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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]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Stephen Mercer upgraded his 1982 Piper Saratoga with advanced avionics, including dual Garmin G3x Touch units and a Garmin GI 275 attitude indicator, primarily for enhanced safety and redundancy.
  • The removed avionics from Mercer's Saratoga were successfully repurposed and installed in Corey Sampson's Cessna 172, providing an economical upgrade for that aircraft.
  • The upgrade prioritized safety, especially with Mercer's father-in-law learning to fly, emphasizing dual instruments for redundancy and the benefit of continuous autopilot use.
  • Mercer strategically combined the avionics upgrade with the aircraft's annual inspection, highlighting the efficiency and cost-saving benefits of coordinated maintenance with trusted aviation service providers.
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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.

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