Instruments & Avionics
Aircraft instrument, avionics and calibration support under one roof
Fieldair is one of New Zealand’s most capable instrument and avionics workshops, keeping both older analogue aircraft and modern digital systems flying safely. From flight-critical cockpit instruments through to full glass cockpit upgrades, our team supports the equipment many other workshops cannot.
Few workshops in the country still hold this depth of instrument knowledge alongside modern avionics installation and a full calibration capability. That combination, under one roof, is the real strength of the department. If approved technical data, manuals, tooling and parts are available, our team can usually assess whether a unit can be repaired, overhauled, calibrated or returned to service.
Capability that is becoming hard to find
Fieldair supports the full transition curve in aircraft instrumentation: keeping legacy analogue systems safe and serviceable, while helping operators move to digital avionics where it makes operational and commercial sense.
Much of this work is becoming more specialised and more bespoke, and it depends on people who understand older equipment. Many instrument and avionics jobs also require approved technical data, manufacturer manuals, specialist tooling and current procedures. Fieldair’s investment in these resources means operators can access compliant, technically grounded support here in New Zealand, rather than defaulting straight to replacement or overseas repair.
It also shapes how we advise. Our aim is not to sell the biggest job. It is to give clear repair, overhaul, replace or upgrade advice, and to keep your aircraft safe, compliant and operational with the right solution for the aircraft and the budget.
Aircraft instruments and calibration
Fieldair works across a wide range of aircraft instruments, indicators and calibration equipment.
Common work includes:
Air instruments
Altimeters, airspeed indicators, vertical speed indicators and related cockpit instruments. These are flight-critical instruments, not just old gauges, and they need accurate testing, approved procedures and experienced technicians. Owners, operators, maintenance organisations and engineers come to us to have them tested, repaired, calibrated or overhauled.
Gyros
Artificial horizons, attitude indicators and directional gyros. This is specialist mechanical and electrical work that is increasingly niche. Where viable, we assess, repair, overhaul and balance gyroscopic instruments, helping operators keep serviceable legacy equipment running safely rather than replacing it unnecessarily.
Compasses and compass swings
In-shop inspection, repair and calibration of standby and landing compasses, along with aircraft compass swings and on-aircraft checks at our Palmerston North workshop.
ELTs
Inspection, testing, programming and battery-related work on emergency locator transmitters, where approved, helping owners and operators keep emergency equipment compliant.
Rotable units
We carry a range of spares so units can be repaired and returned to service. Given the sheer variety of instruments we handle, we hold stock where it makes sense rather than running a large exchange pool.
Calibration services
A large part of the shop’s work. We calibrate pressure gauges (analogue and digital), tyre inflators, tensiometers, multimeters, clamp meters, inclinometers, thermometers, scales, Barfield pressure testers and compasses. Calibration is carried out using manufacturers’ instructions where possible, with tooling that is itself calibrated, and is traceable to SI units through recognised national and international measurement standards. All work is carried out to approved procedures, with clear reporting and traceability.
Avionics, upgrades and installations
On the avionics side, Fieldair supports everything from a single equipment replacement through to a full digital panel upgrade. The right solution depends on aircraft type, intended use, budget, downtime tolerance and approval requirements.
ADS-B upgrades
We support ADS-B upgrades from equipment selection through to installation and integration, helping owners meet operational requirements and improve aircraft tracking and visibility. We work with the equipment that best suits your aircraft and budget, and can advise on aircraft type, common packages, design and approval paperwork, and expected downtime.
Avionics modifications and upgrades
Approved avionics and instrument modifications, from practical upgrades and equipment replacements through to larger configuration changes. Work is assessed against aircraft type, operational need, approved data, certification requirements and long-term supportability. We can work under existing approved data, manufacturer data, an STC, CAA approval or an external design organisation as required.
Glass cockpit and panel upgrades
Digital avionics and glass cockpit upgrades, including full-panel work, for operators moving away from analogue instrumentation. We help you find the right path into modern avionics for your aircraft and the way you use it.
Loom and harness manufacture
We manufacture aircraft wiring looms and harnesses for avionics installations, repairs and modifications, supporting clean, reliable integration of new or replacement equipment.
Working with the right equipment
Fieldair holds supplier relationships with leading avionics brands, including Garmin, Collins Aerospace and David Clark. Because we are not tied to a single manufacturer, we can recommend the equipment that best suits your aircraft, budget and the way you fly, and carry out the installation ourselves.
Who we work with
Our customers range from single-aircraft owners through to large maintenance organisations. We support:
- Private aircraft owners
- Commercial, charter and fleet operators
- Fixed wing, rotary and jet operators
- Maintenance organisations
- Specialist aviation operators
Whatever you fly, our goal is to be a dependable single point of contact for the instrument, calibration and avionics work your aircraft needs, including specialist capability that is hard to find elsewhere in New Zealand.
How and where we work
Based in Palmerston North, we support operators across the country. Depending on the job, work can be sent in to our workshop, carried out on the aircraft, or handled by a technician travelling to your facility.
Priority and AOG support
Urgent and AOG support is available. We understand what it costs to have an aircraft on the ground, so when a job is time-critical, tell us early and we will move quickly to get you back in the air.
Our trusted supplier partners include
Approvals and standards
Fieldair Engineering is a CAA Part 145 approved maintenance organisation. Calibration work is carried out with calibrated tooling and manufacturers’ procedures, and is traceable to recognised national and international measurement standards.
Talk to our maintenance team
If you have an instrument, avionics or calibration requirement, or you are weighing up whether to repair, overhaul, replace or upgrade, our team can help you work out the most practical next step, using knowledge, experience, clear communication and accountability.
Enquiries come straight to the Instruments & Avionics department, so you are dealing with the people who do the work.