Panel Upgrades: Small Investments, Big Improvements

For owners of older aircraft, there are several relatively low budget upgrades out there that can make a big difference in the cockpit.

Jason McDowell

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 04:45 PM ET

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Even the most comprehensive panel upgrades can benefit from relatively inexpensive finishing touches, such as the anti-glare wrap on top of the panel [Photo: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

The article highlights three affordable upgrades (matte black glareshield, permanent push-to-talk switch, vernier mixture control) that significantly enhance the safety and flying experience of older aircraft.
Each of these minor modifications, costing less than $500, effectively eliminates common cockpit distractions and improves control precision.
These upgrades lead to clearer vision, more reliable communication, and precise engine management, demonstrating that significant improvements don't always require massive expenses.

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As I approach four months behind my Cessna 170’s newly overhauled and updated instrument panel, the learning curve has been fun. Most notably, the thorough integration of ADS-B traffic data front and center on the Garmin GI 275 has vastly improved safety without having to go completely heads-down in the cockpit, and the neighboring GI 275 Engine Indication System (EIS) has resulted in my paying more attention to my engine than ever before. The panel overhaul has truly been a game-changer.

Nice as the Garmin equipment has been, I’ve also been pleasantly surprised at how effectively some of the smaller touches have improved the flying experience. Three of them cost less than $500, and they’ve completely erased some annoying distractions in the cockpit. Here’s a short overview of how a relatively small investment can significantly improve the flying experience of many old aircraft.