Our Mission:

We pride ourselves in being the best Garmin avionics installation shop in the Midwest, our specialty is Garmin avionics installations and upgrades as an authorized Garmin dealer, complemented by expert non-destructive testing services including ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, dye penetrant testing, Rockwell hardness testing, eddy current testing, and visual inspections for aircraft safety and compliance. Our mission is to uplift the aircraft ownership experience through unwavering reliability, dedicated customer care, and comprehensive aircraft maintenance solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and performance for pilots and operators across general aviation. We pride ourselves in our FAA Part 145 Repair Station certification (#RWSR491E) with limited ratings in airframe, instrument, and radio, where our team of American Bonanza Society trained technicians and certified Rotax Service Center specialists deliver precision aviation tools, custom instrument panels, and cockpit upgrades using state-of-the-art in-house fabrication capabilities like CNC router fabrication, CAD-driven design, multi-color powder coating, large-scale UV printing, and CO2 laser engraving. Located in Yankton, South Dakota, we support light sport aircraft with Rotax engines, traditional general aviation planes, and global aviation needs with services such as aircraft management, annual inspections, condition inspections, pre-buy inspections, AOG (aircraft on ground) support via our go-van service, sheet metal repair and replacement, aircraft weight certification up to 30,000 lbs, and propeller balancing—all backed by Level 3 non-destructive testing expertise and FAA Form 8130-3 return to service for airworthiness directive compliance. As a trusted partner in Midwest aviation services, we focus on preventing premature failures in high-stress components like engine mounts, landing gear, and aluminum structures through fast, reliable inspections without disassembly or damage, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum airworthiness for Garmin avionics users and beyond.

Key Services Overview For a quick reference, here's a breakdown of our core offerings tailored to elevate your aviation experience:

Whether you're seeking top-rated Garmin avionics installation in South Dakota, advanced non-destructive testing for aircraft in the Midwest, or custom aviation fabrication services, our commitment to excellence makes us the go-to choice for pilots prioritizing quality and innovation.

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Founded in April 2022, Roger Wilco Aviation Services (RWAS) has quickly established itself as a premier FAA Part 145 Repair Station (#RWSR491E) in Yankton, South Dakota, specializing in a wide array of aviation solutions that cater to both local Midwest pilots and global general aviation enthusiasts. With limited ratings in airframe, instrument, and radio, the company operates under stringent FAA guidelines to deliver professional services that include aircraft management, Garmin dealer operations, Level 3 non-destructive testing (NDT), and custom fabrication. This multifaceted approach allows RWAS to address diverse needs, from routine maintenance to complex avionics upgrades, all while emphasizing safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

At the heart of RWAS's operations is its role as an authorized Garmin dealer, providing expert Garmin avionics installations and accessories. This specialty ensures that aircraft owners can access cutting-edge navigation, communication, and engine indication systems like the GEA™ 24 Engine Indication System (EIS), which offers flexibility in installation locations and integrates seamlessly with standard-density setups. For those upgrading their cockpits, RWAS excels in creating fully customized instrument panels and cockpit configurations, leveraging in-house capabilities to produce high-precision components that meet individual pilot requirements. These services are particularly valuable for Garmin avionics users seeking reliable upgrades that enhance flight performance and situational awareness.

Non-destructive testing stands out as another cornerstone of RWAS's expertise, with certified Level 3 capabilities enabling thorough inspections without compromising aircraft integrity. Techniques such as ultrasonic wave evaluation detect internal conditions in composite and multilayer assemblies, while magnetic particle inspection identifies cracks and discontinuities in ferrous parts like engine mounts and landing gear. Dye penetrant methods reveal surface-breaking flaws including porosity and fatigue, Rockwell testing verifies hardness in critical components such as gearboxes, and eddy current testing uncovers subsurface issues like corrosion in high-stress aluminum structures. All these processes come with FAA Form 8130-3 certification for return to service and ensure compliance with airworthiness directives (ADs), helping prevent premature failures and reducing costly downtime. Visual testing complements these methods for a holistic assessment, making RWAS a leader in preventive maintenance for general aviation.

Custom fabrication further differentiates RWAS, with a state-of-the-art facility featuring CNC router fabrication, computer-aided design (CAD), multi-color powder coating, large-scale ultraviolet printing, and CO2 laser engraving. This in-house setup allows for the development and production of precision aviation tools, such as the signature Papa-Alpha rigging reference tools, along with sheet metal repair and replacement. The shop also handles propeller balancing and aircraft weight certification for vehicles up to 30,000 lbs, supporting a broad spectrum of aircraft types. As an official Rotax Service Center with American Bonanza Society trained technicians, RWAS is well-equipped to service light sport aircraft powered by Rotax engines, as well as traditional general aviation planes, blending technical prowess with a genuine passion for aviation.

Beyond core services, RWAS offers practical support like aircraft on ground (AOG) assistance through a dedicated go-van service, annual inspections, condition inspections, and pre-buy inspections to aid informed purchasing decisions. Tool calibration and certification are available to maintain equipment accuracy, and financing options help make upgrades more accessible. The team's composition—skilled mechanics, technicians, and certified NDT specialists with extensive hands-on experience and continuous training—ensures that every project adheres to or surpasses industry standards, fostering exceptional customer service and long-term partnerships.

While specific customer testimonials are not prominently featured on the site, RWAS's A+ BBB rating underscores its reputation for reliability. The company's global outreach, despite its Midwest base, includes support for international general aviation through online sales of Garmin products and precision tools. Contact is facilitated via phone at (605) 299-8178, with calls to action for scheduling inspections, avionics upgrades, or custom fabrication consultations. Overall, RWAS positions itself as a comprehensive aviation partner committed to elevating ownership experiences through innovation, quality, and dedication, making it an ideal choice for pilots seeking top-tier services in Garmin avionics, non-destructive testing, and custom aviation solutions.

Detailed NDT Methods Table To provide deeper insight into our non-destructive testing capabilities, here's a comprehensive overview:

This table highlights how our NDT services contribute to aircraft longevity and regulatory compliance, drawing directly from our certified processes.

Fabrication Equipment and Processes Table Our in-house fabrication sets us apart—here's a snapshot of key tools and their roles:

These capabilities enable us to produce everything from Papa-Alpha rigging reference tools to fully customized cockpit panels, supporting global general aviation with unmatched quality.

In summary, Roger Wilco Aviation Services combines cutting-edge technology, certified expertise, and a customer-centric approach to deliver unparalleled aviation services in the Midwest and beyond, focusing on Garmin avionics, non-destructive testing, and custom fabrication to ensure safe, efficient flights.