Accessories, Mods
& Upgrades
From glass cockpit upgrades to better headsets — explore what's available for your aircraft and find the service providers who can make it happen.
Find Accessories & Modifications
Search by product name, aircraft type, STC number, or keyword
Search coming soon — browse categories below
What's an STC?
A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is an FAA-approved modification to your aircraft's original design. Think of it as the legal paperwork that lets you upgrade your airplane beyond what the factory built. Major changes — like swapping engines, installing a glass panel, or adding winglets — require an STC to ensure the modification is safe and airworthy. Many of the products and upgrades listed here are installed under STCs. Your mechanic will handle the paperwork, but it's good to understand what you're looking at.
Explore by Category
Twelve categories covering everything from cockpit upgrades to the flight bag you throw in the back seat. Click any category to learn more.
Avionics & Glass Cockpit
GPS navigators, glass panels, autopilots, ADS-B, transponders, audio panels, and cockpit displays.
Popular: Garmin G5, GFC 500, GTN 750Xi, Avidyne IFD series, uAvionix
Engine & Powerplant
Engine conversions, turbo-normalizing, diesel STC conversions, exhaust systems, and engine monitors.
Popular: Continental, Lycoming, SMA diesel, Tornado Alley Turbo, JPI, Insight
Propellers
Constant-speed conversions, composite propellers, governor upgrades, and prop de-ice systems.
Popular: Hartzell, McCauley, MT Propeller, Sensenich, Whirl Wind
Interior & Comfort
Seat upgrades, upholstery, soundproofing, carpet kits, cabin heat, and air conditioning STCs.
Popular: Oregon Aero, Airtex, Keith Products A/C, Rosen visors
Exterior & Aerodynamics
Winglets, gap seals, fairings, vortex generators, speed mods, and paint protection.
Popular: BLR Winglets, Knots2U, Micro VGs, LoPresti, Laminar Flow
STOL & Performance
Short-field kits, STOL conversions, flap modifications, Robertson STOL, and performance enhancing STCs.
Popular: SportSTOL, Horton STOL, Peterson, Sierra Industries
Electrical & Lighting
LED lighting conversions, alternator upgrades, USB power ports, and electrical system mods.
Popular: AeroLEDs, Whelen, Plane-Power, B&C Specialty
Fuel Systems
Fuel injection conversions, long-range fuel tanks, fuel flow monitors, and fuel system STCs.
Popular: Gamijectors, Airplains aux tanks, Osborne tip tanks, Monarch fuel caps
Safety & Emergency
Airbag seatbelts, BRS parachute systems, ELTs, fire extinguishers, and survival equipment.
Popular: AmSafe airbags, BRS, ACK ELTs, Artex, H2O fire systems
Pilot Gear & Supplies
Headsets, flight bags, kneeboards, sunglasses, portable GPS, and cockpit organization.
Popular: Bose A20/A30, Lightspeed Zulu, David Clark, Flight Outfitters, Brightline
Subscriptions & Software
EFB apps, chart subscriptions, weather services, database updates, and flight planning tools.
Popular: ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, FlyQ, Jeppesen, Fltplan.com
Tools & Owner Maintenance
Preventive maintenance tools, oil change kits, tire changers, tow bars, and cowl plugs.
Popular: Aircraft Spruce, Bogert Aviation, Desser tires, Tempest filters
Most Popular Upgrades
These are the modifications that owners talk about the most — and for good reason. Each one meaningfully changes how you fly.
Glass Panel Retrofit
Replace your steam gauges with a modern glass panel. The Garmin G5, GI 275, and Aspen Evolution bring attitude, heading, and navigation into the digital age — even in a 1970s Cessna. Prices range from $3,000 for a single G5 to $30,000+ for a full glass cockpit with autopilot integration.
LED Lighting Conversion
Swap your incandescent landing lights, nav lights, and strobes for LEDs. Dramatically brighter, longer lasting, and lower power draw. AeroLEDs and Whelen are the most popular choices. Many are plug-and-play with no STC required — just a logbook entry.
Speed & STOL Mods
Gap seals, wheel fairings, vortex generators, and STOL kits can meaningfully change your airplane's personality. VGs alone can drop stall speed 5–8 knots. Speed mods like cowl closures and gear leg fairings can add 5–15 knots of cruise speed for a few hundred dollars.
Interior Refresh
A tired interior makes a good airplane feel old. New seat foam and fabric, carpet kits, headliner, and side panels can transform the cabin. Oregon Aero seat mods alone make cross-countries dramatically more comfortable. Rosen sun visors are practically standard on the owner-flown fleet.
Get Your Products in Front of Buyers
BuyingAnAirplane.com connects aircraft owners with the products and services they need. If you manufacture aviation accessories, install modifications, or provide aircraft services — we want to feature you.
Ownership Basics
The responsibilities, costs, and realities of aircraft ownership — before you start modifying.
Browse Aircraft
Explore aircraft by manufacturer. See specs, performance data, and what makes each type unique.
Adventures
What to do with your airplane once it's upgraded — $100 hamburgers, backcountry flying, fly-in camping, and more.
Know What You Want?
Find Who Can Do It.
Our service provider directory connects you with avionics shops, A&P mechanics, modification specialists, and installers across the country.
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