The buyer demographics were predictable-46 percent were between the ages of 41 to 55, and 48 percent were over the age of 65. The rest were 21 to 40 years old. When it comes to flying missions (which is a major factor in upgrade decisions), 45 percent fly between 50 to 100 hours per year, and 32 percent fly between 100 and 200 hours per year. Personal/recreational flying counted for 50 percent, while personal and business flying was 47 percent.
While new avionics might not be flying off dealer shelves, we’ve noticed a sizable increase in market competition—particularly for ADS-B solutions and wireless panel-mounted avionics.
But those are minor developments, compared to the stunning announcement at the recent Sun n’ Fun fly-in this past April, which could lead to relief for buyers weary of budget-busting upgrades.
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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.
