Instr. Overhaul and Leak Test

I tested my static/pitot system per Mike Borgelt's
instructions and found immediately my airspeed indicator
(used as the pressure gauge) had a small leak.

Right before Christmas, I sent the instrument to 'Century
Instrument Corporation' in Wichita, Kansas for overhaul.
The overhaul fee, including new colors on the dial,
was going to run, oh, about US$150. In late January,
during my third phone call to them asking about the
status, I was told the instrument needed a new bellows
(or whatever) and the cost would be US$425. I did
not authorize any such work and told them to send it
back to me. The person on the phone did agree that
I did not authorize this work and they will take out
the new bellows and send back the (paper weight) airspeed
indicator to me.

I have since ordered and received a new Winter airspeed
indicator. The damaged instrument was not a Winter
instrument.

Recommendation: Don't send any work to Century Instrument
in Wichita.

Ray Lovinggood
Carrboro, North Carolina, USA