Upgrades for my C in 2015

[gsxrpilot]

I know I'm fortunate to have a C as well equipped as it is. But it's a new year, a new budget and with both IFR Cert and the Annual coming up, I'm thinking of doing some upgrades.  I'm not up for all of it, but will be deciding between the following...

 

1) New J shafts to go with my, still in the box, pair of leather wrapped J yokes. Along with new PTT and autopilot switches.

I know this is largely cosmetic, but the new switches would make the flying, and especially approaches, easier.

 

2) New Stratus and Transponder to go with the existing 530W and ForeFlight for ADSB compliance.

This is probably the most important, but would almost rather wait and see what comes out as we get closer to the mandate.

 

3) AOA indicator of some sort.

I'm becoming more and more sold on the idea of having one of these. I like flying into short and interesting strips. I'd like to get out west and tag along with Brian (piperpainter). And an AOA would add an additional level of comfort.

 

I doubt I'll do anything until after Oshkosh, unless some vendor really twists my arm at Sun-n-Fun. I'd like to see what's available from Stratus and what interesting discounts are available on the various pieces.

 

Some items that are already on the list or in progress, but minimal in cost are...

Window tinting

Sun visors

LED torpedo lights

 

Oh, and I also need an O2 tank and associated bits and pieces. That C does better up high than I thought originally.

 

Any opinions?

 

[carusoam]

I got enamored with... 'I know I'm fortunate to have a C'

Everything after that is icing on the cake!

O2 is a good idea at much lower altitudes than the C is capable of.

Best regards,

-a-

[TWinter]

Sounds good..  LED lighting, not super expensive and big bang for the buck? Probably should check your gallery first, but assuming no LED yet its a good mod without breaking the bank.

[bonal]

There I go again living vicariously through others. Sounds like good stuff as you already know photos are required

[ryoder]

I learned when I was upgrading my 82 Z28 at sixteen years of age that I should keep an emergency repair fund and focus on reliability over upgrades. I am forced to remind myself of that now as a new C owner. So good for you on those upgrades as long as your airplane is reliable. I especially like the yokes with ptt.

[Marauder]

1) I did the yoke upgrade and really like the new style yokes. It eliminates the AD and like you pointed out, allows the hardware to be attached.

2) As for the ADS-B stuff, I'm in a holding pattern on it. If the box players don't figure out how to work together, I'll probably through in a mode S and be done with it. There will be more stuff coming out in the next year.

3) I bought an AoA last year. It'll will help you fly slower with confidence.