Panel Planner 101: Used Avionics Caveats

When supply chain disruptions hit avionics availability, the used market got volatile. While conditions have stabilized, buyers should recognize that current-generation equipment rarely appears secondhand — the market consists mostly of aging systems with real risk.

Proper Procurement

Walking used equipment in to your installer cold creates friction. The professional approach: consult with your shop beforehand about installation feasibility. Asking the shop to source equipment themselves — though it reduces savings — ensures appropriate specs, correct install kits, and proper documentation for your configuration.

Equipment to Avoid

Discontinued models present particular concerns. Garmin no longer services early navigators including the GNC 300XL and GPS 155XL. BendixKing's KLN90, 89B, and KLN94 series lack adequate support or upgrade paths. The GNS navigator line faces display sourcing limitations, rendering failed units essentially unusable.

Reliable Purchase Sources

Established platforms include Barnstormers, Trade-A-Plane, and Bennett Avionics. The Aircraft Avionics Exchange Facebook group (20,000+ members) provides market intelligence and peer trading. Aircraft salvage dealers offer non-damaged equipment, though manufacturers like Avidyne refuse servicing crash-involved units lacking verifiable documentation.

Larry Anglisano serves as Editor in Chief at Aviation Consumer since 1995. A multi-category pilot with 30+ years of avionics repair experience, he also directs Aviation Safety and IFR publications and contributes to KITPLANES magazine.