Grumman Tiger Avionics Modernization Project
Grumman Tiger Panel Upgrade with Dual AV-30s, Garmin 430W & Trio Certified Autopilot
A practical real-world modernization of Grumman Tiger N1595R focused on eliminating aging systems, improving reliability, adding certified autopilot capability, and maximizing value for every dollar invested.
Grumman Tiger N1595R
Trio Certified Autopilot
Dual uAvionix AV-30-C Displays
Garmin 430W
PS Engineering PMA7000B
Garmin GTX 330ES
A Practical IFR Modernization for a Classic Grumman Tiger
This Grumman Tiger panel project was not designed around simply installing the most expensive equipment possible. The goal was more practical: remove aging systems, improve reliability, add modern GPS navigation, eliminate the vacuum system, install a capable certified autopilot, and preserve future upgrade flexibility.
For many legacy aircraft owners, this is the real challenge. The best avionics plan is not always the biggest panel rebuild. It is the plan that matches the aircraft, the mission, the budget, and the owner's long-term goals.
Equipment Removed During the Upgrade
- Century I autopilot
- King KX155 NAV/COM
- Apollo GX55 GPS
- Narco AT150 transponder
- Complete vacuum system
- Aging wiring and headset jack wiring where appropriate
Equipment Added or Upgraded
- Trio Certified Autopilot in panel-mounted configuration
- Duo uAvionix AV-30-C displays
- Garmin 430W GPS navigator
- PS Engineering PMA7000B audio panel
- Garmin GTX 330ES extended squitter transponder
- AV-Link for AV-30 software updates and traffic display capability
- AV-Mag magnetometer to support magnetic heading reference and HSI functionality
- Temperature probe integration for outside air temperature, true airspeed, and density altitude
- Rewired headset jacks
- Retained Narco 12D NAV/COM as a useful secondary radio
Why the AV-30-C Displays Made Sense for This Aircraft
The dual AV-30-C displays provided a practical path to replacing the traditional attitude indicator and directional gyro functions while also adding useful modern capability. In this aircraft, the AV-30-C installation supported the broader goal of removing the vacuum system, simplifying the panel, and improving long-term reliability.
It is important to be precise about certification. In this configuration, the AV-30-C displays should not be represented as making the aircraft a Technically Advanced Aircraft. They were selected as certified replacements for traditional flight instruments and as part of a practical panel modernization strategy.
Owner Perspective
As the owner of this Grumman Tiger and the founder of TrioAutopilots.com, I wanted a panel that delivered meaningful modern capability without unnecessary complexity. The goal was not to create the most expensive panel possible. The goal was to create a practical, reliable IFR platform that could be flown confidently, maintained sensibly, and upgraded further over time.
One of the key decisions was how to divide the work intelligently. A local avionics shop handled the panel work, avionics installation, wiring, and related certification tasks. Then, working with my A&P/IA, we completed the Trio Certified Autopilot installation at my home field, with the mechanical installation handled separately from the avionics work.
That approach allowed the project to maximize capability for every dollar invested while still using properly qualified professionals for the work that mattered. It also preserved future upgrade paths, including planned AV-HSI integration.
Jeff and Sue Johnson enjoying the results of a carefully planned panel modernization in their Grumman Tiger N1595R.
A Smarter Upgrade Path: Replace What Matters, Retain What Still Works
This project is a good example of a phased, value-driven avionics modernization. Not every piece of legacy equipment had to be removed simply because it was older. The Narco 12D NAV/COM was retained as a useful secondary radio, while the systems that delivered the biggest improvement in reliability and capability were replaced.
Removing the vacuum system was a major part of the strategy. For many older aircraft, the vacuum system represents weight, maintenance, plumbing, and a single-purpose legacy architecture. Replacing vacuum-driven instruments with modern certified electronic instruments can simplify the aircraft while improving reliability and freeing up space for future capability.
Project Benefits
- Removed the aging Century I autopilot
- Added modern certified autopilot capability with the Trio system
- Eliminated the aircraft vacuum system
- Improved GPS navigation capability with the Garmin 430W
- Added ADS-B Out capability through the Garmin GTX 330ES
- Improved audio management with the PS Engineering PMA7000B
- Added dual AV-30-C displays for modernized flight instrument presentation
- Preserved a useful secondary NAV/COM radio
- Improved wiring reliability by rewiring headset jacks
- Maintained future upgrade flexibility
Future Upgrade Path: AV-HSI Integration
This panel was also planned with future upgrades in mind. Upcoming work includes adding the AV-HSI module to further expand how GPS and OBS navigation data can be displayed on the AV-30-C instruments, including CDI and glideslope presentation where supported by the approved installation configuration.
That is one of the advantages of building a panel modernization plan in phases. The aircraft can gain meaningful capability immediately while still preserving a logical path for future improvements.
Ideal For Grumman Tiger Owners Who Want
- A practical IFR panel modernization
- A certified autopilot upgrade
- Improved reliability through vacuum system removal
- Better GPS navigation and ADS-B capability
- A clean upgrade path without unnecessary equipment replacement
- Maximum capability per dollar invested
- A panel plan that can evolve over time
What This Tiger Project Demonstrates
A successful avionics upgrade is not just a list of new equipment. It is a strategy. This Grumman Tiger project demonstrates how an owner can modernize a capable legacy aircraft by focusing on reliability, workload reduction, navigation capability, and future flexibility.
For Grumman Tiger, Cheetah, Traveler, Cessna, and Piper owners, the lesson is the same: a thoughtful upgrade plan can often deliver more value than a one-size-fits-all panel rebuild.
Planning a Grumman Tiger Panel Upgrade?
Whether you are considering a Trio Certified Autopilot, AV-30-C displays, Garmin navigation equipment, ADS-B upgrades, or a full panel modernization, Trio Autopilots can help you think through compatibility, equipment selection, installation planning, and upgrade priorities before you spend money in the wrong direction.