I use them for maintenance and avionics work on my Cessna 414a. Kirk (owner), Dan (DOM) and all their team could not be better to work with. Monica, who coordinates avionics work has forgotten more than most will ever know. I recently had an issue with Garmin. She was on the phone with them for 1/2 hour and finally ended up giving them info on their own products that they didn't know. read more

after install, slow to fix outstanding issues! Don't leave there without a Test flight to find problems and make them fix it then! once you leave, you will find how really disorganized they really are! There Goal seems to be Volume... Not necessarily Quality work, although for the most part the job was done correctly. read more

I have taken my Cessna 414A to Sarasota Avionics for an autopilot install and again for my last annual in VNC. I had them service my O2 and tires in SRQ. Last week, I was loaded and ready to depart SRQ for a trip to STL and the #2 G600 was blank. I called Gilbert in SRQ, he called Dan in VNC and he had me ferry the plane to VNC where Fred and he got right on troubleshooting. They found a loose plug and I was on my way. I recently retired as an aviation director for a large fleet of Gulfstreams. I was accustomed to years of good service and support from them. Sarasota Avionics sets the bar for GREAT service. Kirk and each of his team exceed my expectations every time. I am so lucky to have them on the field in SRQ and just a hop away in VNC. read more

I would like to give a big shout out and thank you to Lisa for her outstanding customer service. Three years ago, she, and the Sarasota Avionics team went over and above to help with an A20 Bose headset for a Christmas present that Amazon couldn't get right. But they came to the rescue and helped with a direct shipment. I quickly learned--forget Amazon and go local as the pricing was the same, but more important the service was friendly, professional, and willing to help during the crazy holiday season. That says alot about their employees and their positive attitudes towards helping customers. Today, I needed to ask again for their help with a repair on this headset. Again, Lisa was so willing and able to help--even though this was almost 3 years old. The warranty work on my headset is in progress. Thank you to Lisa, Sarasota Avionics, and Bose. read more

Do not do business with this company. Friday 2/28 I drove to Sarasota Avionics located in Venice FL for the purpose selling one Garmin G500 display unit and one Garmin GMA 340. Upon presenting these items to staff at Sarasota Avionics I was advised that Sarasota Avionics would test the equipment to confirm proper operation. Later that day, I received a call from Sarasota Avionics stating that the data tag on the G500 display came off when Sarasota Avionics removed packaging with tape and towel on. I was also told that the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office asked Sarasota Avionics to hold on to my items for several days while they investigated. After I called Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to further inquire as I have proof of purchase including bank and credit card statement that matches the EBay purchase, I was told my items were not impounded by the authorities. I then called Sarasota Avionics and they released my items to me at the Peter OKnight Airport location of Sarasota Avionics located in Tampa. On 3/7, I was inquiring about getting a letter on letterhead about what had happened and Jeremy stated that Monica (Manager at the Venice location) stated that the unit needs to go back to Garmin to reissue a data tag and that I could drop it off and you would make a RMA. It was agreed to between I and Sarasota Avionics that Sarasota Avionics would send the Garmin G500 display unit to Garmin for tag replacement. It was NEVER agreed to nor was I ever provided any notice that there would be a cost associated with having Garmin replace the data tag on Garmin G500 display unit nor was there any communication from Sarasota Avionics stating that I would be responsible for the cost of replacing the damaged tag of the G500 display unit that Sarasota Avionics caused. In summary Sarasota Avionics caused the initial damage ( from the tag removal) of the G500 display unit). I have now been told they will hold my unit for 30 days ( then they will take possession )until I pay the over $2000 for the repair that I never agreed to. That is more than the price I was going to sell the unit to them for. Essentially this feels like they are stealing the G500 from me and unjustly enriching themselves. read more

5 stars. On airport review: Kirk Fryer (kirk@sarasotaavionics.com) and his team did a great job installing a Garmin 355 navigator/G5 HSI and integrating it with my analog autopilot. They were on time and on budget. It's refreshing to find reliable professionals for avionics work. Advise: make your plan first and be so solid you can stick with it. Cost overruns usually come from midstream changes. Note this is at least two business, aircraft mx (Dave Green the best from long ago experience) and Avionics repair and installations. I think they do Avionics very well. Thanks Sarasota Avionics! read more

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I ordered a $100k highly complex avionics package and wire harness from Sarasota at Sun N Fun in 2019. My initial experience was very frustrating due to a number of variables that, in retrospect, were very understandable. Buying a complex package at Sun N Fun with a tight timeline is a formula for disaster due to the overwhelming amount of sales that take place at Sun N Fun for all vendors and their suppliers. We had issues with a wire harness that was fabricated by a contractor hired by Sarasota... and my timeline forced them to utilize outside contractors vs in-house staff. We have had ongoing issues with our GTS 800 traffic system - I initially blamed that all on Sarasota but now understand that everyone who has a carbon fiber Epic has had major nightmares with the Garmin traffic box... not Sarasota's fault but sure seemed that way in the beginning. My relationship with Kirk and Sarasota started out bad due to some unreasonable expectations I was placing on them. Kirk has bent over backwards to accommodate our needs and help resolve all outstanding issues. At the end of the day, we probably have the most complex avionics system in any single engine turboprop, with multiple layers of redundancy etc. It's no small feat and we couldn't have gotten here without Kirk and his team's help. The only reason this is not a 5 star review is that I feel any vendor should go to great lengths to ensure their clients know how monumental a task is going to be before they take the order. While Kirk has stood by us to help us get to the goal line, I think we would have all avoided a lot of frustration if he had told me that my project was far more complex than I had envisioned and I needed to be prepared for a lot of post installation troubleshooting. read more

beware the core charge, working avionics will miraculously test faulty, no proof of return to the manufacturer for repair will be provided and you'll be left out of pocket. For honest, fair and transparent dealings look elsewhere read more

Amazing service organization to work with. Had a problem with a Garmin device and Erin helped me get it to Garmin quickly, returned as fast as possible and was always very responsive on any questions I had. I even made a mistake along the way which she was able to overcome and it caused no delay. A joy to work with! read more

Ryan King recently followed up on a web inquiry regarding a G3X-G5 quote/question I submitted through the Sarasota Avionics website. I have an experimental aircraft that I am considering upgrading with new avionics and I had specific questions regarding integration of the G5 and G3X. I asked my question to 3 other Garmin distributors of Garmin products and they all indicated that my proposed system architecture was not possible and refused to find the actual answer to my question. Not only did Ryan treat me with professionalism, he took the time to find the answer to my question and also reference the correct data from the installation manual. I was a Robotic Systems Engineer for 20 years and had a strong suspicion that my architecture would work. Ryan not only potentially saved me money in the short term, but he helped me find the data to develop an avionics transition plan for my aircraft moving forward. Ryan King and Sarasota Avionics just moved to the top of my list for where I will be purchasing avionics in the future. read more

I was at Sarasota Avionics for a biannual instrument certification. Gabriel was my tech and he was pleasant, hard working and knowledgeable. His boss was rude, in my face and condescending. He lacks the skills needed to be in his position. You don't get any customer service here. If it wasn't for Gabriel this would be a one star review. I will not be returning to this place in the future and I recommend others also avoid it. read more

The moment I met the team at Sarasota Avionics I knew I made the right choice for my rather large avionics upgrade. TJ made me feel comfortable due to his knowledge in avionics. I was fairly sure what I wanted but he, Larry and Mark came up with the perfect package for our bonanza and I love it! The weekly updates and suggestions were very helpful too. The whole team was great to work with and I highly recommend Sarasota Avionics for any upgrade or fix. So thank you Stephanie, Larry, Mark and TJ for an awesome experience and the perfect new panel! Greg read more

I needed a simple ADS B installed on my Mooney. But Ryan quoted 3 different hourly rates. He then overcharged for the unit and ratcheted every aspect of the install. When I brought the "mistakes" to his attention he tried to belittle me. Virtually no aspect of his evolving stories made sense. I would expect this sort of behaviour from a backyard mechanic. I won't be going back again. read more

Earlier this year (2018) I had a "big" panel upgrade in my Mooney Ovation. During the process to finalize the details and during the upgrade, I found Sarasota Avionics (in Sarasota, FL; HQ is actually Venice, FL) to be very cooperative in working with me. They are obviously very knowledgeable about the avionics and installation procedures. I always had many questions, and they were very patient with me in explaining the details. I think having access to the people actually doing the work adds value to the inquisitive customer. I visited the shop several times, and I really enjoyed interfacing with the avionics technicians and A&Ps to get a better understanding about the on-going work. Kudos to the manager (TJ) and his able assistant (Stephanie) along with Austin, Dan, Jeff, Larry, Mark, Yonier (gee I hope I did not miss anyone!). Luca F Bencini-Tibo read more

I would select a lower rating if I could. They advertise specific used merchandise and will not give you a price until you ask several times and then they say they will not sell you ones they advertise because the do recommend you buying it. Then they insult you for questioning why the adverse what they will not even sell. read more

I was offered what seemed to be a very reasonable price for installation of a new Garmin GTX345W transponder and GA 35 GPS antenna at the Sarasota Avionics booth at the Oshkosh airshow. When I called two weeks later to schedule the work, they refused to honor the deal and jacked the price up by a substantial amount. I have since found another shop, closer to home, with a slightly better price than the original Sarasota Avionics offer. If you want to be taken seriously as a customer, and dealt with in a fair and respectful manner, go somewhere else. read more

Sarasota Avionics in Punta Gorda was great! Purchased a Garmin audio panel with installation. Job was completed on time and with quality work! Gary and his team bent over backwards for us! Great Job!!! read more