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Part 2: Cessna 172 Skyhawk Avionics

The upgrade on the docket involves removing legacy components and replacing them with repurposed avionics.

There's a long way to go on the avionics panel. [Corey Sampson]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Corey is undertaking a significant avionics upgrade in his 1966 Cessna 172H Skyhawk, replacing legacy components with repurposed avionics.
  • The upgrade process involves careful disassembly and meticulous tagging of removed parts, followed by thorough panel preparation including wiring harness installation, cleaning, and inspection for wear or damage.
  • Emphasis is placed on diligent work, proper documentation, and utilizing downtime to perform additional checks and minor repairs behind the panel.
  • Future steps include installing the new avionics panel, upgrading soundproofing, installing GPS antennas, and removing old systems like the ADF and vacuum system.
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Upgrades are supposed to be fun. You and your significant other are lugging carry-ons, purses, and laptop cases, slugging them back to steerage, praying for a sliver of overhead space to avoid flying with your knees up in your chest. A flight attendant spots you and comes racing in for the rescue. You and your companion have been selected for an upgrade to first class. Mimosas, here we come! Yeah, those are not the aviation upgrades we are talking about today.

No, these upgrades don’t come with steamy towelettes and tons of legroom. The upgrade on the docket is a little more involved as we go about removing legacy components that have been in place for decades—ah, the stories they could tell—and replacing them with repurposed avionics from a once hangar mate. Out with the old and in with the new!

Richard Scarbrough

Richard is a US Navy Veteran, A&P Mechanic, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. His experience ranges from general and corporate aviation to helicopters, business jets, and commercial airliners. Former owner of a 145 repair station, he currently has an aerospace product management role and is a member of the T-C-Alliance. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @RScarCo.

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