You don’t need WAAS or jet-like nav-management systems for an occasional trip through light weather. A utilitarian approach to an upgrade can save big.

By Larry Anglisano

Over-the-top avionics upgrades are becoming less common than they were just a few years ago. In a time where the possibilities are endless, a scaled-back upgrade might be the only option. Owners are tightening their belts and realistically looking at their missions. The tanked economy couldn’t have come at a worse time, given the availability of sophisticated avionics.

For the fiscally-challenged, hitting the avionics shop for a proposal on a total stack replacement will likely induce sticker shock. Even if you have the cash, loading half or more of the airplane’s value into the panel could be questionable. The good news

Much of the cost can come with installation. Integration with older equipment may, or may not, save bucks in the end.

is that equipping an airplane for light IFR need…