Aviation Products Systems, Inc.

Aviation Products Systems, Inc., also called APS, makes brake discs and linings for general aviation aircraft. Its BlackSteel line is approved by the FAA under PMA rules. The site lists the phone number 618-797-3140.

The discs are machined on CNC lathes from a one piece forging. The company says forging gives the metal a grain flow that follows the shape of the disc. It says this lowers the risk of cracks compared with welded designs. After machining, a heat treatment bonds carbon, oxygen and nitrogen into the top layer of the steel. This gives the discs their dark look and a high resistance to corrosion. The company says it is not a coating that can wear off.

APS says its discs and linings passed a long design and test process to earn FAA-PMA approval. The FAA requires PMA parts to meet or exceed the OEM part they replace. APS discs and linings are direct replacements for OEM brakes and linings. The brakes were tested on a dynamometer and in flight. Tight tolerances give correct run out values, which cuts disc vibration and improves pad to disc fit.

The company says the corrosion protection suits agricultural aircraft that meet harsh chemicals and aircraft based in coastal areas. It also says its discs and linings generally cost less than OEM parts and last longer.

The product range is brake discs, brake linings and rivets. The site says this is all the company does. A distributor page shows a worldwide network and a map. Listed names include agricultural aircraft suppliers in Mississippi, California and Florida, and domestic dealers such as Aircraft Spruce and Aero Performance. The site also has technical information, product information bulletins and a careers page.