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.

Key Takeaways:

• Rather than expensive full avionics retrofits, aircraft owners should consider more affordable "trailing edge" upgrades to improve safety and utility without financially burdening the aircraft.
• Key areas for budget-friendly upgrades include the audio system (as a central hub for clarity and future growth) and replacing orphaned or faulty nav/comm units with reliable alternatives.
• While full WAAS GPS may be out of budget, upgrading to a reliable non-WAAS IFR GPS can still provide LNAV approach capabilities and IFR status, with portable GPS/iPad solutions offering a cost-effective multi-function display.
• Crucially, investing in a rebuild or repair of the often-neglected pitot/static system is vital for accurate instrument readings, autopilot reliability, and overall flight safety, especially for instrument flying.

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