Category Archives for Aviation

Appareo Launches Custom iPad Controller for Use in Off-Road Rugged Equipment

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Launches Custom iPad Controller for use in Off-Road Rugged Equipment

FARGO, North Dakota (September 17, 2020) — Appareo today released a new product, the Appareo Grip iPad controller, that enables more seamless interaction between iPad displays and off-road rugged equipment. The Appareo device has completed extensive field testing, is entering production, and is available this year.

As more operators of off-highway equipment have become frustrated with low fidelity displays and poor display performance, they have sought to have smooth interaction between their personal portable electronics and the machinery they operate. Manufacturers are responding to this interest with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interfaces and companion apps for machines. These apps connect with the machine in real time and allow operators to receive information from, and interact with, their machinery. Unfortunately it can be very difficult to interact effectively with touch screen devices because gloved hands cannot create responsive button presses on iPads, and the vibration of the machine makes contact with the application buttons or user interfaces challenging. Moreover, long hours of operating the equipment during peak periods of equipment use, when these supporting devices may be needed most, often exhausts the iPad’s battery life.

The Appareo Grip iPad controller overcomes these challenges by:

• providing convenient direction pad and finger button interfaces that provide inputs to the app over Bluetooth, allowing gloved operators to interact effectively with iPad capacitive touchscreens;
• delivering a surface for steadying the operator’s hand while interacting with the display during machine operation;
• possessing a sun shade to improve device visibility in sunny conditions;
• effectively securing the iPad under vibratory load while furnishing a standard mounting pattern for interface to all manner of ball/socket or suction cup mounts;
• charging the iPad during use.

“Appareo strongly believes that portable electronic devices like iPads and smartphones have a strong role to play in the operation of, and interaction with, off-highway equipment. We all have smartphones and tablets at the intersection of our personal and professional lives. They carry our email, or social networking, our photos, our presentations, et cetera. As much as we expect these devices to interface and interact with our personal lives, our professional lives, and our automobiles, increasingly operators expect these devices to interact with their machinery as well. For years Appareo has been a leader in facilitating the interaction of these devices and off-highway equipment. We’re excited about the Appareo Grip iPad controller launch, and our customers’ continued success in delivering value through the introduction of these devices into their control and monitoring systems,” said David Batcheller, President & CEO of Appareo.

Appareo Grip is designed to work effectively with Appareo’s award-winning line of telematically-enabled electronic control units (ECUs) or as a stand-alone device. To learn more about Appareo Grip, visit appareo.com/products/ipad-control-and-monitoring/.

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About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace and terrestrial applications. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.

https://www.appareo.com/2020/09/17/appareo-launches-custom-ipad-controller-for-use-in-off-road-rugged-equipment/

Appareo Releases New High-Power Type-A and Type-C Charging Port, Stratus Power Pro

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Releases New High-Power Type-A and Type-C Charging Port, Stratus Power Pro

TSO’d and now shipping, Stratus™ Power Pro safely and reliably powers the devices that pilots have come to rely on in the cockpit.

FARGO, North Dakota (September 9, 2020) – Appareo today announced the release of Stratus Power Pro, the latest product in its line of TSO-certified USB charging products. Stratus Power Pro features dual 3.0 amp USB-A and USB-C connectors for interface with both legacy and new portable electronics. The charging ports are backlit for easy location in low-light conditions. Stratus Power Pro was designed to provide 20% more power than the original Stratus Power, providing sufficient fuel to fully recharge smartphones and tablets even while they’re in use.

“The emergence of Appareo’s line of certified power products was born from experiences with our popular line of Stratus ADS-B receivers. Our customers were experiencing NAV/COM noise from radio interference caused by their cheap charging electronics, which was worrisome and potentially unsafe,” said Kris Garberg, President of Appareo Aviation.

“Unfortunately, TSO’d power chargers were hard for our customers to find at a reasonable price, so our goal with this product line was to provide the best-value charging ports with minimal amount of installation time, to reduce the total cost,” said Garberg.

Like the original Stratus Power, the new Stratus Power Pro was designed with a cylindrical shape for easy drill-in installation with a common step bit. This design reduces installation costs while providing a professional, clean-looking installation. Additionally, connectors on Stratus Power Pro are backwards compatible with Stratus Power, allowing for easy swap out for current customers choosing to upgrade.

“Now, with the emergence of higher power, higher performance tablets and EFBs that are more important to our customers than ever before, having a safe, continuous power source for their devices has grown from a convenience to an absolute necessity,” said Garberg.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Dual 3.0 amp charging ports, USB-A and USB-C
• Blue LED lighted front
• 56 oz, 1.848” w x 1.848” h x 1.263” d (depth includes mating connector)
• FAA certified to TSO-C71
• Designed and built in the USA
• 5-year warranty backed by Appareo

The release of Stratus Power Pro builds on Appareo’s legacy of affordable, high-quality Stratus electronics with another industry-leading capability and price point backed by a fantastic team, brand, and warranty. Stratus Power Pro is now shipping and available for purchase from an authorized Appareo dealer, or from the Appareo webstore: appareo.com/store.

Learn more at stratusbyappareo.com.

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https://www.appareo.com/2020/09/09/appareo-releases-new-high-power-type-a-and-type-c-charging-port-stratus-power-pro/

Appareo Announces Stratus Insight Integration with Avidyne IFD Series Navigators

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Announces Stratus Insight Integration with Avidyne IFD Series Navigators

New multifunction SBAS flight management systems Helios™ and Atlas™ will join IFD 440, 540, and 550 GPS navigators in Avidyne’s list of products integrated with Stratus™ Insight

FARGO, North Dakota (August 27, 2020) – Appareo today announced the integration of Appareo’s Stratus Insight EFB with Avidyne’s newest FMS and GPS navigator products, Helios and Atlas. This integration allows for bidirectional communication between the application and the navigator. This capability is also currently available for Avidyne customers flying with the IFD 440, 540, and 550 GPS navigators.

Using this communication link, customers can create flight plans in the FMS and push them to Stratus Insight or, alternatively, push flight plans created on the app into their navigator. Additionally, if the navigator is receiving ADS-B in, it will send subscription-free weather and ADS-B traffic information directly to Stratus Insight. Other value-added information such as AHRS data that’s available from an Avidyne navigator will be sent to Stratus Insight as well.

To enable this bidirectional communication, Avidyne customers simply connect their iPad or iPhone Wi-Fi to their FMS, and open the Stratus Insight application.

“Avidyne has been delivering exceptional products to general aviation for years,” said Kristofer Garberg, President of Appareo Aviation. “With their expansion into new markets with the Atlas and Helio products, it provides more options for Stratus Insight users when selecting their hardware. Appareo is delighted to be working with Avidyne to deepen the integration to give the users a best-in-class experience in the future.”

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About Stratus Insight
Stratus Insight is a full electronic flight bag (EFB) suite that includes AHRS with synthetic vision, TAWS, VFR sectional maps, IFR low/high charts, and geo-referenced approach plates. Stratus Insight also offers ATC Radio Transcription and Playback, Vertical Weather Profile, Radar Forecast, and Smart Flight Plan. Pilots can receive briefings from Lockheed Martin, and file IFR/VFR flight plans directly into NAS.

About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.

Stratus is a trademark of Appareo ©2020

https://www.appareo.com/2020/08/27/appareo-announces-stratus-insight-integration-with-avidyne-ifd-series-navigators/

New G5000 Features, Upgrades For Citation Excel/XLS

Our aviation team continues to make significant investments and add valuable enhancements to the G5000 integrated flight deck upgrade in the Citation Excel and Citation XLS. These enhancements include new software-enabled features (1) such as stabilized approach monitoring, steep approach certification and reactive windshear detection, as well as optional takeoff and landing data (TOLD) calculations. Additionally, new hardware approvals for these aircraft include the Garmin Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), the GRA 5500 radar altimeter and the GTS 8000, which all address third-party product obsolescence for these aircraft.

“Given the tremendous success and demand of the G5000 integrated flight deck upgrade in the Citation Excel and Citation XLS, we’re excited to introduce new features that will add significant capability to this upgrade,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “With the G5000, owners and operators receive zero-time avionics that yield a lower cost of operation, along with situational awareness tools that streamline cockpit operations, all of which make the G5000 upgrade in these popular aircraft an absolute must.”

Takeoff and Landing Data (TOLD)

Vital takeoff and landing performance data within the G5000 on the Citation Excel/XLS streamline flight deck operations and simplify pre-flight calculations. The optional TOLD function calculates required V- speeds, runway lengths and power settings. Data entry is simplified as the G5000 integrated flight deck automatically populates airport and runway information from the flight plan, as well as winds, temperatures and barometric pressure information. In the event takeoff or landing parameters are exceeded, a warning is populated on the primary flight display (PFD). Additionally, a TOLD Consistency Monitor within the G5000 routinely monitors aircraft configuration, such as flap setting, to ensure the crew is operating within the parameters selected.

Additionally, the optional TOLD feature for the Citation Excel/XLS includes a Load Emergency Return function. In the event the aircraft requires an immediate return to the departure airport, pilots have the option to select Load Emergency Return on the touchscreen controller to automatically load landing data. Optional SurfaceWatch complements TOLD calculations, by providing visual and aural notifications that are designed to help prevent pilots from taking off or landing on the wrong runway, on a runway that is too short or on a taxiway.

Stabilized Approach Monitoring

An additional layer of redundancy and protection is provided with the Stabilized Approach function. While on approach, the G5000 monitors the aircraft to ensure it’s operated in a stabilized manner. Aural annunciations such as, “speed”, “course”, “glidepath” and “sink rate” notify the flight crew if the aircraft is exceeding predetermined speed, course or vertical descent rates while on approach to the runway.

Steep Approach Capability

Due to terrain, obstacles or local noise ordinances, select airports require aircraft to fly steeper than normal glidepath angles on approach to the runway. Steep approach certification(2) allows the G5000 in the Citation Excel/XLS to fly these unique approaches and glidepath angles. This certification also inhibits unnecessary alerts from the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) while on approach to these select airports and runways.

Reactive Windshear

Using airspeed, vertical speed and other data in the flight deck, the G5000 in the Citation Excel/XLS can identify whether the aircraft is flying in a windshear condition and provides the appropriate caution or warning notifications for crew action.

Additional upgrades for the G5000

In addition to new software-enabled features, new hardware options are now available with the G5000 in the Citation Excel/XLS, including:

• Modern, solid-state digital Garmin AHRS provides operators with an economical path to upgrade expensive, legacy AHRS that are no longer supported by the third-party manufacturer.
• The GTS 8000 TCAS II System can now be paired with the G5000 and uses Garmin’s patented CLEAR CAS (Correlated Location Enhanced ADS-B Receiver Collision Avoidance System) technology to correlate active traffic and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In traffic targets so pilots can more easily identify pertinent threats.
• The Garmin GRA 5500 radar altimeter can now replace antiquated third-party radar altimeters.
• Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) datalink message recording is now supported with an upgraded L3 cockpit voice recorder.

The G5000 integrated flight deck upgrade for the Citation Excel and Citation XLS is available immediately from Textron Aviation Service Centers and select Garmin Authorized Dealers. For additional information regarding the G5000 upgrade program for the Citation Excel/XLS, contact Dave Brown at (913) 440-1714 or dave.brown@garmin.com or visit www.garmin.com/businessaviation.

1.May require potentiometer.
2.Requires Cessna service bulletin and additional operational approvals.

The post New G5000 Features, Upgrades For Citation Excel/XLS appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/new-g5000-features-upgrades-for-citation-excel-xls/

Appareo Releases New Telematics Gateway with 4G/3G/2G and U.S., EU, Brazilian, and Other Certifications Enabled by Onboard eSIM

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Releases New Telematics Gateway with 4G/3G/2G and U.S., EU, Brazilian, and Other Certifications Enabled by Onboard eSIM

FARGO, North Dakota (August 20, 2020) — Appareo today released a new product in the company’s award-winning line of telematically-enabled electronic control units (ECUs). The Gateway 270 is a rugged IP67-rated edge computing platform for mobile equipment applications. This device is deployable in a broad range of North American, South American, and European markets, making it ideal for equipment manufacturers with broad geographic distribution.

Like other 200 series Appareo Gateways, this product contains an array of wired and wireless communication technologies, making it well suited for a broad spectrum of equipment control, monitoring, and connectivity challenges. The Gateway 270 contains Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE (4G) cellular connectivity with 3G/2G fallback, BroadR-Reach, Ethernet, GPS, CAN, and RS-232 serial communications.

Gateway 270 is built on a popular distribution of embedded Linux (Yocto) with Docker support, allowing a convenient development environment for both developers to work on the Gateway using C++, C#, or other common development languages. This flexibility and approachability allows Appareo customers to use a variety of approaches and resources to achieve the maintenance, service, and operational benefits of a highly-capable telematics product.

“Appareo is really excited about this product and its broad geographical potential. Having three generations of cellular technology, coupled with the eSIM, and certified in historically challenging deployment geographies like Brazil will provide major logistic convenience and SKU simplification for our global customers,” said David Batcheller, President and CEO of Appareo.

To maximize the geographic potential of the Gateway 270 Appareo worked with carrier partners Vodafone International and TaTa Communications. The capabilities of Appareo’s carriers, coupled with Appareo’s Data Services Platform infrastructure, delivers convenient device and subscription management over web-based or API interfaces for management of a few—or a few thousand—connected vehicles.

To contact Appareo, acquire a development kit, and begin working with Appareo Gateways, visit appareo.com/gateways.
 
Appareo Gateway Series:

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About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace and terrestrial applications. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.

Product Photos
Download photos from our Online Media Kit.
 

https://www.appareo.com/2020/08/20/appareo-releases-new-telematics-gateway-with-4g-3g-2g-and-u-s-eu-brazilian-and-other-certifications-enabled-by-onboard-esim/

G1000 NXi Upgrade Certified in Piper Meridian

The G1000 NXi upgrade is now FAA-certified and available for G1000-equipped Piper Meridian aircraft. The integrated flight deck upgrade is available immediately for these aircraft through select Garmin dealers and features several new enhancements such as SurfaceWatch, visual approaches, geographical map overlay within the HSI and more.

“G1000 NXi-equipped aircraft are recognized for their advanced capabilities and significant performance upgrades, and today we’re excited to add another aircraft to the eligibility list,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “When pilots fly behind this modern integrated flight deck, they’ll immediately notice its smooth and responsive display and appreciate the latest, innovative features – they’ll wonder how they ever flew without the G1000 NXi.”

State-of-the-art processors support faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the G1000 NXi displays. The flight displays also initialize in seconds so pilots have immediate access to frequencies, flight plan data and more, saving valuable time in the cockpit. The G1000 NXi also incorporates contemporary animations and LED back-lighting, offering increased display brightness and clarity, reduced power consumption and improved dimming performance.

The G1000 NXi boasts a comprehensive feature set with new and advanced capabilities. Unique features included as part of the G1000 NXi upgrade for the Piper Meridian include:

• SurfaceWatch runway monitoring technology, which provides visual and aural cues to help prevent pilots from taking off or landing on a taxiway, on a runway that is too short or on the wrong runway based on performance data entered during preflight.
• Visual approaches offer pilots enhanced guidance in visual flight conditions based on a three- degree glideslope from the threshold of the runway. Pilots can set customized minimums, select vectors or straight-in for the final approach intercept and fly a visual approach coupled with the autopilot.
• Geographical map overlay within the HSI supports the display of NEXRAD, Flight Information Service-Broadcast weather (1), weather radar, SafeTaxi airport diagrams, traffic (1), terrain and more.
• Flight Stream 510 and Connext technology enables Database Concierge, the wireless transfer of aviation databases from the Garmin Pilot app on a mobile device to the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck. Flight Stream 510 also supports two-way flight plan transfer, the sharing of traffic, weather, GPS information and back-up attitude information.
• The G1000 NXi system supports the display of various Automatic Dependent Surveillance- Broadcast (ADS-B) In benefits via the GTX 345R transponder (2).
• Pilots can optionally overlay European Visual Reporting Points (VRPs) on the moving map, as VRPs are standard within the navigation database.
• Display of sectional charts, as well as IFR low/high enroute charts are available on the MFD.
• Smart Airspace highlights the airspace nearest the aircraft’s current altitude and de-emphasizes non-pertinent airspace.
• COM frequencies are decoded and displayed on the PFD for easier interpretation.
• Decoded Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) can be viewed on the MFD.
• Split-screen functionality allows pilots to view flight plans, charts and more simultaneously.
• An optional audio panel upgrade offers advanced features such as 3D Audio, auto squelch and Bluetooth connectivity.

The G1000 NXi upgrade for existing G1000-equipped Piper Meridian aircraft is available immediately through select Garmin dealers. Meridian owners and operators can easily upgrade to the G1000 NXi with minimal aircraft down time and disruption of the panel as the displays preserve the same footprint and connectors, so panel modifications are not required. The upgraded components also come with a two-year warranty, which is supported by our award-winning avionics product support team. For additional information regarding the G1000 NXi upgrade for the Piper Meridian, contact Scott Frye at scott.frye@garmin.com. For additional details, visit www.garmin.com/g1000nxiupgrade.

1.Requires the optional GTX 345R ADS-B In/Out transponder.

2. Sold separately.

The post G1000 NXi Upgrade Certified in Piper Meridian appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/g1000-nxi-upgrade-certified-in-piper-meridian/

Garmin Autoland Achieves EASA and FAA Certification on Daher TBM 940

Garmin Autoland is now European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified in the Daher TBM 940 — the first EASA certification and second FAA certification for the revolutionary technology. It is available as part of the G3000 integrated flight deck and is capable of taking control and landing the aircraft without human intervention in the event the pilot is unable to fly.

“Garmin Autoland continues to gain the recognition and praise of many throughout the world, we are excited to announce yet another milestone – EASA certification of this progressive, forward-thinking technology,” said Phil Straub, executive vice president and managing director of aviation. “As we celebrate this significant achievement in aviation history, I would like to congratulate everyone at Daher, EASA, Garmin and the FAA who have come together and contributed to the development and certification of Autoland, a technology that will have lasting impacts on the safety of the aviation industry.”

In the event of an emergency, the pilot or passengers on board the aircraft can activate Autoland to land the aircraft with a simple press of a dedicated button. Autoland can also activate automatically if the system determines it’s necessary. Once activated, the system calculates a flight plan to the most suitable airport, while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, initiates an approach to the runway and automatically lands the aircraft – without pilot or passenger intervention.

Autoland takes into account a breadth of information and criteria during an activation, including a wide range of performance, operational and environmental factors. The availability of a GPS approach with lateral and vertical guidance to the runway is also required when the system is considering various airports and runways. Even further, the system will automatically communicate with air traffic control, advising controllers and pilots operating near the aircraft of its location and its intentions.

Throughout an Autoland activation, the G3000 integrated flight deck provides passenger-centric visual and verbal communications in plain-language so passengers in the aircraft know what to expect. The flight displays show the aircraft’s location on a map alongside information such as the destination airport, estimated time of arrival, distance to the destination airport and fuel remaining. Airspeed, altitude and aircraft heading are also labeled in an easy-to-understand format. Passengers also have the option to communicate with air traffic control by following simple instructions on the display using the touchscreen interface on the flight deck.

The Garmin Autothrottle system is used to automatically manage aircraft speed, engine performance and engine power so the aircraft can climb, descend or maintain altitude as needed during an Autoland activation. On approach to land, the system initiates a controlled descent to the airport. If the aircraft needs additional time to descend or slow down during the approach, the Autoland system initiates a standard holding procedure. When aligned with the runway, the landing gear and flaps are automatically extended and the aircraft continues its descent. On the runway, automatic braking is applied while tracking the runway centerline to bring the aircraft to a full stop. Engine shutdown is also automated so occupants can safely exit the aircraft.

At any time, a pilot can easily deactivate an Autoland activation. With a single press of the “AP” autopilot key on the autopilot controller or the autopilot disconnect button on the controls, an Autoland activation can be canceled. The flight display shows a message that confirms Autoland has been deactivated and in the event of an accidental deactivation, the system shows passengers how to reactivate Autoland if needed.

Garmin Autonomí, a family of autonomous safety solutions, encompasses Autoland, Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) and Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP). These technologies add to the safety enhancing tools and capabilities of a Garmin-equipped flight deck. For example, in the event an aircraft loses pressurization, EDM is capable of automatically descending the aircraft to a preset altitude without pilot intervention to help avert hypoxic situations.

ESP further enhances the Autonomí suite by working to assist the pilot in avoiding unintentional flight attitudes beyond that for normal flight. ESP works in the background while the pilot is hand flying the aircraft to help pilots avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles. Should the pilot become inattentive while hand flying the aircraft and exceed pre-determined pitch, roll or airspeed limitations, Garmin ESP activates and the pilot will feel pressure on the flight controls that guide him/her back to a recommended flight limit. In addition to certification on the Daher TBM 940, the award-winning Garmin Autoland system has also received FAA certification on the Piper M600 and will soon be available on the Cirrus Vision Jet, with additional aircraft approvals expected to follow. For additional information regarding the Garmin Autonomí family of autonomously activated flight technologies, visit www.garmin.com/Autonomi.

The post Garmin Autoland Achieves EASA and FAA Certification on Daher TBM 940 appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/garmin-autoland-achieves-easa-and-faa-certification-on-daher-tbm-940/

Garmin Pilot Adds Intuitive New Menu, Features

Our latest update to Garmin Pilot — version 10.2 for Apple devices — introduces several new features designed to streamline operations and navigation within the mobile app. A new configurable tab bar, route data and chart downloads on the Trip Planning page, and a new live flight track log, are all seamlessly integrated to provide pilots with important flight information and convenient access to advanced tools.

Configurable Tab Bar

Designed to streamline navigation throughout the app, Garmin Pilot v10.2 for iPad and iPhone features a tab bar at the bottom of the screen, which may be used as an alternative to the Home Menu.

The order of the items in the tab bar may be customized using Apple’s drag-and-drop gesture to move icons to their desired location. The More icon contains the items not visible in the tab bar, which may be reordered or hidden from view. The item to the right of the vertical line is dynamic and displays the most recently viewed feature from the More menu.

To try the new Tab Bar:

• Select Tab Bar from the Appearance start-up menu

To configure the items in the Tab Bar:

• Press and hold an icon in the tab bar OR 
  • Select Edit from the More tab 
• Drag icons to reorder them 
  • You can also drag them between the Tab Bar and More Menu
• To hide an item in the More Menu, tap the red circle and then tap Hide
• Once all changes have been made, select Done

You may switch between Tab Bar and Home Menu in the General / Appearance section of Settings.

Route Data and Chart Downloads in Trip Planning

The route data and charts functionality is now included in the Trip Planning page to ensure the data required for your flight reside on the device.

A flight bag icon, available on the Trip Planning Form, will display:

• Green Check Mark – all required route data and charts for your trip are downloaded to the device
• Yellow Triangle – route data and/or charts download is required

Route data and chart downloads may be customized by choosing the types of basemaps, charts and other content that will be downloaded for offline use. 

To configure Route Data and Chart Downloads:

• Select Trip Planning, Map or Flight Plan page
• Tap the Flight Bag icon
• Choose Configure in the top right
• Turn On the items to download 
• Select Done to save the changes

Enable auto-downloads to ensure future cycles are downloaded as they become available.

• Find this setting under Settings / Downloads

Live Track Log

Garmin Pilot v10.2 for Apple devices also displays a live track log, or breadcrumb trail, as a checkered line on the map to show the track of your current flight. The live track log requires flight track logging to be enabled in the logbook settings. 

Upon landing, the Live Track Log will display the last recorded track for up to 60 minutes or until Garmin Pilot is closed and restarted. The track log will be attached to the logbook entry and may be viewed via the Logbook Tracks feature.

To enable the Live Track Log:

• Select the Map icon
• Enable Live Track Log from the map layer selector

The live track log uses the thresholds in the logbook settings to start the recording. For the best experience with the Live Track Log, we recommend downloading a terrain database. For additional information about Garmin Pilot, visit garmin.com/GarminPilot.

The post Garmin Pilot Adds Intuitive New Menu, Features appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/garmin-pilot-adds-intuitive-new-menu-features/

Approved Aircraft List Expanded for Autopilots

Our aviation team continues to roll out autopilot approvals for a variety of aircraft for the GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots. Several popular aircraft such as the Bonanza B36TC, Cessna T210, Cessna 421C and Piper PA-46 are among the latest additions to a growing list of aircraft approvals, allowing these aircraft owners to experience the superior benefits of a modern Garmin autopilot.

In just three years, we have completed 42 Supplemental Type Certifications (STC) on over 30 popular aircraft, spanning nearly 200 aircraft models between both autopilots, with more aircraft approvals in progress and many more to follow. Each aircraft undergoes a comprehensive flight test program at our flight operations facility, which includes flight testing at a variety of aircraft weight and center of gravity (CG) limits, as well as a full range of altitude and airspeed tests. In addition to standard autopilot functions, features such as underspeed and overspeed protection, Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP), vertical navigation and take-off and go-around modes are also thoroughly evaluated for each individual aircraft. These complex and rigorous certification processes demonstrate our commitment to bringing highly capable, state-of-the-art autopilots to our customers.

“As Garmin increasingly expands its portfolio of aircraft approvals, demand for the GFC 500 and GFC 600 continues to achieve significant growth,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “We are humbled by the popularity of these game-changing autopilots as they have redefined the standard of what aircraft owners should expect from an autopilot and based on the overwhelming demand – our customers agree.”

New aircraft models approved for the GFC 500 autopilot include:

• Beechcraft Bonanza
  • Models: B36TC, N35, P35
• Cessna T210
  • Models: 210G, 210H, 210J, T210G, T210H, T210J

New aircraft models approved for the GFC 600 autopilot include:

• Cessna 421
  • Models: 421C
• Piper PA-46
  • Models: 310P, 350P

The full-featured GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots provide thousands of existing general aviation aircraft with a simple, light-weight, cost-effective autopilot upgrade path. The GFC 500 and GFC 600 incorporate a solid state attitude source with robust self-monitoring capabilities to provide superior autopilot performance, greater reliability and safety benefits that are similar to the popular Garmin GFC 700 autopilot used in our integrated flight decks. In addition to traditional autopilot capabilities such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, the GFC 500 and GFC 600 also include altitude preselect, VNAV¹, Level Mode, underspeed and overspeed protection and more. Pilots can also select, couple to and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC and back course approaches when paired with a compatible GPS navigator.

As a standard feature on both the GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots, pilots receive Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP), which works to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition. ESP functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background to help pilots avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles and provides airspeed protection while the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft.

The GFC 500 autopilot uniquely integrates with the G5 or GI 275 electronic flight instruments for attitude reference. The G500 TXi & G600 TXi flight displays can also be paired with the GFC 500 and the G5 or GI 275 flight instruments, allowing flight director and autopilot modes to be seamlessly integrated on a larger format display. Additionally, GFC 500 and G5 can be used in cooperation with the G3X Touch and the G500/G600 flight displays.

For customers who already have a G5 or GI 275 electronic flight instrument, the GFC 500 starts at a suggested retail price of $6,995² for select aircraft with a 2-axis autopilot. Select aircraft with the GFC 600 autopilot start at a suggested retail price of $19,995² for a 2-axis autopilot with electric pitch trim.

We continue to add additional aircraft models to the growing STC list for the GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots. To view the most up-to-date aircraft STC list, to view certification programs that are expected to begin in the next 12-months, or to express interest in a specific aircraft make/model, visit: www.garmin.com/GFC500 or www.garmin.com/GFC600.

Aircraft that are currently certified for the GFC 600 and GFC 500 autopilot are as follows:

GFC 500

• Aviat Husky (A-1, A-1A, A-1B, A-1C-180, A-1C-200)
• Beechcraft Bonanza (S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 36, A36, A36TC*, B36TC, N35, P35)
• Beechcraft Bonanza/Debonair (33, A33, B33, C33, C33A, E33, E33A, E33C, F33*, F33A, F33C*, G33*)
• Cessna 172 (E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, F172E, F172F, F172G, F172H, F172K, F172L, F172M, F172N, F172P, FR172K, R172K)
• Cessna 177 (177B, 177RG, F177RG)
• Cessna 180 (180, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K)
• Cessna 182 (E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, T182, T182T, F182P, F182Q)
• Cessna 182RG (R182, FR182, TR182)
• Cessna 185 (185, A, B, C, D, E, A185E, A185F)
• Cessna 206 (U206F*, TU206F*, U206G, TU206G, 206H, T206H)
• Cessna 210 (210G, 210H, 210J, T210G, T210H, T210J, 210K, T210K, 210L, T210L, 210M, T210M, 210N, T210N, )
• Grumman (American General) AA-5 Series (AA-5 Traveler, AA-5A Cheetah, AA-5B Tiger, AG-5B Tiger)
• Mooney M20 (J, K, M, R, S)
• Piper PA-28 (140, 150, 151, 160, 161, 180, 181, 201T, 235, 236 and Overhead Trim Models)
• Piper PA-28R (180, 200, 201, 201T)
• Piper PA-28RT (201, 201T)
• Piper PA-32 (260, 300, 301, 301T, 301FT, 301XTC)
• Piper PA-32R (300, 301SP, 301HP, 301T)
• Piper PA-32RT (300, 300T)

GFC 600

• Beechcraft Baron (B55, B55A, C55, C55A, D55, D55A, E55, E55A, 58, 58A, 58P, 58PA, 58TC*, 58TCA*)
• Beechcraft Bonanza (36, A36, A36TC)
• Cessna 182 (P, Q, R, S, T, T182, T182T)
• Cessna Grand Caravan (208, 208B)
• Cessna 340 (340, 340A)
• Cessna 414 (414A)
• Cessna 421 (421C)
• Cessna 425 (425)
• Piper PA-46 (310P, 310P JetPROP, 350P, 350P JetPROP)
• Socata TBM (700, A, B, C1, C2, N (TBM 850)

During the week of AirVenture 2020, we will be hosting a series of free educational webinars and product demonstrations, and feature unique opportunities that will bring the Garmin exhibit experience direct to our customers. Check out the full line-up of virtual AirVenture Oshkosh events at www.garmin.com/OSH2020.

^{1. GTN series or GTN Xi series navigator required}

^{2. Installation not included}

^{*Certain serial numbers excluded, see authorized Garmin installation center for details}

The post Approved Aircraft List Expanded for Autopilots appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/approved-aircraft-list-expanded-for-autopilots/

Advanced New Capabilities for TXi Series Flight Displays

Our G500 TXi and G600 TXi series touchscreen flight displays can now bring even more capabilities and advanced features to cockpit upgrades. For Cirrus SR20/SR22 aircraft equipped with either legacy Avidyne flight displays or original flight instruments, owners can now upgrade to the G500 TXi to display engine information. Additional enhancements to the TXi flight display series include DFC 90 autopilot compatibility, new multi-function display (MFD) configurations, the display of additional engine parameters such as percent power and more. GFC 500 autopilot support is also expected for SR22/SR22T aircraft later this year. Also new, the Piper PA46-500TP Malibu Meridian is compatible with the Engine Indication System (EIS) on the G500 TXi & G600 TXi flight displays.

“We are excited to continually expand the compatibility of the modern TXi touchscreen flight displays, as well as add support for the GFC 500 and DFC 90 in thousands of Cirrus aircraft in need of a flight display and autopilot upgrade,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “The TXi family also adds a tremendous amount of display flexibility, allowing pilots to operate more efficiently and with superior accuracy and confidence, reducing overall pilot workload and improving the overall enjoyment and pilot experience, particularly with the GFC 500 autopilot.” 

Cirrus SR20/SR22 TXi EIS display options

Cirrus aircraft equipped with legacy Avidyne flight displays can now easily upgrade to the G500 TXi to receive modern features and display capabilities, including the display of engine indications. Engine information such as percent power, turbocharged engine information, as well as support for electrical gauges displaying up to six parameters are all now available.

GFC 500 autopilot for the SR22/SR22T and Avidyne DFC 90 autopilot compatibility

The Garmin GFC 500 is expected to be available for Cirrus SR22/SR22T aircraft models in Q4 2020, which will include features such as Garmin’s Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP), descent vertical navigation (VNAV)¹ and more.   

The G500 TXi and G600 TXi systems are compatible with Avidyne DFC 90 autopilot in Cirrus SR20/SR22 aircraft models. When interfaced to an existing DFC 90, TXi supports mode annunciation and full bug synchronization on the PFD. For added redundancy in aircraft equipped with dual AHRS, the DFC 90 can utilize both sources of AHRS data. In the unlikely event of an AHRS failure, pilots have the option of selecting which AHRS source to use, allowing the autopilot to remain fully functional.  

New display page configurations and additional features

The 10.6-inch TXi flight display now features an MFD/EIS design, showing EIS data in a single strip on either side of the flight display that occupies 20% of the display. For example, pilots have the option of displaying moving map information on the remaining 80% of the flight display, or pilots can split that into two windows (40%/40%) to show the moving map alongside an approach chart or checklist.

Turbine aircraft EIS

The Piper PA46-500TP is the latest addition to a growing list of aircraft that are capable of interfacing with the TXi system to display EIS information. Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine display compatibility is currently available for several popular aircraft models, including the Cessna 208/208B, Daher TBM 700/TBM 850 and the PA46-310P/350P JetPROP. The Piper PA46-500TP is compatible with the G500 TXi & G600 TXi and can display EIS information alongside PFD/MFD information on a single display. Features of the EIS system for turbine aircraft include engine timers, exceedance recordings, dynamic engine indications, as well as wireless data logging that combine to improve engine efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Additional features of the latest TXi upgrade include:

• When the G500 TXi & G600 TXi is paired with the GTN/GTN Xi series and the GFC 500 autopilot, the system performs automatic GPS-to-LOC switching.
• Percent power can be viewed on the TXi displays for single-engine and twin piston, as well as turboprop aircraft.
• Fuel quantity display compatibility has been expanded to include aircraft that have up to six fuel tanks.
• Select twin Cessna aircraft with four fuel tanks are now capable of displaying fuel quantity on the G500 TXi & G600 TXi.
• Fuel imbalance caution and alert advisory messages can be configured by a Garmin dealer during installation.
• The TXi displays are now approved for interface with CiES fuel sensors.
• A new vacuum gauge option supports aircraft that maintain a vacuum-driven standby instrument and systems.
• TXi EIS bar gauges can be configured to display a digital value for all piston aircraft when using a 10.6-inch TXi flight display. 

These new features for the TXi flight displays are expected to be available in August through the Garmin dealer network. The TXi series also come with a two-year warranty, which is supported by our award-winning aviation support team. During the week of AirVenture 2020, we will be hosting a series of free educational webinars and product demonstrations, and feature unique opportunities that will bring the Garmin exhibit experience direct to our customers. Check out the full line-up of virtual AirVenture Oshkosh events at www.garmin.com/OSH2020. For additional information, visit www.garmin.com/TXi or contact a local Garmin authorized dealer.

^{1.When paired with the GTN or GTN Xi navigator series.}

The post Advanced New Capabilities for TXi Series Flight Displays appeared first on Garmin Blog.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/advanced-new-capabilities-for-txi-series-flight-displays/