The average age of the general aviation fleet is more than 50 years old. At the peak of general aviation in the 1970’s, almost 100,000 airplanes were delivered. Remarkably ageless, these airplanes will continue to fly for generations to come, given vigilant maintenance practices and with adaptations to the ever-changing airspace technology realm.
Sarasota Avionics has carved a niche in the custom avionics market: from a light upgrade like our popular GTN or IFD promotions, or a full-on RestoMod like the projects featured below, we’ve got you covered.
BE55: Classy and Capable
Serious pilot, serious missions: This avionics retrofit needed to meet the hard IFR demands of long-distance business commutes and Angel Flights.
The final result was a safety-enhancing and workload reducing suite including the STEC 3100 autopilot, the Aspen Avionics Evolution 2000 MAX PFD/MFD with AOA, Avidyne IFD540/440 and a fresh new panel. The AV-30C compliments the stack as a backup. He later completed an interior refabrication and exterior paint.
1984 A36: Screen Dream
An airplane with good bones, the owner wanted a more visible display that could integrate with his existing avionics. A G500 TXi with the GAD43e allowed him to keep his existing KFC200 autopilot and GI-275 AI. A new pilot’s panel was cut to match and GCU485 controller (at the bottom of the stack) finished the upgrade.
1979 Cessna 182Q: Retro to Resto’d
The owner of this Cessna 182 was thrilled by the performance of the TXi, especially its integration to the GFC500 autopilot. This was a major upgrade from an aging avionics system. The fully integrated EIS system and dual GTN750’s will provide confidence for his long cross-country missions for many flights to come.
2003 Cessna 172S: Basic Trainer to Master Classroom
We are sometimes asked to create avionics packages that fulfill the requirements for TAA (Technically Advanced Airplanes). TAA’s are equipped with an electronically advanced avionics system that includes a PFD, MFD, and a two axis autopilot integrated with the navigation and heading guidance system.
This Cessna 172 came in with a mostly factory-original panel. With the addition of the fully integrated G3X suite including EIS with CiES digital fuel senders, a G5, the GFC500 autopilot and new panel, this Skyhawk more than meets the requirements for TAA aircraft – This hardworking suite is easy to learn yet disarmingly sophisticated with its capabilities as an IFR platform and beyond.
The G36 Killer
You could burn a million on a new G36 – Or, you could level up your 1984 A36. That was the goal, expectation, and end result for this full Garmin upgrade that included the TXi, GTN and GFC500 autopilot, new custom panel, lighting and more.
The California Girl Rest-06-MOD
The owners of this 1981 Cessna 206G contacted Sarasota Avionics, considering a G500 TXi in a 2-screen PFD/MFD format, with 10- and 7-inch displays. Their ultimate vision included the dual 10-inch displays, but they had been told by other avionics companies that it could not be achieved. They also requested a standalone engine management system such as an EDM900.
Working with our team, it evolved into a completely integrated Garmin TXi suite, including EIS, and, the assurance that WE could indeed design, fabricate and fit the dual 10” displays in a new custom panel. Although the panel looks like carbon fiber, for durability, the panel is fabricated in metal with a dipped overlay. A fresh annual and prop overhaul would also be done in concurrence to the avionics delivery, saving downtime. And, lastly, our vendor Hoover Aircraft Interiors was recruited “to make her the prettiest girl in country” with top quality Italian leather, custom wool and fabrics, as well as new interior details like powder-coated door handles.
Our teams pulled together to deliver this Rest-06 – knowing that the owners chose the furthest shop in the country, from their home state of California, to complete the work.
In their own words: if you need a plane as a showcase near the west coast, let us know. You definitely have a winner here.
How can we help?
All of our avionics consultants are pilots and would be happy to discuss different upgrade options with you.
About Our Company
Our staff consists of people who got into this business because they love aviation. We are always here to answer any questions you may have about all of the current avionics options, and to help you find the right solution for your aircraft.
Besides offering the best prices and customer service in the industry, Sarasota Avionics & Maintenance sets itself apart from the competition by offering multiple locations throughout Florida. Providing both avionics and maintenance services all under one roof makes scheduling easier with far less downtime.
Venice (KVNC)
Sarasota (KSRQ)
Lantana (KLNA)
Tampa (KTPF)
