Gulf Coast Avionics has opened its 19th satellite avionics shop and pilots store in the new Sheltair FBO at Tampa International Airport (KTPA).

“We’re very proud and excited about our new facility at Tampa International. havin the opportunity to be located right in the Sheltair FBO has already proven to be a fantastic benefit for us,” said Rick Garcia, president and CEO.

Along with the Pilot’s Shop, GCA’s Tampa facility also offers transient and TPA-based aircraft and helicopters a full array of avionics installation and repair services, as well as the capability to upgrade software for many leading brands of avionics; much of which can be done while the crew waits.

“This area of Florida is a hotbed for business aircraft operations throughout the southeastern United States, Caribbean and South America,” he said. “As their use of Tampa International continues to increase, so will our opportunities to grow our business here.”

“This location has the potential of quickly becoming the largest of all our facilities,” Garcia said. “That’s pretty cool, considering that I started the company on this very airport back in 1984.”

Sheltair, a privately owned aviation development company, operates 17 FBOs and manages more than 3 million square feet of aviation related properties throughout Florida, Georgia and New York.