AirVenture 2009 - Gear Buying Strategy

Each year I have some idea of the gear I want to look for up at Oshkosh that will help weigh down or lighten my flightbag. This year was no exception, however, the lack of money prevented me from picking up my new aircraft - maybe next year. :) I do however have a plan that works pretty well for me... You see the great deals you can get from exhibitors at AirVenture allows you to sell your old gear (on eBay, Craigslist, etc.) and buy something newer for about the same price or a little more. Case in point: I was making a trip to build time from C77 to KEYW (that's roughly Rockford, IL to Key West, FL). I had picked up a old Lowrance Airmap 100 on eBay for $50.00 with an expired database mainly for peace of mind for emergencies. It worked like a champ!

At Oshkosh AirVenture 2007, Lowrance had an upgrade program that allowed you to get ~$150 off the purchase of a new Lowrance GPS for trading in your old unit. I did this and on top of the great show prices I was able to walk out the door with an Airmap 2000C for about $450.00. Not Bad. The sad thing is that all these old units were to get the 'sledgehammer' treatment. RIP.

Fast forward to AirVenture 2008...Bendix-King introduced the AV8OR GPS Unit with amazing capabilities including XM weather at the top of the list. I couldn't resist! I bought the unit and sold my barely used Airmap 2000C for nearly as much as the new AV8OR.

This year, at AirVenture 2009 I debated about selling my AV8OR before the show and take a chance at something new being released at my price point. I didn't sell my AV8OR but did like the new AV8OR ACE - slightly more than my budget this year though.

My strategy may not work with all gear but for the more expensive gear it's a pretty good bet that if you follow my strategy you can keep up-to-date with the newest gear without taking a huge hit if any.

I'll be posting a review of my AV8OR soon - the good and the bad. Have a safe flight!