The Legacy XL Stationary Panel Kit is the first STC’d replacement stationary panel on the market for Cessna 172 E through M models (model years 1964 through 1975), and is designed to allow for enough volume to install a either a standard “six pack” T configuration or 10” PFD above the pilot’s control yoke without compromising structural integrity. 

Due to limitations in many older Cessna models, installing a 10” PFD or even a standard “six pack” layout is not possible without significantly modifying the stationary panel.

Your instrument panel is made up of two basic parts, the stationary panel and the shock panel. The shock panel is the left side panel mounted on rubber isolators, which houses the instruments that are most sensitive to vibration. The stationary panel is the structure that the shock panel is mounted to. It also houses the instruments that are not sensitive to vibration. The stationary panel is riveted to the fuselage and provides structure, specifically it is attached to engine mount stringers and a forward fuselage bulkhead and ordinarily is not considered removable.

Because the Stationary Panel is a structural part, modifying it in any way is considered a Major Alteration, and requires engineering and additional paperwork signed off by a Designated Engineering Representative (DER).  DER engineering alone can offer one time only solutions for a specific serial numbered aircraft, and may be listed in aircraft logbooks on FAA Form 337 as a major repair or alteration.

Some avionics STC’s are for multiple products in a family. For example, an STC for a PFD system may contain approval for both a smaller screen version, and a 10” version on the same STC, and documentation will often feature a small sentence that states that it is up to the owner and installer to determine if the screen size that is purchased will fit in the airplane.

Due to the obvious desirability of a larger screen, this often leaves owners with a problem of having their airplane disassembled to install these new avionics only to find that they don’t fit.

Older Cessna 172 models came with a variety of instrument layouts due to the constraints of the OEM stationary panel, which was made of stamped aluminum. It contained a large opening around and above the pilot’s control yoke where the instruments housed in the shock panel would be. This opened was framed with a rolled edge, which gave the stationary panel rigidity and strength. The size and dimensions of the opening changed slightly throughout many early model years.

These older Cessna 172 models also had a slightly higher control yoke, with its measurement from the floor to the control yoke being 1.5” higher than later models. As a result, the open area between the control yoke support and the top of the stationary panel opening is not large enough to house two full size instruments. Thus, the main instruments were offset from the center above the yoke.

A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is FAA approved data for modifications to a type certificate (certified airplane). An STC can be issued an unlimited amount of times to any aircraft on the approved model list, and installations must conform to the STC.

The FAA has reviewed the data and engineering behind our product, ensuring that our replacement stationary panels and associated parts provide the same or better structural integrity as OEM parts. 

As holders of this STC we are committed to the supporting the Cessna fleet and endeavor to offer the recipients of our STC the best support for the life of their aircraft.

The Legacy XL replacement stationary panel raises the height of the panel by just under 1.5 inches. This results in a slightly more sloped glareshield, and a very minimal change in sight picture.

The Legacy XL Stationary Panel is fastened to the airframe utilizing the same mounting points as the OEM stationary panel, and the installation retains all supporting pieces that fasten to the stationary panel and the firewall. All the aircraft controls, switches, etc are in the same location. Once the Legacy XL Stationary Panel is installed in your aircraft, you can jump right in and it will feel just like your familiar Cessna 172.

Currently, the Legacy XL Stationary Panel Kit is in development for Cessna 172 B, C, and D models, as well as several models of the Cessna 182.

We currently have no plans to add models later than the Cessna 172M due to the fact that Cessna solved the “six pack” problem by lowering the control yoke in these models. Standard six packs and 10″ displays can easily be added to Cessna 172s with serial numbers 17265685 and later. 

No, the Stationary Panel Kit does not include any avionics. We recommend contacting your local avionics dealer.

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