Contact us for a copy of our credit agreement. (Three aviation related companies are required as references).
Which credit cards will Mid-Continent accept?
MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
Why are shipping charges so high?
Mid-Continent is committed to supplying an instrument that works right every time. In order to provide the best protection, special packaging with a minimum of 4" of surrounding foam is used. Dimensional weighting applies in most cases, along with a box charge and insurance fees.
Are loaner units available?
Loaners or rental units are not available. Overhauled units are offered strictly on an exchange basis. Units that are ordered that are not needed may be returned subject to a restocking fee.
What type of packaging is recommended for shipping an instrument?
An instrument should be packed with at least 4" of foam on all sides to protect it from shipping damage. Bubble wrap is acceptable, but packing peanuts are completely ineffective in protecting an instrument during shipping.
What methods of shipping are acceptable for an instrument?
Any airworthy instrument should only be shipped by air (including UPS overnight, or second day, or Federal Express priority one, standard overnight, or economy). An un-airworthy unit (such as a core return or unit sent for repair) may be shipped via UPS or Federal Express ground service. Mail or parcel post is normally not acceptable in any case.
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. Mid-Continent will provide as much information and assistance as possible to track down shipments and to help to recover losses, but delays or incidental charges (missed flights, added expense, etc.) are not the responsibility of Mid-Continent.
How soon will an order ship?
Mid-Continent will ship the same day (until 5:30 PM CT from our Kansas location, or 5:00 PM PT from our California location) unless an item has a quoted lead-time.
What is Mid-Continent’s policy on restocking?
There is a charge of 15% for items returned unused which helps to offset the cost of re-certification of the unit. Additional charges may apply for an instrument that has been installed or handled improperly.
How are core deposits handled?
Mid-Continent does not typically bill up front for a core on an exchange transaction. A RMA is sent out with the exchange unit that 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. Mid-Continent does full tear down overhauls (see “What is an overhaul?“), which means that every unit receives basically the same treatment. Units can be evaluated and repaired as necessary in some cases (90 day warranty applies). Our exchange service is provided to our customers at no additional charge.
What is the warranty on an overhauled or repaired unit?
Mid-Continent provides a one-year limited warranty on overhauled instruments (or 800 hours, whichever occurs first) 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?
The Manufacturer’s part number and the serial number (along with the aircraft type, voltage, lighting voltage, and panel tilt in some cases). 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, Mid-Continent performs a complete teardown of the unit. Units overhauled by Mid-Continent have all bearings, all worn or defective parts as well as 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 call 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?
$125 per hour, U.S. dollars.
Does it matter which serial number is received on an exchange?
All Mid-Continent overhauled 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, Mid-Continent cannot service an instrument that cannot be properly identified. Call 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 his or her local aviation authority.
What certification is included with overhauled instruments?
Mid-Continent includes an FAA/EASA approved return to service Form 8130-3 on all overhauled and repaired units.
What documentation is included with a new instrument?
As an FAA approved repair and manufacturing facility, Mid-Continent supplies 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.
Loaners or rental units are not available. Overhauled units are offered strictly on an exchange basis. Units that are ordered that are not needed may be returned subject to a restocking fee.
How are core deposits handled?
Mid-Continent does not typically bill up front for a core on an exchange transaction. A RMA is sent out with the exchange unit that 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. Mid-Continent does full tear down overhauls (see “What is an overhaul?“), which means that every unit receives basically the same treatment. Units can be evaluated and repaired as necessary in some cases (90 day warranty applies). Our exchange service is provided to our customers at no additional charge.
What is the warranty on an overhauled or repaired unit?
Mid-Continent provides a one-year limited warranty on overhauled instruments (or 800 hours, whichever occurs first) 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?
The Manufacturer’s part number and the serial number (along with the aircraft type, voltage, lighting voltage, and panel tilt in some cases). 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 (sometimes called ‘add-bill’) fees?
Charge-back fees are very rare, however some components do require a charge-back and in those cases the customer is notified 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 are subject to a restocking fee.
What is the difference between repaired and overhauled?
A repair is a fix on something reported as broken whereas 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, Mid-Continent performs a complete teardown of the unit. Units overhauled by Mid-Continent have all bearings, all worn or defective parts as well as all painted parts replaced. All factory-required modifications are included in order to provide a “like new” instrument.
