About Us
Avionics Canterbury Wide Ltd started business in March 2006 with lots of encouragement from some of its now very loyal and supportive customers.
Who is Avionics Canterbury Wide?
David Harnett: Director, and Avionics Technician L.A.M.E (licensed aircraft maintenance engineer).
Angela Harnett: Director, administration and accounts
Kelly Phillips: L.A.M.E. Avionics Technician (started April 2019)
Muhammad Hidyat : Avionics Technician (started Sept 2018)
Amy Erikson: Office Manager
History
I (David) started my career in the RNZAF as an Avionics apprentice in January 1985 and soon after qualified as an Avionics Technician. During my 21 years of service I have worked on the following aircraft: A4K Skyhawk, BAC Strikemaster, C130 Hercules, Boeing 727, Bell UH-1H Iroquios, Bell 47 Sioux, Westland Wasp. I have also worked in and been in charge of the Instrument Bay at RNZAF Base Whenuapai, servicing autopilot systems, gyros, engine instruments, flight instruments, compass systems, night vision and gyro stabilised binocular systems, oxygen and liquid oxygen systems.
During my time on the Westland Wasp, I was posted for 2 years on to HMNZS Waikato and then for 2 years on HMNZS Canterbury . I also served on HMNZS Endeavour and HMNZS Monowai. During these 2 tours with the Navy, I sailed to the Auckland and Campbell Islands, all around Australia, right through the Pacific Islands and through a fair bit of Asia.
The RNZAF was an exciting place to be during the late 80s and 90s, and I had a great time. Unfortunately the RNZAF does not prepare its non-commissioned personnel very well for release to civilian life, the low pay and the lack of qualifications on release mean that most take lower paying jobs outside of aviation. I was lucky in that a friend convinced me to do my aircraft maintenance engineering licences (L.A.M.E.) so that when I left I had something to go to.
I feel lucky and very grateful to have my family, a great lifestyle in Fernside and my business – Avionics Canterbury Wide Ltd.
Avionics Canterbury Wide Ltd launched in Mar 2006. I had previously canvassed Canterbury looking for work and was convinced by many of my now loyal customers to start my own business. Primary in this was Pat Scotter of Rangiora Aircraft Engineering, Ivan Campbell of Campbell Aero Classics and Lyn Stead the Chief Engineer at Canterbury Aeroclub. Lyn set me a test to repair one of their flight simulators which I managed to do. Other technicians in the area had failed to find the problem so he was very pleased and the Aeroclub has supported my business ever since.
New Faces
Kelly Phillips is a fully licenced L.A.M.E. Avionics engineer with 30 yrs plus industry experience. He started his career at Instrument Services Ltd in Blenheim and since worked at Helipro and Fieldair Engineering.
Muhammad Hidyat joined us in September 2018. He recently completed a 2 year course at the Air New Zealand Training School with a 1 year basic aviation engineering course, and the more advanced EASA course (European Aviation Safety Agency).
Amy Erikson is our new office manager
Customer Feedback
Over a period of two years I’ve had my Warrior completely “instrumented” – GNS430W (GPS), 2xG5 (PFD & HSI), GMA340 (Audio panel), GTX335 (ADS-B), GFC500 & GMC507 (Autopilot & Panel), KX125 (Nav/Comm) and VOR. Having used ACW for this, I gladly recommend them and will certainly return as/when I have more avionics work and inspections. Dave and the ACW team have been consistent in providing good advice, appropriate solutions and consistently friendly & professional service.
Derek Harding
From new installs to fault rectification and annual checks, Dave has been my go to avionics tech since he started Canterbury Wide. A prompt professional service with no bother. I recommend his services to all.
Hugh Robinson
In February 2006 Dave Harnett came to the Canterbury Aero Club inquiring if we required any avionic work done. As a test of his abilities we gave him a broken down flight simulator to repair. Within 4 hours the simulator was up and running reliably to the surprise and delight of us all. Since then Dave has carried out all of our avionics installations and defect work. Thanks Dave for your smile and excellent service.
Lyn Stead (Chief Engineer)
Dave has been looking after our aircraft’s avionics needs for 6 six years. He handles the job whether it is large or small with ease. Scheduling aircraft has not been a problem. It’s great to have brilliant avionics support that we can trust.
Ben Patterson (Wilderness Wings Hokitika Ltd)
For a number of years now, Dave has been carrying out radio, ELT, and transponder installations on my vintage aircraft. He has also been doing the biennial avionic checks on these aircraft and those of some of my friends. In my experience, there has never been an avionic fault that Dave hasn’t been able to troubleshoot and fix nor an installation problem that he hasn’t been able to find a solution to. He has always been punctual and if a high priority job on a rescue helicopter or flying doctor aircraft comes in, Dave has always been very prompt at contacting me and rescheduling my job for a different time or day. Dave remains unruffled even when working under difficulties trying to find an elusive fault and never “throws his toys out of the cot” when things aren’t going right. In short, he is professional, knowledgeable, and an absolute pleasure to do business with.
Des Lines, Customer
I have been involved with Dave since he started in business and am delighted to say that his ability to sort out difficult problems is better than anything I have seen before. He often responds to un-planned call-outs with a smile and makes quick work of problems which would take me days to deal with. Dave has a pleasant personality and is a delight to do business with. Call me if you want further verification! (Further he makes the best home brew I have ever tasted!)
Pat Scotter (Rangiora Aircraft Engineering), Customer
Avionics Canterbury Wide wired up my home built, Lycoming engine, Rans S7 from tip to tail, installed all the avionics equipment and I have had no issues whatsoever. Dave is available to discuss problems and gives sound advice regarding suitability, cost and reliability. His avionics checks are thorough and leave you with an aircraft that will do another two years trouble free. I am a satisfied customer.
Phil Meredith, Customer
I have known Dave for many years, and am continually amazed by his depth of knowledge of avionics. Whether it be a simple intercom installation, or a full glass cockpit IFR install, he completes the work to a high standard, in a timely manner with a smile. I would not hesitate in recommending Dave for any avionics work.
Andrew Vincent, Customer