Understanding Tech Issues Little By Little

Electronics come and go, but airframes often remain in service for many years. If you operate one or more small private charter planes, you know that replacing your aircraft is a major investment. As long as it's safe and financially viable, the best strategy is often to keep an aircraft flying and producing revenue for as many years as possible.

However, flying an aircraft with decades-old avionics equipment can also be costly, and this old equipment may even impact flight safety or passenger comfort. Upgrading your avionics can be a cost-effective way to keep an older airframe up-to-date, and these three tips will help you perform a successful upgrade on your plane.

1. Assess Your Current Systems

Start by working with an experienced avionics services company to assess your current aircraft systems. This assessment will likely need to focus on three critical areas:

• Reliability
• Regulatory compliance
• Functionality and compatibility

Older systems with reliability issues or known technical faults should always be your priority. Even if these systems are not safety-critical, replacing them with newer, more dependable technology is still important. Likewise, you'll want to consider any upgrades necessary to meet upcoming regulatory changes or requirements.

Finally, reviewing the functionality and compatibility of your current systems will help you understand the "nice to have" upgrade paths available for your plane.

2. Focus on Safety

Avionics upgrades can improve safety by reducing pilot workload and providing superior in-flight information. Electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS) are a common upgrade for older planes, although more advanced systems may require substantial work in-cockpit retrofits. You'll also need to consider training time (for yourself or other pilots) on the new equipment.

However, these upgrades can be worthwhile if you plan to fly your plane for many more years. Major investments such as these can help drastically extend the life of your aircraft, allowing it to continue generating revenue for many more years while helping to ensure the safety of your crew and passengers.

3. Consider Passenger Cabin Avionics Upgrades

Charter flights can be highly competitive in some markets, and passenger comfort is often a major consideration. While it's also important to focus on safety and regulatory upgrades first, don't ignore the importance of passenger cabin avionics. Modern charter customers often demand far more comprehensive features than past customers.

When considering these upgrades, focus on your usual clientele. If you typically fly business passengers, upgraded cabin WiFi systems and dedicated video conferencing equipment can be a big selling point. On the other hand, inflight texting systems or in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems may be more suitable for leisure travelers. These upgrades can be a low-cost way to improve flight quality and revenue.

For more information on aircraft avionics services, contact a company near you.