Avionics Upgrades For Your Aircraft

A partial panel upgrade replaces or adds specific components (such as retrofitting a single Garmin flight display or digital autopilot) while keeping existing instruments in place. A full panel upgrade replaces the entire instrument panel with a brand-new, integrated glass cockpit, supported by custom CAD-designed panel fabrication. 

Custom instrument panels are CAD-designed layouts engineered around your aircraft’s specific needs, modern glass displays, and controls. Rather than modifying a legacy panel with round-gauge cutouts, Blue Airways designs and fabricates a clean, ergonomic layout with optimized switch placement, wiring, and labeling. Our in-house capabilities include custom panel fabrication, powder coating, silk-screened labeling, and laser etching.

Common signs include:

• Difficulty or high costs sourcing replacement parts for legacy units.
• Frequent maintenance issues with aging analog autopilots.
• Increased IFR flying that demands better situational awareness and single-source navigation.
• Preparing the aircraft for sale and wanting to maximize resale value with modern, documented avionics.

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. 

Avionics upgrades can include custom wiring harness fabrication, electrical integration and circuit protection upgrades as appropriate for the project. 

Contact Blue Airways to discuss your specific aircraft and avionics needs. We can help determine the appropriate service or upgrade path. 

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. 

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 >

Contact our team with your aircraft make, model and current avionics configuration so we can determine whether we can support your project. 

Blue Airways is located at Red Wing Regional Airport (KRGK) in Bay City, Wisconsin. We proudly serve aircraft owners, flight schools, and commercial operators across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the greater Upper Midwest. 

Based at Red Wing Regional Airport, Blue Airways serves customers throughout the Midwest, with the added convenience of avoiding busy metro FBO congestion. Our team can travel up to 60 miles from our home base, and we're happy to discuss custom arrangements, aircraft delivery logistics, and other solutions to accommodate your needs. Contact us to coordinate scheduling and discuss how we can help.

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.

Getting started is easy! Fill out our avionics information form with your aircraft make and model, current avionics, and desired upgrades so our team can evaluate your project and recommend next steps.

Tell us about your aircraft >

An Authorized Garmin Dealer employs technicians trained directly to Garmin factory standards. Authorized dealers have direct access to Garmin factory technical support, perform direct warranty processing, and manage software updates correctly without relying on third parties. 

Blue Airways provides GFC 500 installation and integration for compatible aircraft. Available configurations depend on the aircraft and selected equipment.  

G3X Touch is among the Garmin avionics solutions Blue Airways can install as part of an appropriate aircraft upgrade.

Yes. GI 275 can be used as part of a partial or broader avionics upgrade, depending on your aircraft and existing systems. 

Extended backlogs shouldn't keep your aircraft grounded. We maintain flexible hangar capacity and active installation slots so you can schedule regular aircraft maintenance and your custom panel upgrades right away and minimize overall downtime. 

Located at Red Wing Regional Airport (RGK), our full-service FBO offers a fast, relaxed, and hassle-free alternative to the congested airspace, busy ramp traffic, and long ground delays of crowded Twin Cities airports. Drop off your aircraft with ease and enjoy personalized, high-touch customer service from the moment you land. 

Backed by over a century of combined industry experience, a comprehensive technical library, and state-of-the-art diagnostic tooling, our team of FAA-certified technicians has the deep knowledge required to execute complex custom panel builds, CAD design, wiring harness fabrication, and full systems integration right the first time. 

When you bring your aircraft to Blue Airways, you're visiting one of the Upper Midwest's most historic and picturesque destinations. While our team takes care of your avionics and panel upgrades, take the opportunity to experience the unique Red Wing community.

Explore our historic downtown, take in the stunning Mississippi River bluffs, visit the iconic Red Wing Shoes flagship store and world's largest boot, or enjoy a meal at one of the area's local restaurants.  We’re happy to help make your visit easy and enjoyable, with rental vehicles available and recommendations for local accommodations, dining, and other area attractions.