Contributed by Gary Harpster, Avionics Installation Sales Rep
For major avionics installations, like upgrading to Honeywell's NZ-2000 FMS, it's important to consider STC availability and service provider experience with the aircraft and the equipment. Photo source: Honeywell Aerospace.
When you are tasked with an avionics installation and you need to better understand what conveniences you can offer your passengers now, you need to talk to someone well versed in the industry. With a firm understanding of your goals (to minimize capital expenditures, maintain a high level of safety and balance the value of your aircraft against what you’re about to spend), it’s worth taking the time to talk to someone that understands your needs. There are a lot of factors that often times get overlooked when assessing how an upgrade can affect your hull value. It pays to do a through research on your proposed installation.
It's important to evaluate a service provider's experience with the type of aircraft in question, and the equipment that's being considered for this installation. What value does a supplemental type certificate (STC) bring to the equation?
If the installing agency does not have the right STC, they may or may not be willing to take on creating a new one for your aircraft. It's prudent for an installing agency to do its homework as well, before taking on new certifications. Very few installation facilities will generate a new STC unless it meets the criteria with a sound business plan.
It's important to keep in mind that to install new technology, for example a NZ-2000 FMS, a company needs to be familiar with that type of aircraft and the equipment they're considering for installation. A properly researched avionics installation can add value (especially if the aircraft might be sold overseas in the future), and can also minimize support headaches down the road.
For further discussion on items that need to be considered for avionics installation planning purposes, evaluating your service providers, or understanding the decisions behind creating a new STC, read Avionics News' "Taking on the Burden of Generating a New STC."
For more information on Duncan Aviation's NZ-2000 FMS STC, please refer to the press release.
