National Air Parts, Inc., in DeLand FL - Re: Alternators. Have they gone out of business?

[Rick A]

Just started an annual, and realized it's been a long long time since I've paid any attention to the alternator, as it's still making electricity. Now that the plane's vacuum pump has been removed following the 2024 installation of two electric Garmin Attitude Indicators with internal backup batteries, felt the need to go through the logbooks to learn the time in service then consider having it replaced, keeping the current one for a spare.

Digging into the logbooks was surprised to learn a new National Air Parts (NAP) Alternator was originally purchased and installed in 1998 (p/n P312R,12 volts 80 amps). Must have had an issue, because it was swapped out in 2002 from NAP for a same model rebuild, with a different serial number. Almost fainted when I realized the same serial numbered unit was still mounted to the engine, flying and going strong, 23 years and nearly 3000 flight hours later.

Their claim (in the little booklet that came with the original alternator) states, "National Air Parts aircraft alternators are newly manufactured HEAVY DUTY units designed to retrofit Ford, Prestolite, TCM and Chrysler aircraft alternators. They are of a proven design which boast high reliability and millions of hours of accrued service."

I had the NAP improved version of a Ford Prestolite. Definitely got my money's worth!

Figured I'd have them rebuild their own unit, but NAP phones are either disconnected, or their old phone numbers have been reassigned. Maybe this level of quality is still available, somewhere? Anybody know what became of them?

 

[flyingron]

The company National Airparts, Inc., which was formerly located on 1140 Flight Line Blvd in Deland, is now listed at 35 Bobcat Lane, Osteen, FL, which appears to just be a house. The company ownership seems to have been Alfred Petrone (wife Janet was office manager). Their children David and daughter Christine seem to reside at the Osteen address. Christine is listed as the owner/director of the company. I can shoot you some phone numbers in a PM if you want. Alfred is 80 now (if still alive). The kids are in their 50s.

 

[Salty]

There’s always National Air Parts association. https://www.napaonline.com/

 

[Rick A]

The company National Airparts, Inc., which was formerly located on 1140 Flight Line Blvd in Deland, is now listed at 35 Bobcat Lane, Osteen, FL, which appears to just be a house. The company ownership seems to have been Alfred Petrone (wife Janet was office manager). Their children David and daughter Christine seem to reside at the Osteen address. Christine is listed as the owner/director of the company. I can shoot you some phone numbers in a PM if you want. Alfred is 80 now (if still alive). The kids are in their 50s.

Thanks Ron. Yes, please PM them over, it's worth a try. (are you a private eye for your day job?)

 

[flyingron]

Thanks Ron. Yes, please PM them over, it's worth a try. (are you a private eye for your day job?)

Amateur geneology researcher which gives me many of the same tools. I also helped a friend who was adopted chase down his birth family.