Upgrades to the plane
- Thread starter Nikhiln25
- Start date
You didn't mention it as an issue or inconvenience, but any update or permanent installation that eliminates cords, adapters, Velcro, etc in the cockpit has value IMO.
Fuel flow was my 1st thought when I read your original post. So yes I think it is worth it. It will let you adjust lean and adjust you fuel flow/mixture quicker than just using EGT as well as track your fuel usage more accurately.
Brian
CFIIG/ASEL
chemgeek
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Here was my priority upgrades, accomplished gradually over 10 years or so. Based on flying IFR:
1. WAAS GPS (GNS-430W)
2. Modern audio panel (Garmin GMA-340)
3. Autopilot (STEC-20)
4. ADS-B out and in (Lynx NGT-9000)
5. EFIS (Dual G5s, removal of vacuum system)
6. Upgraded #2 NAV/COM (future, my current #2 still works and is rarely used)
I'm at the point that I will soon have to go back to #1 and go through the list again. I could add engine monitoring (#7) but I managed to do just fine on the first engine without.
Along the way, I also redid the interior upholstery and plastic. Some of that I did myself. THat was not a critical safety of flight issue, but was a welcome upgrade. I also ran out my engine and overhauled it while doing an engine and prop upgrade. The new engine and prop is sooooo much better than the old ones. It's nice having items you can personally take care of properly from the start.
Pretty much, upgrades and replacement happen continuously.
1. WAAS GPS (GNS-430W)
2. Modern audio panel (Garmin GMA-340)
3. Autopilot (STEC-20)
4. ADS-B out and in (Lynx NGT-9000)
5. EFIS (Dual G5s, removal of vacuum system)
6. Upgraded #2 NAV/COM (future, my current #2 still works and is rarely used)
I'm at the point that I will soon have to go back to #1 and go through the list again. I could add engine monitoring (#7) but I managed to do just fine on the first engine without.
Along the way, I also redid the interior upholstery and plastic. Some of that I did myself. THat was not a critical safety of flight issue, but was a welcome upgrade. I also ran out my engine and overhauled it while doing an engine and prop upgrade. The new engine and prop is sooooo much better than the old ones. It's nice having items you can personally take care of properly from the start.
Pretty much, upgrades and replacement happen continuously.
Nikhiln25
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I’ve started putting a list to gather off my own desires and what I see in this thread and now I’m wondering if it’s more cost efficient to upgrade to a plane that has all this vs upgrading one by one over time and have no gone down the rabbit hole of looking at new planes to buy
Yeah, but where's the fun in that?
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It would take a long time and not save as money saving as you think.
It’s time consuming enough to find a plane with an airframe and engine in good enough shape at a price you need it to be.
The wide variety of avionics means the chances of finding one with your short list and good engine / air frame / good maintenance / at a price you need is …… going to be hard. It will take time, and you’ll not be approaching this with a “I can walk away from this deal” position.
If you find an airframe and engine that matches what you need, just consider it a bonus if it has any avionics that you want, can build on.