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715-594-3999

  • Home
  • Avionics
  • Maintenance
  • Rental Vehicles
  • About Us
  • FBO

Authorized Garmin Avionics Upgrades & Custom Cockpit Retrofits

Blue Airways provides avionics upgrades and Garmin installations at Red Wing Regional Airport (KRGK) in Bay City, Wisconsin. From Cessna and Piper glass cockpit retrofits to GFC 500 autopilots and custom CAD-designed panels built in-house, our team handles your upgrade from planning through flight testing. 

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Authorized Garmin Dealer

Garmin expertise backed by an authorized dealer relationship. 

Rapid Turn Around Times

Flexible hangar scheduling and reserved slot capacity are designed to keep your downtime to a minimum. 

More Value for Your Upgrade

No MAC fees and potential Wisconsin sales-tax savings help keep more of your budget in the aircraft. 

Limited-Time Garmin Rebate

Planning a Panel Upgrade? Now's the Time.

Save up to $8,000 with Garmin’s Buy & Save Certified Avionics Rebate. Now through November 15, 2026, get $500 back when you purchase two eligible products, plus another $500 for each additional qualifying product installed.

  • $500 back with two eligible products
  • Another $500 back for each additional eligible product
  • Up to $8,000 in total rebates available


Blue Airways Bonus Offer:

Get a FREE Flight Stream 510

Receive a Flight Stream 510 ($1,895 MSRP) with any qualifying XI installation.

 

Offer valid through November 15, 2026. Eligible products, installation requirements and other restrictions apply. 

Contact Us

Modern Avionics. Expertly Installed.

The Garmin logo with a black triangle above the letter N.

Full Panel Upgrades

A full panel upgrade replaces the existing avionics system and instrument panel with a fully integrated, modern cockpit and a completely redesigned panel structure. This may include:

  • Primary & Multifunction Displays: G3X Touch, dual GI 275s, or hybrid configurations.
  • Modern Navigator Stack: GTN 750Xi/650Xi, paired COM/NAV units, and advanced audio panels.
  • Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot: Two‑axis, three‑axis, and optional pitch‑trim/yaw‑servo configurations.
  • Custom Panel Fabrication:
    • CAD‑designed panel layouts for precise fit, labeling, and symmetry.
    • Powder‑coated panel finishes for durability and a factory‑new appearance.
    • Silk‑screened labeling for OEM‑level clarity and professional text alignment.
    • Laser‑etched panel markings for crisp, long‑lasting, high‑contrast labeling.
  • New Wiring & Systems Integration: Complete harness fabrication, circuit protection upgrades, and pitot‑static integration.

A full upgrade delivers a complete transition to a modern, integrated Garmin glass cockpit with a custom‑built panel that looks and feels like new factory avionics.


Partial Panel Upgrades

A partial panel upgrade replaces selected legacy instruments with modern Garmin equipment while retaining much of the existing structure. Typical enhancements include:

  • Garmin Electronic Flight Instruments: G5, GI 275, or G3X Touch.
  • Modern GPS/NAV/COM Systems: GTN Xi series, GNC/GTR units.
  • ADS‑B & Transponders: GTX 345/335 or GDL‑series systems.
  • Engine Monitoring: GI 275 EIS or G3X Touch EIS integration.
  • Audio Panels & Intercoms: GMA 345/342 with Bluetooth.

Users receive modern capability and reliability while preserving most of the original panel layout.

GFC 500 Autopilot installations

The Garmin GFC 500 autopilot installation includes mounting and wiring all required system components - configured for the aircraft’s selected axis options, including two‑axis (pitch/roll), three‑axis (pitch/roll/yaw), and optional pitch‑trim or yaw‑trim servos. Installation typically involves:

  • fitting Garmin‑approved servo brackets and hardware,
  • integrating the GFC 500 with compatible Garmin displays (G5, GI 275, or G3X Touch), and
  • connecting servos to the aircraft’s flight‑control system. 

After hardware installation, the system is configured, calibrated, and tested through required ground checks and a functional test flight. All work is completed and documented in accordance with Garmin manuals and regulatory requirements.


What to Expect: Our End-to-End Upgrade Process

Both full and partial Garmin panel upgrades typically involve:

  • Removal of existing avionics, wiring, and outdated instruments.
  • Installation of Garmin avionics trays, racks, servos, sensors, and displays.
  • Fabrication and finishing of a new CAD‑designed instrument panel (powder coat, silk screen, laser‑etching).
  • Electrical and avionics wiring harness installation.
  • Integration with aircraft systems (lighting, pitot‑static, autopilot, engine data, audio).
  • Software configuration, database setup, calibration, and ground/flight testing.
  • Updated weight‑and‑balance and complete logbook documentation.


More Savings, More Value When You Upgrade at Blue Airways.

Keep more of your upgrade budget in your aircraft. Competitive pricing, potential tax savings, and no MAC fees mean more value for your avionics investment. 

  • No Sales Tax in WI*
    Qualifying avionics installations and repairs may be exempt from Wisconsin sales tax.
  • No MAC Fees
    No Metropolitan Airports Commission fees means more of your budget goes toward your aircraft.

Planning An Avionics Upgrade?

Before & Afters

1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

1946 ERCO Ercoupe 415-D

1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

1971 Cessna 172L

1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

1961 Piper PA-24-250

1961 Piper PA-24-250

1961 Piper PA-24-250

1966 CESSNA 182J 
GTN650Xi/GTX345 Installation

1966 Cessna 182J

1965 BEECH 95-B55 (T-42A)
Moved existing GI275 down to HSI location and installed new GI275 with ADA

1965 Beech 95-B55 (T-42A)

small plane in the sky

Refer a Friend. Get Rewarded.

Refer a NEW avionics upgrade customer and get rewarded. Once the installation is completed and paid in full, choose a $200 Gift Card or $500 Blue Airways credit towards your next bill. Terms apply. 

Why Upgrade Your Flight Deck with Blue Airways?

Blue Airways logo on white background

Your Aircraft Deserves More Than Just New Avionics

Choosing where to send your aircraft for an avionics retrofit isn't just about picking equipment - it's about finding a shop that respects your timeline, delivers flawless craftsmanship, and makes the entire process seamless.


Authorized Garmin Dealer

Garmin expertise backed by an authorized dealer relationship.


Short Lead Times & Rapid Turnaround
Flexible hangar scheduling and reserved slot capacity are designed to keep your downtime to a minimum.


Complete Avionics Installation
From CAD-designed panels and wiring harnesses to installation, configuration, and testing, we can manage the entire upgrade.


Experienced Aviation Team

Decades of combined experience in aircraft maintenance and avionics. 


An Upgrade That Goes Further

Savings on MAC fees and Wisconsin sales tax means your upgrade budget can go further.

Avionics Upgrades for Your Aircraft

Installations as custom as your aircraft. Check out our Avionics FAQ page for more info.

The cost depends on your aircraft, existing avionics, selected equipment, wiring, fabrication and installation requirements. Blue Airways provides aircraft-specific recommendations and quotes rather than relying on one-size-fits-all pricing. 


 Yes. A partial panel upgrade can replace selected legacy equipment while retaining compatible portions of your existing panel. 


Yes, Blue Airways provides GFC 500 installations and integrations for compatible aircraft - including Cessna, Piper, and more - at Red Wing Regional Airport (KRGK) in Bay City, Wisconsin. Installation options depend on the aircraft and selected equipment. 


Yes. Blue Airways provides custom CAD-designed panel fabrication, including powder coating, silk-screened labeling and laser etching. 


Project timelines vary depending on the aircraft, scope of work, equipment availability and complexity of the installation. We'll provide a more accurate timeline when developing your project plan. 


We work on a wide variety of single-engine and multi-engine piston and turboprop aircraft. Our shop frequently handles custom Garmin glass panel upgrades, engine monitoring (EIS), and ADS-B installs for Cessna, Piper, and many other general aviation aircraft. 


Absolutely. Blue Airways can coordinate aircraft maintenance and inspections alongside your avionics installation or upgrade. Combining projects can reduce downtime and save you from making multiple trips to the shop. Explore Blue Airways aircraft maintenance services >


Not sure what you need? That's okay! Tell us about your aircraft and what you'd like to improve, including:

  • modernizing your cockpit
  • improving navigation & communication
  • adding an autopilot
  • improving engine monitoring
  • fixing an existing avionics problem

 and we'll help you determine the right approach.


Ready to Upgrade Your Panel?

From Garmin avionics and autopilots to custom panel fabrication and complete systems integration, Blue Airways can help you modernize your cockpit from start to finish. 

Get Started

Garmin Authorized Dealer

Garmin logo

BLUE AIRWAYS

About Blue Airways

Aircraft Services

Red Wing Regional Airport (KRGK)

W7145 148th Avenue

Bay City, WI  54723


(715) 594-3999

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About Blue Airways

Aircraft Services

Aircraft Maintenance
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Avionics Services

Full/Partial Panel Upgrades

GFC 500 Autopilot Installations

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About Blue Airways

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