On the Upgrade
By Tom Hoffman, FAA Safety Briefing Magazine
I’m dating myself, but in my early years of flight training, my experience with magenta lines had more to do with depicting the boundaries of an airport radar service area (ARSA) than a direct-to-navigation tool. While I do prefer flying with a traditional steam-gauge six-pack, I certainly see and have experienced some of the many benefits that the latest glass technology provides.
There are many alluring upsides to using this tech including improvements in reliability, accuracy, and workload management. It’s what motivates many pilots to upgrade their aging birds. But there’s a lot to consider when making these upgrades; some obvious, others not so much. In this technology-themed issue, I thought I’d highlight a few things to consider when upgrading and help you get the most safety bang for your buck.
Do Your Homework
A good first step is to assess the type of flying you do with your aircraft and determine which upgrades might best contribute to safety and functionality. For example, if you primarily fly daytime VFR trips of an hour or less, funds spent on an angle of attack indicator (AoA) might make more sense than a new electronic flight instrument system (EFIS). Both have positive safety benefits, but the AoA might offer more of a safety benefit for that type of mission profile.
Incidentally, an AoA indicator is typically a device that you never knew you needed until you install it and learn how to use it. Wings fly based on the angle of attack with the relative wind. Whether we realize it or not, we use our airspeed indicator as a way of crudely approximating angle of attack, without consideration of weight or gravity (G)-forces. An AoA can help pilots focus their attention where it needs to be to avoid a stall. See the FAA’s recent bulletin on AoAs at bit.ly/SAIB_AOA.
A good approach toward upgrade options might be to focus on the hazards you are primarily concerned with and the tools you can install to help mitigate them. If you’re concerned about an inflight structural failure, for example, you could look at options for a ballistic recovery system (i.e., airframe parachute).
Be sure to also leverage all sources of knowledge about potential upgrades and ask questions. Reach out to type clubs, research online forums, and check with fellow pilots. There are lots of good upgrade options, but not all of them are worth the cost.
The Big Picture
When researching for upgrades, be sure to look at the project holistically, with consideration for future changes. This was top of mind for Brad Zeigler, an FAA aviation safety analyst, who was considering some upgrades to his 1975 Cessna 182 Skylane. “When my attitude indicator failed, I knew that I wanted to replace my old vacuum-powered round gauges with a new large digital display, but funds only allowed for a pair of smaller round electronic flight instruments,” explained Zeigler. “By considering my future plans for an autopilot upgrade, I was able to select a unit that would eventually control my future autopilot, and when I save up the funds for a 10-inch EFIS, my round electronic display will serve as a required backup display, albeit relocated on the instrument panel.”
Budgeting for Time and Money
Two items sometimes overlooked by pilots are the time and expense needed for an upgrade. For example, even a simpler avionics installation may still require a technician to spend several hours perched upside down under your panel, tracing cables and replacing wiring harnesses. Many owners are often surprised by how long the aircraft is out of service. For that reason, it might be prudent to schedule any interior work while the engine is being overhauled or during an annual inspection.
Post-Mod Considerations
After your shiny new upgrades are installed, there are still many things to consider, including training, potential checklist modifications, and new maintenance considerations. Take the opportunity to find an instructor familiar with your aircraft model and any enhancements you’ve made. Don’t try to teach yourself how to navigate your new navigator or pilot your new autopilot. Do the bookwork ahead of time, watch videos, do some ground instruction, and finally, fly with an instructor who can teach you how to use your new avionics in flight.
Tom Hoffmann is the editor of FAA Safety Briefing. He is a commercial pilot and holds an A&P certificate.
