So, it seems like every time you change as much as a screw in an airplane, it has to be STC'ed and what-not, but I see tons of random stuff in panels that can't be. The expensive GPS's make sense, and if I remember correctly all that stuff is, in fact, an STC'ed installation. I've been looking at older, less expensive planes that have the most random add-ins - Panel mount 296s, clocks, clearly replaced DGs and other instruments, even planes where the panels themselves look like they were hacked out of plywood with a jigsaw. There's an otherwise attractive Maule on Barnstormers right now that looks like someone pop-riveted together an aluminum box and stuffed it under the windshield to make a panel.
What am I missing? Are these changes allowed? Are panels given some sort of special leeway?
What am I missing? Are these changes allowed? Are panels given some sort of special leeway?