The Adventures of a Panel Redesign

Limitations are inherent in modifying old panels.

Wednesday, June 07, 2023 at 10:12 AM ET

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A chilling sight for any aircraft owner, the panel of the author’s beloved 170 has been skeletonized in preparation for the upgrade. [Credit: Jessica Voruda]

Key Takeaways:

The author initially approached an aircraft instrument panel redesign with aesthetic preferences, creating an ideal layout without considering technical limitations.
An avionics expert revealed significant physical constraints, such as the depth of new avionics and the need for internal clearance for the control yoke's movement, rendering the initial design impractical.
This required a complete revision of the panel layout and underscored the critical importance of working with knowledgeable and patient avionics professionals who educate clients on technical realities.

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When I decided to spend a not-insignificant sum of money on a complete redesign and rebuild of my instrument panel, I was excited. Over the years, previous owners of my airplane made some bizarre decisions with regard to panel layout, arranging things oddly and inexplicably adding a second altimeter. A new panel would be an opportunity to start from scratch, positioning each instrument, radio, switch, and circuit breaker precisely where I wanted them.

Or so I thought.