"Avionics" is a word that’s casually mentioned, but it really encompasses a variety of aircraft systems. So, when one considers an avionics upgrade, it’s essential to build a list of Need To Have as priority to Nice To Have items. In other words, what specifically prompted you to pick up the phone and contact Sarasota Avionics, or start researching panel upgrades online?
Was it your aging autopilot? Or perhaps, a friend took you flying in their gorgeous A36 that was recently retrofitted with a modern, glass, integrated suite – and now you just can’t stop thinking about how advancements in modern technology have arrived for the general aviation market. Either way, here’s a quick guide to help get you started on the right upgrade path.
Need to Have vs. Nice to Have
The basic components of most general aviation airplanes: as you read each section, prioritize your list.
Six-pack or analog flight instruments, such as the standard panel, or, steam gauges
The airspeed, altimeter, and VSI utilize the pitot-static system. The AI, HSI, and turn indicator are gyroscopic instruments with an internal gyro powered by vacuum, pressure, or electrical power.
Many pilots are replacing aging or obsolete technology and stepping forward to electronic solutions such as the Garmin G5, GI-275 series, the G3X and TXi; Aspen Evolution Flight Displays, uAvionix’s AV-30C, and others.
Center-stack avionics
Audio panel, panel-mounted GPS, nav, com, and transponder. We replace many analog audio panels for new digital systems, for enhanced cockpit sound clarity and quality. WAAS is an essential for modern-day navigation and there are many products new to the market at a variety of price points, such as the Garmin GPS175, GNC355 and GNX375.
Engine instruments, including fuel gauges
Either standard factory instruments and gauges, or, upgradable to a primary management system, or, secondary (backup) management system.
Autopilot
Analog autopilots have been discontinued, and components for them are becoming scarce. Older series digital autopilots (such as the STEC 55x) are still in production, but their replacement by the 3100 is imminent, thus driving the cost of the older system.
In other words, when a customer has an aging analog autopilot that is faulty, it can be a difficult decision whether to spend time and money troubleshooting, or, to consider an autopilot replacement.
Budget
Some systems are more complicated and require more labor hours to install than others.
Retrofit products are unique in the level of their customization. Our team will always want to start by requesting a photo of your current aircraft panel, as each one is a little different – especially airplanes that are decades in age and have already undergone prior avionics work.
We can also discuss a strategy completing your avionics upgrade in phases so that your airplane will grow along with your expanding mission.
Interface
Now that we’ve identified what items comprise an avionics system, we can look at interface, or, the way each component talks: individually and systematically. A complete re-fab (or resto-mod), with compatible products, is pretty straightforward – but avionics manufacturers have limitations on what will interface.
Many of our customers choose to upgrade their aircraft in phases, so we need to consider how to make each system interface so you can reliably and confidently enjoy your airplane for years to come.
I Want Glass!
There have never been more options available to the piston and turbine market – Avionics manufacturers have seized the pinnacle of technology to produce fully-featured, cutting-edge products at a variety of price points.
Garmin introduced the G5 AI and G5 HSI to the market with great success. They later rolled out the GI-275’s, which in addition to their features as an AI and HSI, are available as individual electronic replacements as a CDI, MFD and EIS. They require little to no additional panel modification to install, thus saving cost.
The G3X was born from the popular lineup of avionics from the experimental aircraft community and later certified for hundreds of models. These full-size Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and Multifunction Displays (MFD) are available in 10 & 7” touchscreen formats. Garmin’s flagship G500 and G600 series is now available as the more robust TXi, and available as a PFD or MFD, or PFD/MFD in 10 and 7” variants. These displays are more customizable in their interface capabilities to other avionics, allowing for ease-of-use with their level of integration. The TXi is available for Class I & II airplanes as well as Class III (as with the GI-275).
Aspen Avionics creates a series of PFD and MFD displays available for Class I- III aircraft. These feature-rich displays are easy-to-install in most standard panels and require little to no modifications. They’re also a building-block concept, allowing you to add up to three displays for a true glass-panel look and feel.
The uAvionix AV-30C is a fully digital multi-mode instrument that mounts in a 3-1/8” round instrument panel cutout. It can be field configured as either an Attitude Indicator (AI) or a Directional Gyro (DG) indicator, with a number of supplemental functions.
Custom Aircraft Panel
A true glass panel retrofit, like the one seen here, require a new custom panel. This is a fun and exciting process, as we can create the panel of your dreams. With hundreds of colors, designs and finishes, we work with you to create a custom layout for the ideal flight deck experience. The panel is an important consideration for the glass avionics retrofit, as it requires time, materials, and expense to attend to the precise details that differentiate a professional, exceptional panel from an average to nice outcome. Our many years in the business ensure that small but impactful elements are tended to, such as rolled edges, symmetry, or perfect laser-etched placarding.
How to Get Started
Reach out to us: Our avionics consultants can walk you through these options and determine what product will work best for your airplane and project. Please have a current photo available of your airplane, as we will want to start there. Next, we can discuss your goals, budget and timeline and come up with the ideal strategy for you.
Worksheets
Our proprietary G3X and TXi worksheets help show the various options when building your avionics suite. Even if you don’t fill it out and submit, it’s a great place to start to familiarize yourself with the options of the system.
Garmin TXi Worksheet
Garmin G3X Worksheet
About Our Company
Our staff consists of people who got into this business because they love aviation. We are always here to answer any questions you may have about all of the current avionics options, and to help you find the right solution for your aircraft.
Besides offering the best prices and customer service in the industry, Sarasota Avionics & Maintenance sets itself apart from the competition by offering multiple locations throughout Florida. Providing both avionics and maintenance services all under one roof makes scheduling easier with far less downtime.
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