How a panel upgrade works at Pinnacle
A panel upgrade is a big decision and real downtime. Here is exactly what to expect, from the first conversation to the flight home.
Talk through the mission
We start with how you fly: VFR or IFR, local or cross-country, solo or with family. That shapes everything else.
Written proposal
You get an itemized proposal covering equipment, labor and expected downtime before you commit to anything.
Layout and scheduling
We lay out the panel with you, order equipment and give you a firm start date.
Installation
Old equipment out, new wiring in, panel cut and finished. We keep you posted as the work progresses.
Testing and paperwork
Ground checks, a test flight where needed, logbook entries, updated weight and balance, and FAA Form 337 or STC documentation as required.
Handoff
We walk you through the new equipment and its settings before you fly it home.
The parts of an install you never see matter most
Neat, labeled, properly supported wiring is what keeps a panel reliable for years and makes the next upgrade easier. We build every harness and panel the way we would want it in our own airplanes.
When a project calls for it, we cut and finish custom panel blanks in-house so equipment fits cleanly instead of being forced into old holes.
Frequently asked questions
How long will my airplane be down?
It depends on the scope of the job and parts availability. A single box swap is very different from a full panel. Every written proposal includes an expected downtime so you can plan around it.
Why don't you publish prices?
No two airplanes are the same. Existing wiring, equipment and goals all change the work involved, so we quote each aircraft individually and in writing.
What paperwork will I get?
Logbook entries, updated weight and balance, and FAA Form 337 or STC documentation where required, along with the manuals and flight manual supplements for your new equipment.
Can you handle my annual inspection at the same time?
We handle the avionics side. Airframe and engine work, including annual inspections, is done by our affiliated company DC Aviation on the same field, so both can be coordinated during one visit.
Do you work on turbine aircraft or helicopters?
Not at this time. Our focus is piston singles and twins. Call us if you are unsure whether your aircraft fits.
Where are you located?
Hangar 39 at Saline County Regional Airport (KSUZ), 1100 Hill Farm Rd, Bryant, Arkansas.
Ready to plan your panel?
Start with a conversation about your airplane and how you fly it.