good A&P & avionics rec's in/between Houston & Austin

[Giganews]

Since moving to the Houston area I have had trouble finding a good mechanic
and avionics facility for my 1962 Comanche.

Since I live 60 miles west of d/t Houston anywhere really between Austin and
Houston (and 75 miles North/South of that corridor) would qualify.

I am finding a lot of unreturned phone messages which I find annoying and
impolite (and actually a good tip-off that the place is not worth bothering
with anyhow), along with many shops "swamped" or generally too busy with
bigger jobs.

There is no mechanic on my home field nor have I been impressed with
itinerant mechanics in the area who seem to be unimpressive at least in
terms of basic courtesy returning phone calls etc. Or just plain not
interested.

I need someone reliable, who can do a job --without-- 3 months advance
notice, and reasonably good to work with as a customer. It doesn't seem like
it should be that difficult, but it has been proving so for me.

I moved down from Oklahoma where this was never a problem but commuting back
up there to a known mechanic is not really an option. I think the main issue
is not having a local mechanic on the field as call cold to other places you
are always considered a one-off bit of business, at best until proven
otherwise.

Also is there any Web site devoted to sharing "good A&P" tips? I can't find
one if so but it is worth asking. AirNav.com have a few but it takes a lot
of time to wade through to find them.

I also need someone to look at my autopilot so a good avionics place is also
sought.

Many thanks, in advance

bb

[Giganews]

And of course San Antonio is also the left side of the bracket area.
Thanks,
bb
"Giganews" > wrote in message
...
> Since moving to the Houston area I have had trouble finding a good
> mechanic and avionics facility for my 1962 Comanche.
>
> Since I live 60 miles west of d/t Houston anywhere really between Austin
> and Houston (and 75 miles North/South of that corridor) would qualify.
>
> I am finding a lot of unreturned phone messages which I find annoying and
> impolite (and actually a good tip-off that the place is not worth
> bothering with anyhow), along with many shops "swamped" or generally too
> busy with bigger jobs.
>
> There is no mechanic on my home field nor have I been impressed with
> itinerant mechanics in the area who seem to be unimpressive at least in
> terms of basic courtesy returning phone calls etc. Or just plain not
> interested.
>
> I need someone reliable, who can do a job --without-- 3 months advance
> notice, and reasonably good to work with as a customer. It doesn't seem
> like it should be that difficult, but it has been proving so for me.
>
> I moved down from Oklahoma where this was never a problem but commuting
> back up there to a known mechanic is not really an option. I think the
> main issue is not having a local mechanic on the field as call cold to
> other places you are always considered a one-off bit of business, at best
> until proven otherwise.
>
> Also is there any Web site devoted to sharing "good A&P" tips? I can't
> find one if so but it is worth asking. AirNav.com have a few but it takes
> a lot of time to wade through to find them.
>
> I also need someone to look at my autopilot so a good avionics place is
> also sought.
>
> Many thanks, in advance
>
> bb
>
>
>
>

[Magic Fingers]

Have you called RS Aircraft at Brenham (11R)? Ron is a great mechanic but I
don't know if he's taking on new customers.


"Giganews" > wrote in message
...
> Since moving to the Houston area I have had trouble finding a good
> mechanic and avionics facility for my 1962 Comanche.
>
> Since I live 60 miles west of d/t Houston anywhere really between Austin
> and Houston (and 75 miles North/South of that corridor) would qualify.
>
> I am finding a lot of unreturned phone messages which I find annoying and
> impolite (and actually a good tip-off that the place is not worth
> bothering with anyhow), along with many shops "swamped" or generally too
> busy with bigger jobs.
>
> There is no mechanic on my home field nor have I been impressed with
> itinerant mechanics in the area who seem to be unimpressive at least in
> terms of basic courtesy returning phone calls etc. Or just plain not
> interested.
>
> I need someone reliable, who can do a job --without-- 3 months advance
> notice, and reasonably good to work with as a customer. It doesn't seem
> like it should be that difficult, but it has been proving so for me.
>
> I moved down from Oklahoma where this was never a problem but commuting
> back up there to a known mechanic is not really an option. I think the
> main issue is not having a local mechanic on the field as call cold to
> other places you are always considered a one-off bit of business, at best
> until proven otherwise.
>
> Also is there any Web site devoted to sharing "good A&P" tips? I can't
> find one if so but it is worth asking. AirNav.com have a few but it takes
> a lot of time to wade through to find them.
>
> I also need someone to look at my autopilot so a good avionics place is
> also sought.
>
> Many thanks, in advance
>
> bb
>
>
>
>

[Michael[_1_]]

On Jan 28, 11:32*am, "Giganews" > wrote:
> Since moving to the Houston area I have had trouble finding a good mechanic
> and avionics facility for my 1962 Comanche.

The local Comanche specialist is Dale Faulkner at Burnet (BMQ). I
used to take my 1965 Twin Comanche to him sometimes. Probably your
best bet in the area if you need airframe work.

> I need someone reliable, who can do a job --without-- 3 months advance
> notice, and reasonably good to work with as a customer. It doesn't seem like
> it should be that difficult, but it has been proving so for me.

I suppose there must be a good mechanic out there who is also customer
oriented, but I've never met him. I've seen the ones who are rude,
don't return calls, and are generally a pain to work with - but can
really fix stuff - and I've seen ones who are good with customers but
either hideously expensive, incompetent, or both. Of course I've also
seen rude, expensive, and incompetent - I guess you would call it the
tridefecta.

> I also need someone to look at my autopilot so a good avionics place is also
> sought.

I've heard good things about Avionics Unlimited at CXO (Lone Star
Regional).

Michael

[[email protected]]

On Jan 29, 8:56*am, Grumman 46U wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:32:50 -0600, "Giganews" > wrote:
> >Since moving to the Houston area I have had trouble finding a good mechanic
> >andavionicsfacility for my 1962 Comanche.
>
> <snip>
>
> Try Gafford Aero inSanMarcos(HYI) for your mechanical. Ken Medcalf
> is the owner/operator, and he and his crew do a solid job. Very honest
> and straight forward (emphasis on the latter).
>
> Next door to Gafford isMcKeeAvionics. Talk to Eric. They are very
> patient and thorough, and they are well qualified to do any of youravionicsrepair.
>
> Michael


Both of these recommendations worked out great. I can confirm both
Gafford and McKee are excellent facilities and most helpful &
professional in all aspects.

I plan to head back here when I need mechanical or avionics work for
sure.

Also San Marcos with ILS and plenty of runways is easy-in & out.

Thanks for this recommendation,

bb Mike