Register

There’s No Price on Safety

A family faces decisions during a panel upgrade of a 1982 Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga.

Panel upgrade of a 1982 Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga. [Courtesy: Gardner Lowe Aviation Services]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Stephen Mercer upgraded his 1982 Piper Saratoga with advanced Garmin G3X Touch avionics and a standby GI 275, prioritizing enhanced safety and redundancy for family use and flight training.
  • The removed avionics from Mercer's Saratoga were economically repurposed and installed in Corey Sampson's Cessna 172, demonstrating a resourceful approach to aircraft upgrades.
  • The avionics installation was strategically combined with the aircraft's annual inspection at the same facility, Gardner Lowe Aviation Services and Mitchell Aviation, to save time and resources through integrated maintenance.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The days are getting warmer, the sun is out later, and the birds are beginning to sing. Airplanes are starting to emerge from their long winter nap. Some owners use this time to catch up on maintenance, punch out those overdue squawk lists, or upgrade equipment. 

Last October, we met Stephen Mercer, who had recently acquired a 1982 Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga, which he was upgrading with safety features. I am proud to report that our Saratoga came through with flying colors. You see, the fine folks at Gardner Lowe Aviation Services in Peachtree City, Georgia, took extra special care of this airplane and presented Mercer with the finished product in time to fly off to some Saint Patrick’s Day shenanigans. 

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.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE