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Hi all. A bit of a preface here. I'm a new owner, just getting my first annual on my own (the first was done with the seller and we split some costs). Minor back story here. There have been a lot of things discovered in this annual that seem like they should have been discovered in the previous, and apparently there were many mistakes made by this supposedly reputable shop. I know this isn't a poor man's hobby but WOW! My question is relating to avionics upgrades, and costs. I know I need a new Mode S transponder. I has been in the back of my head and I have been starting some more serious research. I have received a rough verbal quote from a local shop for an install on a new GTX-345 so that I can benefit from the compatibility to my 430W. He said I was looking at 8-10k USD. Keep in mind I am in Canada so ad 25% to that, then add 13% more for sales tax. After doing a bit of reading on just a couple US websites they advertise "From $4800". I would assume that is just to purchase the unit, although how much can the unit cost vary. I would assume it would only be the install cost that varies save for maybe a few different wiring options or kits that certain planes might need. Regardless, he told me that the install is in the 20 hour range. At about $100 CAD per hour, I can't quite figure out where the rest of the cost is coming from to total 8-10k USD. Even if the unit is 6k USD, that would mean the install is $4000 USD which is more than 40 hours if the rate is $100 CAD per hour. It simply isn't adding up. Here is my next question. How long can it possibly take to install a damn transponder. I'm new to the airplane world and the airplane ownership world and I am still trying to understand and feel out how aircraft maintenance and avionics shops work. I know it's an expensive game. Do most work on flat rate? I'm a pretty savvy guy and have been around auto shops and many types of repairs. I can remodel a small bathroom in 40 hours, or re-re an engine and transmission on a car in less time than that. I would think that a transponder install would be a day's work. Again, I am not making any claims, I am simply asking for some advice from some experienced guys. I am mainly looking to not get ripped off. I have NEVER been opposed to paying a fair price. I am looking to figure out what is fair. When I do decide to replace the transponder I was thinking to also replace the audio panel. I would have hoped it would save some time with them already having everything apart, but based on the telephone conversation it seems that the savings may not be as much as I had anticipated. I understand that Mooney's are regarded as difficult to work on when it comes to panel stuff. I would appreciate any input from anyone, especially Canadians that have made a trip to the US to get installs done and if it went smoothly. Could you also let me know if there is anything special I need to get done in regards to logs to keep everything legal for TC. Any recommendations on shops to look into would also be great. These guys seem to be a Garmin heavy store. He was really pushing the Garmin, I guess maybe because I have the 430W and for compatibility? It does sort of make sense to stick with the same brand throughout my panel, also considering a possibly upgrade to a G5 set up when my AI and DG crap out. I have no problem with people supporting a brand they believe in, but from what I know, Garmin is on the more expensive side of the options out there. Is there a better bang for your buck? Thanks in advance

The news just broke that Fat Albert (The U.S Navy Blue Angels C130) will not be performing at EAA Air ventures Oshkosh this year due to a nation wide grounding of the aircraft. Does anyone have insight on this issue? I assume this has something to do with the accident a few weeks ago that left many dead.