Tips To Keep In Mind When Seeking Out New Aircraft Avionics Systems

Avionics is the term used to describe any type of electronic system that is used to operate an airplane. Everything from the navigation system to each individual sensor could be considered avionics. Whether your firm is looking to build a new plane, or you are looking to replace parts on an older plane, there are a number of things to keep in mind when seeking out new aircraft avionics systems. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind.

Keep Up to Date with Current and Future FAA Requirements

The Federal Aviation Administration, of course, has various rules and regulations that all aircraft must comply with. Rules could vary based on the aircraft being of the commercial variety or one that is privately owned. When purchasing new avionics for a plane, it's likely the system will be in compliance with current regulations but what about five or 10 years from now? Familiarize yourself with upcoming FAA regulation changes to ensure that you won't be installing something that will be considered outdated or out of compliance in the near future. You don't want to spend thousands of dollars on equipment only to learn that some it will need to be replaced again to comply with a new rule that goes into effect in a few year's time. Future proof your new purchases as much as you can. It might cost more, but it's likely worth the investment to get the very latest technology.

Do You Want the Ease of a Fully Integrated System or Are You Going to Try and Mix New and Old Parts?

When it comes to avionics, you'll hear the terms integrated and non-integrated quite often. A fully integrated system includes everything you need in one unit. A fully integrated navigation system, for example, comes with all of the sensors and other hardware you need out of the box and can be easier to install on your plane. It's possible to seek out non-integrated systems or parts and just buy what you need piece by piece in order to save money, but you need to make sure that the mix of new hardware will match up well and work properly with any old hardware you intend to leave installed.

Consider a Maintenance Plan

Many avionic system providers also offer ongoing maintenance for the parts or systems they sell and sometimes will offer an extended warranty or maintenance plan. It's likely a good investment for your company compared with the cost of performing maintenance or significant repairs out of pocket in the months to come.

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