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environment where Lateral Path Vertical (LPV) approaches, in the US, now exceed traditional ILS, it begins to make sense to upgrade the aircraft Flight Management System and (possibly Flight Guidance for coupling), to facilitate the many LP/LPV approaches now available. It is wise to add graphic weather, electronic charts and enhanced maps, when upgrading a flight panel. The options involve a small amount of graft to install and yet a great amount of electronic capability enabled by the manufacturer. It also leads to an uncluttered cockpit, saving space and weight. If an option means more removal & reinstallation for access, more wiring and significant certification, think twice. If the option is mostly software or a fully compatible ‘slide-in’ component, then the value proposition is good.
Summary
In an environment where supply is below demand, the dynamics favor the seller. The squeeze is on the few available aircraft to be ready to fly, immediately upon closing the deal. Any delays from the buyer could cause the seller to unplug the aircraft and move it to one of many alternate buyers. This situation has www.AVBUYER.com
an enormous impact on cockpit upgrades, their cost, value and — most importantly — when they should be undertaken. Is it a buyer’s prerogative to upgrade, or should the seller plan to offer an aircraft that is as close to new as possible? There are arguments either way. For sure, if the aircraft is up to date and ready to fly, for a discerning buyer, the seller may maximize on price, reduce stress for all and expedite the deal. This would seem to be the wisest route to take, if not for the possibility the market mood may shift quickly and there could be an over supply of pre-flown aircraft. The price delta between new delivery and pre-flown aircraft is still sufficiently wide enough to allow owners of existing
models to repaint exteriors, replace interiors and upgrade cockpits, and still provide significant savings to buyers. The trick may be in making the updates look, feel and function as close to a new aircraft as possible. That is one large value proposition to consider. Anyone on this track should act fast as new aircraft manufacturers are ramping up both deliveries and new models to sell. In conclusion, price matters but it depends! Hopefully, this article has provided clues to sellers, buyers, owners and brokers that will enable them to navigate through the cost vs value challenge and come out the other side with an optimum solution for their operation. ■
KEN ELLIOTT has 52 years of aviation experience focused on avionics, in General and Business Aviation. Having a broad understanding after working in several countries on many aircraft types and avionics systems, he has contributed to several work groups and committees, including for NextGen, Airport Lighting, Human Factors, Unmanned Aircraft and Low Vision Technology. In retirement, he is striving to give back the knowledge gained with an eye on aviation’s future direction.
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