Modern avionics upgrades promise enormous gains in safety, capability, and workload reduction. Yet many air­craft owners discover that the installation process itself can become the most frustrating part of the upgrade. Even rela­tively straightforward projects, including ADS-B installations, navigator replacements, autopilot retrofits, or EFIS conversions, often require repeated return trips to the shop to correct wiring errors, configuration problems, or integration issues.

Adding an accessory to your panel or to your aircraft can be broken down into these categories:
• Convenience
• Safety
• Comfort

Once you have decided to enter the world of IFR flying, a reliable, panel mounted clock or even better, a digital chro­nometer is required equipment.

Under 14 CFR Part 91.206 (d)(6) of the Code of Federal Regulations, a powered civil aircraft with standard U.S. air­worthiness certificates under instrument flight rules must have, “A clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds with a sweep-second pointer or digital presentation.”

I was asked about circuit breakers in a 1970 Grumman American AA-1 “Yankee.” They were original and did not pull like we see on newer models.

I think the majority of IFR pilots, especially those flying legacy aircraft fall into the category of light IFR.

“Frankly, of all the manufac­turers we have discussed in these two articles, uAvionix is the company that I am most excited about.”

After years in avionics sales, I’ve seen owners pause spending when the market dips, but panel upgrades have lost their mystique.

We have been hearing for the last ten years just how busy avionics shops have been, with four-to-six-month backlogs inspired by ADS-B, and now the EFIS movement. I’m not hearing that anymore.

Frankly, while I understand, many vendors wait for Oshkosh to announce new products. I found very little “new” at Sun ’n Fun.

The FAA issued a SAIB at the end of 2024, strongly encouraging aircraft owners to consider AOA technology, to their panels.

Airplane engines seldom just stop, but one of the fastest ways to stop an aircraft engine is to remove the fuel source.

I am suggesting here is if you are considering an avion­ics upgrade in your twin, it is an opportunity to simplify engine management.

My own experience as an avionics consultant is based on the pilots who contact me seeking advice on their next avionics upgrade.

What Avionics should you have to fly Light IFR Safely? In my opinion, to fly Light IFR you need a ca­pable pilot and…

We have five senses, and we often take them for granted. In life and in the air, our senses are how we navigate the world. In

The FAA monitors active pilot’s certificates in the US and issues the data every year including the stats for the nine years prior.

No matter how you fly, you need to communicate – and not just to ATC and your fellow pilots in the pattern at a non-controlled airport.

Over twenty years ago, I started reading about NextGen and it seemed like forever before we reached the installation deadline in 2020.

My role as an independent avionics writer for this magazine is to provide you with a new article every 30 days.

Electronic flight instruments are a good option for light IFR pilots to help eliminate the risk of a vacuum pump or vacuum AI failure in IFR.

The majority of my consultant clients come to me with out­dated avionics looking to upgrade the panel for Light IFR.

One of the most important considerations when planning an IFR flight is whether or not an alternate will be required.

uAvionix develops and manufactures com­munications, navigation, and surveillance products for the un­manned aviation industry.

GPS Interference, Jamming and Spoofing In my last article, I mentioned flying in my early days and...

Let’s look at what is available today for the True IFR or Business pilot when “active” equipage makes sense.