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Buying Used Avionics: Plan For Refurb Work

If you thought even a modest new avionics upgrade was in the budget, but proposals are proving otherwise, plan B might be buying used equipment. While this isn't a bad plan, a hasty buying decision might end up costing more in the long run. This is especially true when buying complex instruments and avionics that require factory service. Worse is buying equipment, having it installed and paying for troubleshooting when it doesnt work. In this article, we'll take a look at the current used avionics market, the potential costs of pricey factory service and some common traps to avoid at any cost. We cant cover all equipment, but we'll look at some that may cause problems.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

If you thought even a modest new avionics upgrade was in the budget, but proposals are proving otherwise, plan B might be buying used equipment. While this isn’t a bad plan, a hasty buying decision might end up costing more in the long run. This is especially true when buying complex instruments and avionics that require factory service. Worse is buying equipment, having it installed and paying for troubleshooting when it doesn’t work.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the current used avionics market, the potential costs of pricey factory service and some common traps to avoid at any cost. We can’t cover all equipment, but we’ll look at some that may cause problems.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.