Fast Cranking Comanche

I have owned several airplanes over the past 40+ years and most of them had starter problems; slow to crank, etc.  This year, in August 2004, I overhauled my Lyc.0-360 engine in my '59 Comanche and decided to work on the slow cranking problem and see if I could fix this problem once and for all.

I must say now that my problems are over. I replaced my aluminum wire from my battery compartment with copper and bought a Sky-Tec light weight starter. 

To my surprise, from the very first start, the change was overwhelming. The engine jumps to a start, I could almost taxi with this starter. I have never seen such as major change in starting procedures. I would overwhelmingly recommend this product to anyone with starter problems or looking for a new starter.

Thank you very much Sky-Tec.

- Jerry Gardner
Tyler, Texas

Starter for Piper Comanche 400 (PA24-148)

Dear Ritchie [please, no one attempt to call Rich by this nick name, rights are reserved for this customer only ; ) ]

"Every once in a while a person like myself comes across an "unusually excellent" company or a person within such a company, and you and your company fit that description (how do you like that description ... "unusually excellent").  I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for the way you handled my request in replacing the starter for my Comanche 400.  I will be sure to pass on a recommendation about you and your company to anybody else I know."

- Norm Newell, President

Hammer Air

Friends from Down Under

"Hi Rich,

Thank you for your prompt and excellent service. Yesterday I received a replacement starter from Superior and will return the faulty unit to them shortly. I also thank Barry from Superior who provided great service as a representative of your company."

- Robert Sharman

Tasman Energy

Neighbors to the North

"I just want to say thanks for the efficient way in which you handled my starter problem under warranty.
Sky-Tec is the kind of company that I like to deal with and I will recommend your starters to other aircraft owners
wherever I go with my aircraft."

- John Stewart
Delta BC Canada.

Contented Comanche

"Rich,  Let me first say thank you! The starter arrived yesterday and it looks beautiful. 

...I have been a long time advocate of your starters. I have an RV4 that is 10 years old and has almost a thousand hours on it. Its had a Sky-Tec starter on it since day one. I remember the day I bought it well. It was at sun"N"fun you guys had a booth very close to the B&C people so naturally I inquired about both. I had already done my research on starter brackets and other light weight options. The first thing I asked the B&C guy was how he justified the much higher price of his starter. He replied that your starters were made of used car parts and they were junk. He never did give me an answer to the question. I inquired with one of your people about this and was told it was not true. I immediately went to one of your vendors at the show and purchased my starter. I have never been sorry. Since that time I have sold many builders on your starters. I build engines for people in the RV circle still and I always point them in your direction when it comes to starters. [I am] a loyal customer and a free sales person."

- Ryan Bendure

Brighton, CO

Cardinal Fan

"[I] Just read your note on the CFO digest. I'd just like to mention that we got a NL from Sacramento Sky Ranch a month or so ago, and love it. Great product.  I've recommended it to everyone I know that needs a Lyc. starter.

- Steve 

Cardinal N3295T

Chuckling Cherokee

I own a Cherokee 140 and have been frustrated with starting problems since I bought it. I tried voltage checks and other suggested ideas. Finally decided to try the Sky-Tec starter. What a difference! The plane starts within seconds of activating the starter switch. Just wanted to give you a thanks for your product. 

- Randy Ware

Wray, CO

Grinning Grumman

"... Les stands behind his starters 100%. I recently had a minor problem with my starter and Les and his crew went the extra mile to get me going again. You couldn't ask for better service than this! For anyone sitting on the fence considering a new starter, jump on over to Sky-Tec. You won't be disappointed."

- Fred & Sherye
N585WS

Spicy Service!

"Rich & Catherine, Thanks for the fast service & getting the new starter down to me quickly, as I was back in the air by 11.00AM today...And by the way, the old starter does make a good boat anchor....!"

- L.C. Mellenger
Spicewood, TX

Slam Dunk for Dinkie

"...Durability is not an issue: the Sky-Tec seems the obvious choice. FWIW, it's been about 8 years since a new Sky-Tec starter went into "Dinkie."  [We have] loved it ever since, closed the ugly hole in the nose bowl where the Bendix once protruded =and= justified removing the 5-pounds of lead ballast in the tail. "Bullet proof" ? Not a single whimper from the Sky-Tec in all these years ? Close enough for me."

- Art Cacella 1970 American AA-1 N6155L "Dinkie"
Winston-Salem, NC

Eureka, that's great customer service!

"Hello - I had to return my starter because I mistakenly ordered the wrong model... I [had] a trip to Baja planned at the end of the week so I was hoping for a fast turn-around. I just got off the phone with Rich, who told me that a rebuilt starter was being shipped out today. I just wanted to express my appreciation for your lighting-fast customer service!"

- William Mitchell

Eureka, California

Lancair Litmus

"On Saturday 2/21 we went out to fly the 360. Beautiful day and a nice trip to Houston planned. Well it was not to be. Got about 2 turns and then nothing. Click click but nothing from the started. Trip back home, change cloth and pulled the cowl. Did the voltage drop checks in the trouble shooting guide from Sky-Tec. Dead starter. Pulled the started and got on line filled out the return paperwork and described the problem. Monday morning the unit went to the factory for rebuild. Wednesday afternoon go a call. All fixed ready to ship need credit card number. OK that was quick...It just showed up on the doorstep, its Friday 2/27. It looks brand new... It will go on the plane tomorrow...I hope everyone else has this kind of experience with Sky Tec."

Great product, Great service.

- Ray 

Lancair Mail List