October 1, 2024

When it comes to upgrading an experimental airplane, few choices can have as significant an impact as modernizing the panel. Henry Lawrence, aviation enthusiast and Garmin ambassador, recently received discounted avionics to upgrade his 2010 Lancair Legacy FG through a Garmin dealer, and the results have been transformative for him and his family.

“To move everything to modern Garmin avionics transforms the entire flying experience,” Lawrence said.

Whether you’re a seasoned aircraft owner like Lawrence or new to owning an airplane, a Garmin avionics panel upgrade might be the best decision you make for your plane. Below, let’s take a deeper dive.

1. New Plane, New Avionics

Much like when one purchases a home, it’s natural to want to make it your own. Shortly after acquiring his 2010 Lancair Legacy FG, Lawrence, who has been flying since he took his first flight lesson at age 14, knew he wanted a fresh suite of Garmin avionics for a more modern flying experience — thanks to having experience with the GTN™ 650Xi and GFC™ 500 digital autopilot.

Despite considering a homebuilder approach, he opted to work with a Garmin dealer shop instead. Why? His family, work and flying obligations keep him plenty busy. So, in collaboration with the Garmin aviation team, he went with the professionals at a local shop.

“It was an easy choice,” Lawrence said. “I worked with a group of professionals who do this every day. They helped me finish the project in far less time than if I opted to try and do it myself.”

Just because he chose to outsource the installation didn’t mean he removed himself from the process altogether. Lawrence designed his customized panel upgrade and worked closely with the dealer ahead of the install.

2. Modernizing with the Latest Technology

When mapping out his new panel, Lawrence aimed to get the most modern flying experience possible. With the help of Garmin, Lawrence reimagined his Lancair cockpit with a complete glass setup. From enhanced situational awareness to improved navigation and communication capabilities, the glass panel now provides Lawrence with everything he needs for a more intuitive, reliable and efficient flying experience.

So what all was included in Lawrence’s panel upgrade? Quite a bit, actually.

When it was all said and done, Lawrence opted for the following:

“The interface of the G3X is easy to learn, and it’s so user-friendly,” Lawrence said. “In just a short time, I realized the biggest change was the reduced pilot workload.

“Every single aspect — every inch of the upgrade — was deliberate.”  

3. Significantly Reduced Pilot Workload

Before the upgrade, Lawrence managed with no autopilot and some outdated avionics, which made flying a high-workload task. His new Garmin GFC 500X autopilot and other advanced systems have decreased his pilot workload.

“With no autopilot and old avionics, it was still simple,” Lawrence said, “but it was still a high workload by comparison to what it was going to become for me in three months when I got the airplane back. Now I’m sitting back in my seat flying the airplane, not leaning forward.”

Modern capabilities like datalink weather, more precise engine indications, coupled VNAV and more have reduced the workload in the Lancair and made trips, like Lawrence’s recent trip to AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, a breeze.

4. Unmatched Reliability for Peace of Mind

Safety and reliability were paramount for Lawrence, especially because he often brings his family on board.

“Because I regularly fly with my kids and wife, I was certain that I was going to need safety and reliability,” he said. “Therefore, I was really drawn to a fixed-gear aircraft in the experimental category, and I wanted speed. I wanted a proven airframe. After much searching, it was clear that the Lancair Legacy FG was the right fit for me. It checked off numerous boxes for me including speed, reliability, fixed gear, carbon fiber fuselage and modern wing. And, of course, the fun factor that the Lancair provides.”

The previous avionics had occasional inaccuracies, Lawrence said, which left him doubting their reliability.

“It made me question everything. What else might be incorrect? What else might be wrong?” Lawrence said. “And so you start to question the reliability and the safety aspect of the components in the airplane.”

The upgrade to Garmin avionics, he said, eliminated those doubts.

5. Seamless Upgrade Experience with Professionals

Working with a Garmin dealer made the upgrade process straightforward and efficient. Even though Lawrence considered completing the installation himself in true experimental fashion, he was ultimately glad he left the heavy lifting to an experienced Garmin dealer.

“I felt like I was straying from the original goal, which was to improve the reliability and the overall safety of the aircraft,” he recalled about his initial desire. “If I would’ve done it…