Montana Diamond Aire

We Can Create Your Dream Panel

Because we know that your instrument panel should be uniquely tailored to your mission, Montana Diamond Aire, can create a panel to exactly suit your needs. Using state-of-the-art CAD software, we can design your new panel for your choice of instruments, including glass panels with integrated touch screens, synthetic vision and moving map GPS. Custom instrument panels are available for Apache, Geronimo, and Aztec models.

Above is an example of a state-of-the-art Aztec instrument panel, working with the customer who specified the requirements, the panel was modeled in 3D CAD (below) exactly accurate, and CNC cut to within 0.002". This allows us to make as many changes as needed, including different versions, and arrangements of avionics, before we commit to a physical panel. As you can see, the result is virtually the same as the design preview, so there are no surprises.

Panels are bench assembled, allowing live testing of all integrated wire harnesses and devices, and any custom requirements can add.

Our professional, fully equipped avionics shop can install everything from steam gauges to glass panels to weather radar. Completed panels are installed in the aircraft and integrated into the aircraft power and wiring systems, largely with electronic connectors, for easy maintenance if necessary. Panels are powder coated and supported at multiple points by mini lord mounts to achieve excellent vibration damping and isolation.

Anti-Vibration Instrument Panel Mounting

Another highly recommended option is the drop-down switch/fuse panel available for both sides, and makes it super simple to add or work on any device, and has a dimmable legend placard with easily readable white text in daylight, and superior low-power illumination at night or in low visibility.

If economy is necessary, upgrade your panel from original ancient Piper stock panels to a beautiful, organized, powder coated, unified, shock mounted modern version, using your existing gauges and avionics, or select advanced avionics, an Aztec shown here with modern custom yokes installed.

We have the experience making a number of custom instrumentation installations, like this one for single pilot night vision ops, like this engine instrument mount with low brightness post lights:

Throttle Quadrants and Fuel Pedestals

Tired of knobs from the 50s? We can replace your worn, cracked and faded controls, with modern CNC'ed engineered plastic replacement handle knobs and arms, in bright fade-resistant colors, and even replacement slotted cover panels with engraved text.

Fuel controls can get old, and stick or leak, and we can completely overhaul your fuel selectors and valves. CNC'ed fully labeled, non-fading cover plates are available for all models of PA-23.

Yoke Upgrades

Modernizing your cockpit doesn't stop with just the panel. We have upgraded yokes, which can be adapted to all autopilots, audio-panels, intercoms with switch customization for your application. Strong, lightweight carbon fiber and durable paint are hallmarks of our yoke upgrades. New polished yoke tubes are available as well. We can even customize yoke center plates with your choice of graphics and text or a handy chronometer.

Other System Upgrades

We Can Upgrade and Overhaul Every System on Your PA-23

As your airframe ages, many parts and systems will need maintenance, overhauls or upgrades. A number of these require special knowledge and special techniques to restore to original or better operation. At Montana Diamond Aire, we have the experience to perform complete maintenance on every system Apache, Geronimo and Aztec system.

Hydraulic Systems

Flaps, Landing Gear and Brakes can be fully overhauled and rebuilt. Specialty components, like the central hydraulic Power Pack, can be fully disassembled and restored to reliable operation. Landing gear mechanical components, including bearings, switches, indicators, oleo struts, and down-lock arms, can be rebuilt and adjusted for trouble-free operation. Hydraulic hoses, actuators and valves can be rebuilt, tested and adjusted through our comprehensive hydraulics work and testing.

Windshields, Cabin Windows and Cabin Doors

Cabin Doors and Cabin Windows and Windshields are some of our specialties.

Cabin Door internals are complicated and require a lot of experience to be rebuilt safely and operate correctly.

We also have in stock replacement internal components and the ability to fit and adjust cabin doors correctly.

We also have PMA (Parts Manufacturing Authority) and have new and upgraded cabin windows available for all PA-23's, including a 3rd window STC for older aircraft.

Our new replacement windows from strong 1/4" thick acrylic stock are exact fuselage fitting, much quieter than the original 1/8" clear or green tinted windows, and superior visibility with great UV resistance.

Pilot and Cabin Door windows come with optional CNC machined flush vent windows, complete with silicone o-ring seals.

Speedslope replacement one-piece Windshields, make your plane look sharp, increase safety by increasing critical visibility by removing the central divider, and increase aerodynamics with the greater slope angle.

Emergency Exit Doors on Aztecs can be completely overhauled and have upgraded custom replacement acrylic installed.

Aircraft Brake Systems

All models of PA-23 aircraft rely on good brakes. We can handle every part of your plane's braking system. From pads to disks to calipers, we offer maintenance, and even an STC's for dual calipers for increased braking action, and for older aircraft which came stock with only pilot side brake pedals, we can add co-pilot side brake pedals for dual pilot and instruction operations. We rebuild cockpit brake master cylinders, replace old worn hoses, parking brake valves, and solve leak problems.

Aircraft Gross Weight Increase

PA-23 aircraft are known for their ability to carry large loads and handle rough airfields. Our STC can increase your Gross Weight to 4,000 pounds on certain aircraft. Combine this with the dual caliper brakes, and you have the ability to get into shorter strips with heavier payloads.

Because we know that your instrument panel should be uniquely tailored to your mission, Diamond Aire can create a panel to exactly suit your needs. Using state-of-the-art CAD software, we can design your new panel for your choice of instruments, including glass panels with integrated touch screens, synthetic vision and moving map GPS. Custom instrument panels are available for Apache, Geronimo, and Aztec models.

Maintenance if necessary. Panels are powder coated and supported at multiple points by mini lord mounts to achieve excellent vibration damping and isolation.

Anti-vibration instrument panel mounting

If economy is necessary, upgrade your panel from the original Aztec shown here with modern custom yokes installed.