N2692T

N2692T is a 1971 Piper PA-28-180 flight trainer belonging to Chennault Aviation Academy (CAA). It joined the fleet in August 2018 with only 200hrs left on the engine before TBO (Time Before Overhaul). 200hrs later the aircraft was grounded for an avionics upgrade and an engine overhaul. Due to new regulations released by the FAA in 2018 non-complex aircraft like the PA-28-180 could be used for commercial training as opposed to more costly "complex aircraft" if they met the new TAA (Technically Advanced Aircraft) category. This meant the aircraft needed GPS, an MFD (Multi-Function Display), and a 2 axis autopilot. The aircraft already had a GPS unit that qualified as a MFD so the decision was made to install Garmin's late GFC500 autopilot along with a pair of Garmin G5s. At the same time a new instrument panel layout was designed and built for the aircraft to give it that new modern look. With a freshly overhauled engine completed in house 92T returned to the flight line with much anticipation. It has since become the pride and joy of the CAA fleet as it paved the way for other aircraft to follow in terms of avionics, design, and layout.