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Over the years, I have found a select few suppliers who really stand
behind their products and services, often going the extra mile to help me out of a bind. I am providng links to their web
sites below for your convenience. To access the links, click on the underlined names of the companies below.
One important lesson that I have learned: when I made a purchase
decision based on price, I almost always ended up having to go back and buy a more expensive fix. By selecting based on those
companies that backed their products, I have never gone wrong.
Aircraft Spruce
Love 'em or hate 'em, when you really
need something, Spruce is the most likely provider to have what you need. It's annoying to have their sales people not know
what the items are or what they are used for, but if you order over their website, you're the one who is choosing.
B & C Specialty Products
Bill Bainbridge and his crew have helped
me out several times, usually when I was calling from the wilds of Northern Canada or some other similarly out-of-the-way
place. He stands by his products and always tries to help solve your problem with a positive attitude.
Forest Agency Insurance
Ever since I started started working with Becky Kinert on
my insurance in 1991, the Forest Agency has shown a willingness to come up with sound yet creative solutions.
It is with great sorrow that we lost Becky in the spring of 2005 to cancer.
She was a great professional and even better friend.
Although Becky is no longer there, I have been very pleased by the support
and service provided by the other members of the Forest Agency.
Electronics International
When I finally had systems fail after 15
years of operation, Electronic International stood by their product and helped me find reasonably-priced solutions. When I
later had thermocouples fail after just a short period of time, the owner remedied the problem, apologized for my inconvenience,
and proovided me with spare units as well.
Ellison Fluid Systems
The Ellison Throttle Bodies are good, reliable
units that bridge the gap between conventional carbeurators and fuel injection systems. EFS stands by their products. Their
technicians keep meticulous records, work on every unit with extreme care, and always return overhauled units in "good-as-new"
condition.
Ben Ellison might not ever win an award for
holding every builder's hand for the builder's errors, but he stands by his product and ensures that they perform as advertised.
Lightspeed Headsets
As one of the very first customers of Lightspeed,
I have been continually amazed at their commitment to service. When I accidentally crushed a week-old headset, they replaced
it for me at their cost. When one of the noise cancelling modules started to fail after four years, they replaced it free
of charge. Best of all, their headsets are extremely comfortable.
Performance Propellers
Clark Lydick's props are both beautiful and functional.
He has always provided top-notch service and supported his products. The craftsmanship is so beautiful that I mounted my "spare"
prop on a plaque that hangs over my desk.
Electroair Electronic Ignitions
For years, this company succeeded because
of the dedication shown by its founder, Jeff Rose. He was the epitome of a small businessman - he did whatever it took to
ensure that his customers were happy. Once, on
the 4th of July, as I was setting out for an airshow in eastern Canada, my trigger sensor failed. I called Jeff's phone
number and he happened to answer. He delayed his family outing to find someone in Washington state who would have a sensor
that I could use.
Jeff sold the business to Mike Kobylik. The basic products that
Jeff Designed are still supported, and I recommend them for their robsutness and reliability.
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