “like new” instrument.
