Avionics News March 2014 - 79

THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON
Continued from page 15

techniques and practices acceptable
to the administrator. No, this
doesn't meet muster any longer.
Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
specifically states, "This AC
contains methods, techniques
and practices acceptable to the
administrator for the inspection
and repair of non-pressurized
areas of civil aircraft, only when
there are no manufacturer repair
or maintenance instructions." AC
43.13-2B states the alteration data
may be used as approved data for
major alterations when the data is
not contrary to manufacturer's data.
So the old days of using AC 43.13
in lieu of manufacturer's data were
superseded with the latest rewrite
of the ACs.
If the local A&P is representing
unfair and technically noncompliant competition, where are
the authorities? Well, they are out
to lunch.
Their argument is they don't
have the resources. This isn't
completely unrealistic. The agency
is resource limited and must focus
its resources on identified risks.
And like it or not, non-compliant,
unfair competition in light general
aviation just isn't a risk worthy
of the agency's resources. Why
doesn't this violation rise to a level
of risk that the agency should spend
its resources? Because the more
the aircraft costs, the more the
equipment costs. The more complex
the flight operations tend to be, the
less likely the owner/operator will
allow maintenance to be performed
without the quality system typical
of a repair station. In other words,
the owners/operators understand

the value-added benefits of
using a repair station. They also
understand the value-added
benefits of the dealer network and
the training that comes with the
award of dealership. So with the
larger, more complex aircraft and
flight operations, the value-added
professionalism, training and
dealership is implied. But where
does this start to drift off?
That is the million-dollar
question. I'm not sure there is a
clear line. A customer focused
on cost and not value will likely
trend toward the lower cost
of unqualified competition. A
customer who is invested in
their aircraft, the safety of air

transportation and protecting their
family will recognize the valueadded benefits AEA members bring
to the table. But it is up to us to
educate them on the value-added
benefits to the investment they
have made in their aircraft, the
security of their families and the
utility of their aircraft.
The AEA will continue to
promote standardization and
consistency in regulatory
interpretation, promote the
professionalism of the AEA
membership and promote the
regulations. We will provide you
with the tools to show the added
value to your customers; it is up to
you to use them. q

BROAD CAPABILITIES

GIS 25 years' experience provides quality service of instruments, specializing in
altimeters, panel mounted and remote gyros, including:
KCS55A SYSTEM

332D-11 SERIES

KCS305 SYSTEM

DGS-65

1200 SERIES
205 SERIES

KI-256

C-14 SERIES

4300 SERIES

KEA-346

510 SERIES

5000 B SERIES

KVG-350

NSD 360 SYSTEM

4000 B SERIES

PN101 SYSTEM

1100 SERIES

VG-14 SERIES

Broad capabilities, competitive prices, high-quality workmanship, quick turnaround time
and service. GIS personnel have the ability to meet that challenge to exceed customers' expectations every day. That's why customers depend upon GIS full services,
from testing, overhaul, and repairs to exchanges and outright sales.
Try us, you'll be glad you did!

GEORGETOWN INSTRUMENT SERVICES
FAA CRS# GTNR482X * 210 Airport Road * Taylor, Texas 76574

512-352-9000

www.georgetowninstruments.com
GIS Ad Six
Sep 15, 2008

avionics news

march

2014

http://www.georgetowninstruments.com

Avionics News March 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News March 2014