---- the install cost of avioincs in Australia is about twice that of the US
Folks,
True in spades, but the reasons are wider and deeper, CASA "regulations" is driving up costs, as have many other present government's regulatory activities.
For something like a Kingair, it is substantially cheaper to ferry the aircraft back to US for any but minor upgrades. If you are putting in a full Garmin or Aspen system, or something similar, it is "no contest". Likewise, Singapore produces net costs far better than here.
If you are putting something like a Garmin 600 in your light twin, it is cheaper to buy all the bits, have the panel mod. made in the US and fly a techo. down here to fit it, than have it done locally. And the turnaround time will be measured in days, not months.
Taking a light single/twin to NZ to do major avionics upgrades is also very viable, compared to doing it here.
Tootle pip!!