Flightcraft Instrument Panels

Originally published October 1995

The program for our meeting was Mr. Gary Picou from Flightcraft in Portland, Oregon. (For more info call 1-800-547-9307) Gary was formerly the editor of 'Avionics Review' magazine doing consumer testing of avionics of all types. Gary has been working for Flightcraft for several years. Here are some of the tidbits Gary had for us.

• Flightcraft can deliver instrument/avionics panels in a very timely manner. They have more resources available to them than most homebuilders and do superb work. They stock most components needed for each panel.
• Most manufacturers will honor warranties if the panel is built by Flightcraft, they may not if the builder puts the panel together him- or her- self.
• Flightcraft panels are modular using industry standard components. One of the first parts of an aircraft seen by a visitor admiring your new homebuilt is the cockpit and panel. This is one place that can really make a first impression. Flightcraft products are first class.
• Gary gave us the plusses and minuses of LORAN, GPS, RNAV, Transponders, Autopilots, DME, Antennae and Intercoms.
• The process starts with the customer choosing the avionics to install. Then Flightcraft collects the money and orders everything. They start building the panel about 10 weeks prior to the customer's need date. Once completed, they bench check it and burn everything in to prevent 'infant mortality' problems. Then the panel is shipped to the customer.
• They'll do anything from a simple VFR panel to a full-blown glass cockpit.
• Flightcraft also offers 9.8% financing for these products as well.
• Some up and coming avionics could be manufactured by Becker, ICOM, and Garmin. All of them could give Bendix/King a run for their money.

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