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I'm embarking on upgrading my panel in my m20E. I torn between a couple of option that I want your feedback on. Option 1: Just doing an overlay metal panel on the right side, keep the instrument stack structure that has many excess holes in it and new vertical non-bent panel on the left, yet keep the sub-panel for the throttle, mixture, prop, heat, boost, vent on the lower middle and lower left. Example: Option 2: While putting in all new GPS & radios in the center stack, build a new panel that replaces the base panel on the left side. The throttle, prop, & mixture faceplate are also encompassed. This will involve removing those cables at the engine, pulling through the firewall, and re-inserting through the hole in the new panel. (a bigger job, but can be done in 3 hours). The right side would extend down further. All the audio jacks, electrical switches, heat, vent, boost, parking break would all penetrate the new panel. Would these all need to be removed from the firewall also? If so, how big of a job is that? Example: So my question is, how many more hours is the "full monte" (option 2). I ask because you only do this once and want to take some pride in it. My layout would also work better with option 2 as it provide a small bit of extra room. Confident in my abilities in this area, just curious about the time investment. Thank you!

I was asked in a PM whether the active leg of a hold was displayed in the GI 275 while also displaying it on the GNS 530W and if it was flown correctly by the autopilot.My setup is a GI 275 ADAHRS+AP as primary ADI and a GI 275 ADAHRS configured as MFD/Standby ADI. They are connected to the GNS 530W and the ADAHRS+AP unit drives the KFC 150 autopilot. They work perfectly together and will fly a hold and course reversal without any issues.This video shows them in action. Regards, Chris Koppel

Hello everyone, I’m looking for help to better understand general costs and recommendations as I begin my search for a Mooney. I’ll try not to ask the repetitive question and debate about what airplane is better, however, hoping for a little help with budgeting and expectations. A little background information. Commercial instrument rated. Mission is primarily myself and maybe one other for business use. Average trip 300 - 400 NM with some closer to 600 NM. Based in the Seattle/Tacoma area heading east. Spokane, Boise, Salt Lake, Portland, etc. Desired budget of around $75,000. If that's not possible maybe more but this is the purpose of the thread. To learn and understand base and upgrade costs. For example, $45k airplane and $30k upgrades or $65k airplane and less upgrades. I’m looking for a solid aircraft. With my budget I’m estimating a C, E, or F. I know there are mountains going east from Seattle and icing but don’t think a turbo or FIKI is in the budget. I don’t mind manual gear, I don’t mind steam gauges. In general I care about functionality and value more than ego. Based on this here are the questions I can't figure out how to answer: Model Considerations - speed vs fuel flow; I assume C, E, and F are all going to be comparable and one is Engine Considerations What is an overhaul cost? Is it better to buy a run-out engine and overhaul or find a lower time engine? How recent should a low time engine have been overhauled (10 years, 20 years)? Avionics Considerations If I purchase an airplane without adequate avionics what is the upgrade cost? I know this is a loaded question but if I’m looking for capability, not fancy. For example, I’m okay with steam gauges (six pack, VOR, ILS or HSI not a glass panel. GPS that can work with GPS approaches and integrate with ILS or HSI but necessarily a big moving map GPS. So with that in mind what would the upgrade cost be? I guess the question is, what is the cost difference to replace with basic instruments again vs "modern" avionics? If most of the avionics are there but the layout is terrible what is the cost to rearrange the panel and update a few steam gauges? Replace just dual radios and dual nav? Add a basic autopilot? Add engine analyzer? Other General cost for a basic paint job? General cost of basic interior? Is this a rabbit hole? Should I be approaching this differently? What am I not thinking about? Thank you for your help and experience!!