The panel above is state-of-the-art—circa 1975. The radios are uniformly old enough to be approacing uneconomic serviceablity. One solution, below, is a pair of used KX155s and new KMD150 budget MFD. No GPS approaches, to be sure, but full IFR and a color map for about $12,000.

by Larry Anglisano

Wouldn’t it be nice if money were no object? For a select few, this is the case. But for the rest of us, we can only respond with numb fascination when the guy on the other side of the avionics counter runs up a $30,000 estimate—just to get started on a “basic” upgrade.

On the plus side, avionics for small aircraft have never been so advanced, even if the prices are stratospheric. Most owners have to draw the line somewhere but where that line is has become a mystery to many. …