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Avionics

Data Upkeep For Glass: Some Cost Relief

You arent finished writing checks for an account-draining avionics upgrade when you fly it home from the shop. Now its time to buy database subscriptions. If youre fat, dumb and happy updating your $180-per-year tablet app, get ready for sticker shock now that you have to feed electronic data into a Garmin or Avidyne suite. Its a real operating cost that isn't always considered during the buying decision.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

You aren’t finished writing checks for an account-draining avionics upgrade when you fly it home from the shop. Now it’s time to buy database subscriptions. If you’re fat, dumb and happy updating your $180-per-year tablet app, get ready for sticker shock now that you have to feed electronic data into a Garmin or Avidyne suite. It’s a real operating cost that isn’t always considered during the buying decision.

While dealers are tasked with maintaining operating software, they generally don’t get involved with database subscriptions, but they should deliver a new installation with fresh data. After that, the daunting task of paying for and loading scheduled database updates is on you.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.