HangarMath

Aircraft Upgrade ROI Calculator

Find out which upgrades are worth the money. Compare installation cost vs. resale value increase for 11 common upgrades across 1401 aircraft models.

Use this when you're considering an avionics or airframe upgrade and want to know if it pays for itself at resale.

1. Select Your Aircraft

Choose your aircraft to see applicable upgrades and hull value context.

2. Select Upgrades

Check the upgrades you're considering. Override the cost if you have a specific quote.

Garmin G5 Electronic Flight InstrumentElectronic Flight Instruments-3% insurance

Replaces vacuum-driven attitude indicator or HSI with a solid-state electronic display. FAA-approved for Part 23 Class I/II aircraft. Eliminates vacuum system failure risk.

Install: $3,200 – $3,800|Resale boost: +$2,000 – +$2,500
Garmin GFC 500 AutopilotAutopilot-7% insurance

Two-axis digital autopilot with altitude hold, vertical speed, heading, navigation, and approach modes. Includes flight director, envelope protection, and electronic stability & protection (ESP).

Install: $13,000 – $17,000|Resale boost: +$8,000 – +$12,000
ADS-B Out (uAvionix skyBeacon)ADS-B-2% insurance

Wingtip-mounted ADS-B Out transponder. Replaces position light — no panel modification required. Satisfies FAA ADS-B mandate for controlled airspace operations.

Install: $1,800 – $2,200|Resale boost: +$1,500 – +$2,000
ADS-B Out/In (Garmin GTX 345)ADS-B-3% insurance

Panel-mount transponder with ADS-B Out and In. Provides traffic (TIS-B) and weather (FIS-B) on compatible displays. Replaces existing transponder.

Install: $5,500 – $7,500|Resale boost: +$4,000 – +$5,500
JPI EDM-930 Engine MonitorEngine Monitor-2% insurance

Full-color primary engine monitor displaying all engine parameters: EGT, CHT, fuel flow, fuel remaining, oil pressure/temperature, RPM, manifold pressure. FAA-approved for primary replacement.

Install: $4,000 – $5,000|Resale boost: +$2,000 – +$3,000
IFR GPS Navigator (Garmin GNS 430W)GPS Navigator-3% insurance

WAAS-capable IFR GPS/NAV/COM with color moving map. Supports LPV approaches. The most widely installed GA navigator — strong parts and repair support network.

Install: $6,500 – $9,500|Resale boost: +$4,500 – +$7,000
IFR GPS Navigator (Garmin GTN 650Xi)GPS Navigator-4% insurance

Touchscreen WAAS GPS/NAV/COM navigator with built-in ADS-B transponder control. Current-production Garmin navigator with full LPV/LP approach capability and wireless connectivity.

Install: $12,000 – $16,000|Resale boost: +$8,000 – +$12,000
LED Landing & Taxi LightsLighting

Replace incandescent landing and taxi lights with LED units. Dramatically brighter, longer lifespan (10,000+ hours vs. 150-300 hours), lower current draw. Popular brands: AeroLEDs, Whelen.

Install: $400 – $600|Resale boost: +$100 – +$200
Interior RefurbishmentCosmetic

Full interior including seats, side panels, headliner, carpet, and instrument panel overlay. Typical timeframe is 3-6 weeks. Quality materials and craftsmanship vary widely by shop.

Install: $8,000 – $15,000|Resale boost: +$4,800 – +$9,000
Complete Paint JobCosmetic

Full strip-and-repaint including primer, color coats, and clear coat. Adds corrosion protection and dramatically improves appearance. Typical turnaround is 4-8 weeks at a paint shop.

Install: $15,000 – $25,000|Resale boost: +$7,500 – +$15,000
STOL Kit (Short Takeoff & Landing)Airframe

Wing leading edge cuffs, drooped wingtips, vortex generators, and stall fences that reduce stall speed and shorten takeoff/landing roll. Popular kits from Horton, Sportsman, and Bush.

Install: $3,000 – $5,000|Resale boost: +$1,000 – +$2,000

3. Ownership Details

How long you plan to keep the aircraft affects insurance savings.

$

Used to estimate insurance savings from safety upgrades

Select upgrades to see your ROI analysis

Check one or more upgrades above, then see how much value you recover at resale.

Which Aircraft Upgrades Are Worth It?

Not every upgrade to your airplane is a good financial decision. Some avionics upgrades recover 60-80% of their cost at resale, while cosmetic improvements like paint and interior work rarely break even. The key is understanding which modifications buyers actually pay more for versus those that simply make your aircraft more pleasant to own.

Avionics Upgrades: The Best ROI

Safety and IFR-capability upgrades consistently deliver the strongest return on investment. Buyers actively seek out aircraft with modern avionics because upgrading after purchase is expensive and means downtime. The standout upgrades include:

  • Garmin G5 — At ~$3,500 installed, it replaces unreliable vacuum instruments and typically adds $2,000-2,500 to resale value (57-71% recovery).
  • GFC 500 Autopilot — A digital autopilot is a major differentiator for IFR-capable aircraft. $15,000 installed with $8,000-12,000 resale recovery, plus insurance savings of 5-7%.
  • ADS-B Out — Mandatory for controlled airspace. Aircraft without it sell at a steep discount. Even the budget skyBeacon option ($2,000) recovers most of its cost.
  • Engine Monitor (JPI EDM-930) — Demonstrates proactive engine management and gives buyers confidence in engine condition. ~$4,500 installed with $2,000-3,000 recovery.

Cosmetic Upgrades: Proceed with Caution

Paint and interior refurbishment are the two upgrades most likely to disappoint financially. A $20,000 paint job typically adds only $7,500-15,000 to resale value, and interior work recovers about 50-60%. That said, if your paint is severely deteriorated or your interior is visibly worn, the absence of these items actively depresses your aircraft's value. The calculation changes when you plan to keep the aircraft for many years and want to enjoy the improvement yourself.

Insurance Savings from Upgrades

Several upgrades can reduce your annual insurance premium by 3-10%. Autopilots, electronic flight instruments, and ADS-B equipment are the most commonly recognized by underwriters. An autopilot alone can save $100-300 per year on a typical single-engine piston policy. Over a 5-7 year ownership period, cumulative insurance savings meaningfully improve the overall ROI of safety-focused upgrades.

When to Upgrade vs. When to Sell

The worst time to upgrade is right before selling — you won't recover the full cost, and you won't benefit from the utility. The best time is early in your ownership when you have years to enjoy the upgrade, accumulate insurance savings, and amortize the cost. If you're planning to sell within 1-2 years, the only upgrade that makes clear financial sense is ADS-B compliance, because the penalty for not having it exceeds the installation cost.

Upgrade costs and resale value estimates are based on industry benchmarks and typical shop rates as of 2024-2025. Actual costs vary by aircraft type, shop labor rates, avionics configuration, and regional market conditions. Insurance discount estimates are approximate and depend on your specific policy, underwriter, and pilot experience. This calculator is for informational purposes only. Always get written quotes from certified avionics shops and consult your insurance broker before committing to upgrades.