Avionics Upgrades: What's Worth the Investment
Strategic avionics investments that improve safety, capability, and resale value of your aircraft.
Why Upgrade Avionics?
Benefits
- ✓ Enhanced safety
- ✓ Better situational awareness
- ✓ Improved navigation
- ✓ Higher resale value
- ✓ Modern technology
ROI Considerations
- • Typically recover 60-80% on resale
- • Modern avionics command premium
- • Adds to insurability
- • Can reduce insurance costs
- • Attracts buyers/lessees
Top Avionics Upgrades by Priority
HIGH PRIORITY (Essential)
Cost: $40K-$150K+ | ROI: 70-80%
Replaces mechanical instruments with integrated digital displays. Dramatically improves situational awareness and safety.
Cost: $3K-$8K | ROI: 90%
Modern GPS with WAAS improves navigation accuracy to within 3 meters. Enables precision approaches.
MEDIUM PRIORITY (Highly Recommended)
Cost: $4K-$20K+ | ROI: 65-75%
Reduces pilot workload on long flights. Improves safety. Modern autopilots integrate with glass cockpits.
Cost: $3K-$5K | ROI: 85%
Required by FAA. Transmits your position to other aircraft. Enable free traffic reports with ADSB-In.
LOWER PRIORITY (Nice-to-Have)
- • Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS): $3K-$8K | Good safety feature
- • Weather Radar (WX radar): $8K-$15K | Useful in IFR conditions
- • Entertainment Systems: $2K-$5K | Low ROI but improves passenger experience
- • Audio Panels/Intercoms: $1K-$3K | Nice upgrade but lower priority
Upgrade Cost vs. Value Analysis
Example: $400K Cessna 182
| Upgrade | Cost | Resale Recovery | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1000 NXi Glass Cockpit | $80,000 | $60,000 (75%) | $20,000 |
| Autopilot System | $12,000 | $8,400 (70%) | $3,600 |
| ADSB-Out System | $4,000 | $3,400 (85%) | $600 |
| TOTAL: Glass Cockpit Package | $96,000 | $71,800 (75%) | $24,200 |
Timing Your Upgrades
- During major maintenance: Schedule avionics work during engine overhaul or annual inspection for best labor efficiency
- Before resale: Upgrade avionics 6-12 months before selling to show market value
- After aircraft purchase: Often included as condition of sale or part of loan requirement
- Tax year planning: Consult CPA about timing for Section 179 deductions if business use
Financing Avionics Upgrades
Avionics upgrades can often be included in your aircraft financing. Include estimated upgrade costs in your total aircraft purchase financing, or refinance your existing aircraft loan to fund upgrades. Discuss options with our team.
Finance Your Aircraft with Avionics Upgrades
Include avionics upgrades in your aircraft financing. Better technology, better safety, better resale value.