Glass cockpit upgrades: what to expect from a panel refit
Thinking about replacing steam gauges with a glass panel? A look at how a modern avionics refit is planned, built and certified in our workshop.
A glass cockpit upgrade is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make to a light aircraft — better situational awareness, digital engine data and a moving map in front of you. It's also one of the most involved, so it pays to know how the process works before you commit.
Planning the panel
Every refit starts with a conversation about how you fly. We lay the new panel out on the bench first, agreeing instrument positions, switching and labelling before anything is cut. We supply and install equipment from Garmin, Avidyne, Aspen, Trig and other leading manufacturers, and we'll recommend a combination that suits your aircraft and your budget rather than a single fixed package.
The installation itself
The cockpit is stripped back to bare structure so the new wiring looms can be routed properly — every run labelled and supported. The panel is built and pre-wired on the bench, then fitted to the aircraft, followed by pitot-static, transponder and radio checks before certification.
- Cockpit stripped back and structure inspected while access is open
- New looms routed, labelled and supported behind the panel
- Panel built and tested on the bench before installation
- Full ground testing and certification under our Part 145 approval
How long does it take?
Timescales depend on the scope of the refit and the aircraft. The best next step is to bring the aircraft — or its logbooks — to Turweston so we can talk through the options and give you a realistic estimate. Book an appointment and we'll walk you through it.