We asked members to share their best advice for upgrading Piper avionics. Many said that research is the most important first step and others named matching mission to equipment as their top tip. From specific product suggestions to tips on what not to do, this article will help you prep for your next panel upgrade.
Below is Part 1, which ran in the April issue. We’ll be adding a Part 2 in the August issue.
Ed Johnston
PA-32RT-300
What are your three top tips for someone who’s preparing to upgrade their avionics?
- Plan ahead and research products including how different products integrate together, installers for both major install and follow up updates/repairs, aircraft needs based on your mission, and what fits in your budget.
- Know your aircraft well from a user’s perspective, from knowing what original equipment is nearing end of life and will require replacement to convenient placement of new gear.
- Consider replacing the panel while doing the avionics upgrade. It makes a huge difference in making this one-time spend come together both functionally and aesthetically.
If you could change one thing about your avionics upgrade, what would it be?
I chose the six pack with two G5s and original steam gauge instruments around them (including improved bezel lighting). If I had a bit more time, and money, I would have added a G3X to have a larger MFD screen.
What’s your favorite part about your avionics upgrade?
Improved safety, modern equipment and updated wiring behind the panel, more user-friendliness like the location of the autopilot, plus lots of new and extra features to enhance performance.
Bob Heybrock
PA-28-180D
What are your three top tips for someone who’s preparing to upgrade their avionics?
- Upgrade with components that will increase your situational awareness and make it safer to fly.
- Include a capable engine monitor, learn how to use it, and place it where you will use it.
- Fly with what you’ve got to start with — what you thought you needed or wanted initially could very well change. My most recent upgrade sprung from becoming more familiar with my airplane, including instrument training. Consider the pros and cons of your current layout and performance of components.
If you could change one thing about your avionics upgrade, what would it be?
I don’t think anyone would deny that money isn’t the biggest factor affecting upgrades. I took my time determining what I needed and actually have no complaints.
What’s your favorite part about your avionics upgrade?
My most recent upgrade of a new Bluetooth-capable audio panel/intercom and a better engine monitor/primary instrument replacement unit including the removal of several old gauges and my tachometer, which allowed for improved layout and functionality.
Scott France
PA-32-301XTC
What are your three top tips for someone who’s preparing to upgrade their avionics?
- Things rarely go as planned — set aside a little extra when planning an avionics upgrade to cover those things that may pop up.
- It may be cheaper to attack several upgrades at once since “the patient will already be cut open.”
- Make sure your new avionics play well with others. Some manufacturers make it extremely difficult to connect with products from other manufacturers.
If you could change one thing about your avionics upgrade, what would it be?
Real estate behind the panel in my 6XT is very tight. My original intention was to go with an IFD 540 but there wasn’t enough room. I ended up going with two IFD 440s. If I had known this up front, I may have gone another direction.
What’s your favorite part about your avionics upgrade?
Bluetooth technology, flight management system, and updatable charts and overlays.
Greg Rogers
PA-38-112
What are your top three tips for someone who’s preparing to upgrade their avionics?
- First thing I would look for is what is causing distractions in the cockpit and what would eliminate them. Cable control for headsets, ForeFlight, or iPad mounts that you can read and reach without being stuck on a yoke mount. Small things like USB ports in a panel instead of lighter adapters could make a big difference.
- What type of flying do you do? IFR could change what you may need compared to VFR. Prioritize.
- A good pair of noise reducing headsets is always a good bet for understanding the tower and reducing fatigue on long flights.
If you could change one thing about your avionics upgrade, what would it be?
Install fees. The install cost could be more than the new equipment being installed. Get a quote before purchasing gear.
Remove old equipment or inoperative instruments that aren’t required for your type of flying. It will help improve scan in flight and it’s cheaper to do the work at the same time.
What’s your favorite part about your avionics upgrade?
Organization. I can get important, needed info at a glance. Clarity of situational awareness in flight and pride in my plane. You’ll pay a lot of money for the improvements; feel good about it.
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