john smith wrote:
The recent thread regarding the lack of parts for the Garmin 480 got me
to wondering just how long the G-1000's will "live"?
Steam gauges are forever, but integrated circuits are produced for a
given period, then production is ceased as newer chips come along.
Does Garmin mention anywhere how long they will support their products?
Their earliest GPS handhelds are coming up on 20 years.
We have seen Lowrence discontinue support for some of their products
that are less than 10 years old.

Just like everything else that gets disontinued, either you have to
throw it away or someone starts manufacturing short runs of
discontinued parts. That is not unfeasible, by the way, for a G1000.
The big problem would be overcoming any legal obstacles thrown up by
Garmin.

The thing is, most chips and circuit boards should last for a very long
time, possibly longer than the airplane, and there will be replacement
parts from scavenged airplanes available.