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Trailing Edge Avionics Upgrades

The dismal economy has been no help to the average aircraft upgrade budget. If you’ve recently solicited proposals for an ultra-modern avionics retrofit, you may have discovered the soup-to-nuts avionics upgrade you lust for probably isn’t affordable. Moreover, sinking half or more of the aircraft’s value into the panel pushes the boundaries of smart economics. Even the most modest of modern avionics upgrades could put the aircraft upside down financially. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t upgrade at all. In many cases, a budget that can’t afford the latest and greatest gear has the owner sitting on his hands. This leads to neglected panels while safety and utility hang in the balance.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Economic constraints often make full avionics upgrades unaffordable, leading to neglected panels despite safety and utility concerns.
  • "Trailing edge" retrofits offer a budget-friendly alternative to improve an aircraft's reliability, safety, and utility without draining finances.
  • Key "trailing edge" upgrades include prioritizing the audio system for clear communication and future growth, strategically selecting GPS units (even non-WAAS options, with caveats), and rebuilding critical but often overlooked pitot/static systems.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The dismal economy has been no help to the average aircraft upgrade budget. If you’ve recently solicited proposals for an ultra-modern avionics retrofit, you may have discovered the soup-to-nuts avionics upgrade you lust for probably isn’t affordable. Moreover, sinking half or more of the aircraft’s value into the panel pushes the boundaries of smart economics. Even the most modest of modern avionics upgrades could put the aircraft upside down financially. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t upgrade at all. In many cases, a budget that can’t afford the latest and greatest gear has the owner sitting on his hands. This leads to neglected panels while safety and utility hang in the balance.

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