Avionics News May 2022 - 35

The obvious exception to the above rule is installing
said autopilot into an experimental aircraft. Like most
everything else in the experimental category, as the
owner/builder, you can typically do whatever you want,
but good luck to you.
Buyer beware
While the typical buyer is going to purchase preowned
avionics from a reputable shop, there are times
when there's a deal online that, well, is " just too good to
miss. " That alone may be a good enough reason to pass
on it. But in case the temptation is too great, there are
some guidelines to help keep your tail out of trouble as
an aircraft owner.
First, and it bears repeating, always insist on seeing
the 8130 tag on any product you buy, before buying it.
Reputable dealers understand the need to comply with
the Federal Aviation Administration requirements and
keep a close eye on the pedigrees of the products they
sell. If there's no tag, then there's no sale - at least not
to you.
" It could be stolen, " Fryar cautioned. " I've seen it
too many times where an aircraft owner has bought
something online without knowing exactly what they
were getting. It's just smarter and safer to buy from a
reputable dealer, even if that dealer is online. "
In the event there's something you truly want, and
nobody else has it, ask for the unit's serial number and
then have your favorite AEA-member avionics shop see
if it's stolen or was involved in a crash.
" We can check with the original manufacturer to see
if that serial number had been reported stolen, been in a
crash or involved in another incident, " Fryar continued.
" All of the major manufacturers track these types
of things. If the OEM doesn't have a record, we can
also check with the ACPI (Aviation Crime Prevention
Institute) database. "
Even if the serial number comes up clean, don't rush
to hand over your credit card information, especially if
you're buying from a private seller.
" I've come across people who purchase something
through a listing on Facebook or another such group, and
it's turned out very badly for them, " Schloss explained.
" They send in their payment, and suddenly the seller
stops responding to them. No money and no equipment.
" You need to purchase only through known entities
who use reputable third parties like PayPal. At least
you have some recourse if the product isn't what it was
advertised to be. Still, I recommend against buying from
anyone who's just selling stuff on the internet. "
Pay me now, or pay me later
So, is buying pre-owned avionics online a good deal?
Well, if you've stayed with us this far, you know the
answer is an unequivocal " maybe. "
If you are willing to invest the time and effort to
search the right equipment that meets the compatibility
and airworthiness requirements of what you currently
have in your panel, then have at it.
If not, save yourself a lot of added trouble, stress and
possibly money by working with and buying from a
reputable avionics shop. They know a lot more about all
of this than aircraft owners do or will. In the end, isn't
your peace-of-mind worth a few extra dollars? q
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avionics news * may 2022 35
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Avionics News May 2022

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