Tag Archives for " general aviation "

G1000 NXi Adds Integration With Blackhawk Engine+ Upgrade for King Air 300 and King Air 350

Our G1000® NXi flight deck is now available for integration with the Blackhawk Aerospace XP67A Engine⁺ Upgrade for the King Air 300 and King Air 350, adding a significant benefit to those looking to maximize these aircraft. Additionally, we have expanded its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval to now include King Air 350 aircraft with a max gross weight of 16,500 lbs.¹, bringing enhanced capability to operators looking to maximize payload and efficiency.

“We are pleased to offer this new Blackhawk engine interface with the G1000 NXi flight deck for the King Air 300 and 350 models,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “In doing so, we’ve answered our customers’ requests to include this engine upgrade interface to our system, which will even further improve performance for the King Air 300 and 350 models. Additionally, we have now certified the G1000 NXi flight deck in the high gross weight configuration for the King Air 350, which will significantly benefit special missions operators, or any other operator who has been seeking this higher gross weight capability, along with G1000 NXi in the cockpit.”

Blackhawk Aerospace Engine Support

The Blackhawk Aerospace XP67A Engine⁺ Upgrade for the King Air 300 includes two factory-new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engines and Hartzell 5-bladed composite propellers, combined to deliver maximum cruise speeds as high as 343 knots true air speed (KTAS) with an initial rate of climb up to 4,000 feet per minute (FPM). This performance increase results in only 19 minutes to climb from sea- level to flight-level 350 – half the time compared to a King Air 300 without this upgrade. Blackhawk Aerospace is a popular provider of King Air upgrades, already offering an engine upgrade for the King Air 350 that integrates with the G1000 NXi.

“There are so many advantages in upgrading legacy King Air’s with modern engineering marvels from Garmin and Blackhawk,” said Edwin Black, Blackhawk senior vice president of sales and marketing. “The Garmin G1000 NXi is arguably the most sophisticated, user-friendly, and light-weight avionics masterpiece ever certified for the King Air market. It is rewarding to work closely with the Garmin team to empower our mutual customers with the most compelling investments an operator can make to maximize performance and safety.”

Increased gross weight STC

With the latest G1000 NXi approval, King Air 350 owners and operators can now take advantage of an increased payload, providing significant performance enhancements that can prove to be particularly beneficial to special missions operators. Along with the separate STC modifications, support for G1000 NXi equipped King Air aircraft is now available via an enablement.

The G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrade for existing G1000-equipped King Air 300 and King Air 350 is available immediately through select Garmin dealers. King Air 300 and 350 owners and operators can easily upgrade to the G1000 NXi with minimal aircraft down time and panel disruption as the displays preserve the same footprint and connectors, so panel modifications are not required. The upgraded components of the G1000 NXi 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 King Air 300 and King Air 350, contact Scott Frye at scott.frye@garmin.com, or visit www.garmin.com/KingAir. The Blackhawk Aerospace XP67A Engine⁺ Upgrade for the King Air 300 and King Air 350 is available immediately through Blackhawk Aerospace, and the increased gross weight STC for the King Air 350 is available from Textron Aviation.

1. This STC has been shown to be compatible with Textron Heavyweight Kit Installation, part number 130-4030-0001, 130-4030-0003 or 130-4030-0005 (as applicable by aircraft serial number), for B300 serial number FL-584 through FL-1030 (excluding FL-954 and FL-1010) and B300C serial number FM-25 through FM-65 or with production Textron B300 and B300C Heavyweight aircraft.

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Easy, Convenient Flight Logging with Garmin Products and flyGarmin.com

Flight logging hasn’t really changed over the years. The manual tradition of putting pen to paper, adding flight details, noting endorsements and maintaining flight times as best as possible in a logbook is as relevant today as it’s ever been. And while this customary process is still widely employed, it can sometimes feel antiquated, time-consuming and cumbersome. Now, with select Garmin avionics, the Garmin Pilot app and D2 series aviation watches, we’ve modernized this process by adding automation and digitalization. With these tools, pilots and aircraft owners can simplify the age-old flight logging process while gaining powerful insights on every flight.

Logging flights with Garmin aviation smartwatches

Our latest D2 series aviation watches – the D2 Air and D2 Delta series – can automatically detect the change in altitude during takeoff, initiating a flight recording logbook function. Once activated, it records the date, duration, total flight time and route. Upon landing, the information is automatically synced to a digital logbook on Garmin Pilot and flyGarmin.com – our safe and secure web-based cloud service – via a compatible smartphone.

Log flights, endorsements, track currency and more with Garmin Pilot

Our Garmin Pilot app can take flight logging a step further. In addition to automatically logging flights from takeoff to landing like the D2 Air and D2 Delta series, Garmin Pilot can record remarks, endorsements and help keep track of currency based on the number of takeoffs and landings in either day or night conditions.

Additionally, when operating Garmin Pilot from a GPS-equipped mobile device, or when it’s connected to a compatible external GPS device, it can automatically record flight track data during flights. With this feature enabled, flight data is recorded in-flight, then attached to the logbook entry upon landing. Recorded flight tracks can then be reviewed on the Garmin Pilot map page or flyGarmin.com.

Wirelessly transfer engine performance data with Garmin avionics

Our flight logging feature set doesn’t just apply to the pilot’s flight time – we’ve created tools to help aircraft owners and operators gain valuable insights into their aircraft too. For aircraft equipped with a Garmin GI 275 EIS, an EIS-capable TXi flight display, G1000® NXi, G3000^®1 or G5000^®1 integrated flight deck, engine data can be wirelessly transmitted to Garmin Pilot on Apple^® devices via our Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway². For example, during a flight, crewmembers can transmit engine data to Garmin Pilot for real-time performance review. Upon landing, aircraft service technicians can review the flight data to help identify performance issues or maintenance needs. Saved performance data is automatically uploaded to flyGarmin.com and viewable on the logbook page.

Review flight and engine data online at flyGarmin.com

Once flights are logged on select Garmin avionics³, D2 Air, D2 Delta series watches and Garmin Pilot, they are safely and securely stored on flyGarmin.com. From a desktop computer, tablet or mobile device, aircraft operators can review flight entries, flight tracks, engine performance data, currency reports and more. When it’s time to report hours and endorsements to employers or insurance, daily, monthly or yearly lookback reports can be generated on flyGarmin.com.

Exceedance alerts can be also be created on flyGarmin.com. This customizable tool can help operators monitor the health of their airframe and engine. A user-configured system limit is set at flyGarmin.com, then an email notification is sent to the operator upon landing if a limit was exceeded. Exceedance alerts can be generated for cylinder head temperature, oil temperature, aircraft pitch and more.

For more information about our flight logging solutions, engine information systems and avionics, visit Garmin.com/aviation.

¹Compatibility varies by aircraft and system software level; see aircraft manufacturer for details

²Not required for GI 275 EIS

³Select Garmin avionics require a Flight Stream 510 (sold separately) and Garmin Pilot to do the automated transfer to flyGarmin.com — this transfer can also be done manually with SD card uploads

iPad, iPhone and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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New G1000 NXi and G1000H NXi eLearning Courses Available

Pilots who fly behind our G1000® NXi and G1000H NXi for helicopters now have additional opportunities to refine their avionics skills. Our aviation training team introduced two new eLearning training courses for the G1000 NXi, as well as two separate eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi for helicopters. These courses are available in a virtual format allowing pilots to learn at their own pace. The G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course provides a foundational understanding of the system, while the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is focused on systems installed in high-performance piston and turbine engine aircraft. The two comprehensive eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck titled G1000H NXi Fundamentals, and G1000H NXi Advanced-IFR, use scenario-based training to highlight helicopter-specific operations and are tailored for pilots new to the G1000H NXi system, in addition to those with experience wanting a deeper understanding of the system.

Core training topics

All four training courses build on a common core of training topics. These topics are common to all G1000 NXi and G1000H NXi systems but are tailored to the audience for each course. The topics include:

• Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) function
• Audio Panel Features
• Automatic Flight Control System
• Hazard Avoidance Features
• Safety Features
• Abnormal Operations
• Managing Databases
• Operational Flight Scenario

Learn best-practices for G1000 NXi operational use

For those that are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want to refresh their understanding of the system, the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course provides comprehensive training on the system designed for piston engine equipped aircraft. This course describes features of the system in detail and use a scenario to demonstrate how particular features function in different phases of flight in order to see this advanced system in action. In order to practice what you learned during this course, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online.

G1000 NXi for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft

For those operating high-performance piston or turbine-engine equipped aircraft, the G1000 NXi Essentials course presents best-practices for the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck by providing detailed training for pilots wanting to get the most out of the system. In addition to describing features in detail and showing how they can be used effectively in flight, scenario-based training demonstrates typical high-performance piston and turbine-engine aircraft operations, providing an opportunity to see the G1000 NXi system in full effect. For your specific or similar aircraft, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online, and provides the opportunity to take what you learned throughout the course and apply it. In addition to the core training topics, the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course includes additional instruction on:

• Vertical Navigation
• Automatic Flight Control System
• Advanced Features
• User Waypoints
• Managing Databases
• Multiple Operational Flight Scenarios with different performance profiles

Build helicopter-specific system knowledge

The G1000H NXi Fundamentals course is designed for VFR helicopter pilots who are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want a refresher on the G1000H NXi. This allows the pilot to be comfortable with the avionics and maximize learning during valuable flight time. Learn how to take full advantage of the capabilities of the G1000H NXi system while gaining experience with operational use best practices. This virtual course allows pilots to learn at their own pace, details system features and provides a VFR flight scenario to show how these features are used in various phases of flight. Those that sign up for this course receive an additional scripted scenario for more practice through the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software, available for purchase online. The core training topics in the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course have been tailored to helicopter-specific features and functionality, including differences for:

• PFD and MFD function
• Audio Panel Features
• Hazard Avoidance Features
• Operational Flight Scenario
• Scenario-Based Exercise

Enhance IFR helicopter skills with G1000H NXi

The G1000H Advanced-IFR course provides a detailed look at the G1000H NXi system and illustrates best practices for operational use of the flight deck, with a focus on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The course uses phase of flight scenarios to demonstrate typical IFR helicopter operation, and depicts common practices to maximize the benefits of system features and capabilities. For helicopter pilots who fly search-and-rescue missions, emphasis on user waypoints are included in the course scenarios. Pilots can further practice what they learned throughout the course with one of the additional scripted scenarios provided for use with the purchase of the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software. Some helicopter-tailored training topics covered in the Advanced IFR eLearning Course include:

• PFD and MFD function
• Automatic Flight Control System
• Hazard Avoidance Features
• Advanced Features
• User waypoints
• Operational Flight Scenarios

Proceed through the course at a pace that works best

Available immediately after purchase using a computer or tablet device with internet access, pilots can navigate through the virtual course at their own pace. Assessments throughout the course validate knowledge obtained of critical items while documenting the learning process. With the ability to pause lessons as needed to return to the lesson later, this is a convenient option for any pilot. Also, pilots can retake specific lessons or even the entire course during the subscription period.

The G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning course is available now for $94.95 USD, and the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is now available for $145.95 USD. Also available is the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course for $74.95 USD, as well as the G1000H NXi Advanced IFR eLearning Course is available for $94.95 USD. For aviation training needs, including purchasing one of these eLearning courses, please visit www.fly.garmin.com/training.

For additional information, please contact aviation.training@garmin.com.

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Garmin Autoland Receives Aviation Week Network Grand Laureate Award

Garmin Autoland has earned another prestigious honor — Aviation Week Network’s 2020 Grand Laureate Award in the Business Aviation category. For 63 years, the Aviation Week Network has awarded the Grand Laureate for extraordinary aviation and aerospace achievements that embody the spirit of exploration, innovation and vision that inspire others to strive for progress, change and leadership.

“We are humbled and honored to be recognized by Aviation Week Network with this prestigious award in the Business Aviation category for the innovation of Autoland,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director, aviation. “The passion and commitment to safety through revolutionary developments like Autoland is shared by the entire Garmin team, who continuously drive our pioneering vision to develop advanced technologies that enhance aviation safety and potentially save lives.”

The Grand Laureate Award adds to a growing list of accolades Garmin Autoland has earned to date. Earlier this year, Fast Company recognized Autoland as a finalist in its 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards category, ultimately taking home honorable mention in the all-encompassing Best World Changing Idea Award in North America. The Kansas City Tech Council awarded Garmin with its 2020 Outstanding Contribution to Tech Award for Autoland — an honor presented to organizations that developed, or partnered in developing, a product or service that significantly advances the tech industry in their respective field. Autoland also reached the finals in the Kansas Manufacturing Council’s Coolest Thing Made in Kansas competition.

Garmin Autoland is certified in three 2020 model year aircraft — Piper M600 SLS, Cirrus Vision Jet and Daher TBM 940. In an emergency where the pilot is unable to fly, Autoland can take complete control of the aircraft, autonomously navigate around hazardous terrain, obstacles and weather while communicating with air traffic control and passengers. The system automatically selects the best airport for landing, considering runway length, distance, fuel range and other factors, and autonomously flies the approach and landing to a full stop on the runway¹. For more information about Autoland or our suite of Autonomi autonomous safety-enhancing technologies, visit Garmin.com/autonomi.

¹See Garmin.com/ALuse for Autoland system requirements and limitations

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GTN to GTN Xi Upgrade — Keeping It Simple

Our latest GTN Xi series navigators offer numerous benefits over earlier GTN models. Some of the operational advantages include a touchscreen display that is brighter and sharper, and faster processing speeds that make performance a breeze. But one of greatest benefits comes before any flight takes place. Designed as direct, slide-in upgrade for its predecessor, GTN Xi can replace existing GTN units utilizing the same mounting hardware, helping to eliminate costly and intrusive panel modifications, as well as unnecessary aircraft downtime.

A slide-in, pin-for-pin replacement

By maintaining the same avionics rack and connectors, our engineering team designed the GTN Xi series to fit existing GTN 750/650 series installation racks; no expensive panel modifications required. In most cases, this upgrade can be completed in as little as a few hours at an authorized Garmin dealer. Compatibility and simplicity encourage lower installation costs and aircraft downtime so aircraft can return to service more quickly.

Faster processing, higher-resolution display

Powerful dual-core processers within GTN Xi cut boot-up speeds by 50% over earlier GTN models, so pilots can load flight plans and tune frequencies more quickly. Additionally, the graphical display capabilities within the GTN Xi units have been enhanced to provide faster zooming, panning and map rendering on the touchscreen display. The touchscreen display has nearly double the pixel count of older GTN displays, offering even wider viewing angles and clarity. Valuable information such as charts, approach plates and maps load faster and in sharper resolution.

Broad avionics compatibility

Like its predecessor, the GTN Xi series was designed to interface with wide range of existing avionics, autopilots and flight displays. Aircraft owners and operators can benefit from the ability of GTN Xi to fit a variety of avionics configurations. With so many unique panels and avionics combinations in the field, GTN Xi was created with system compatibility in mind.

For more information about our GTN Xi series avionics, visit Garmin.com/Aviation.

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Aviation Tools You Can Take with You

For tools of any trade, portability can improve versatility. Portable products can help keep you mobile, potentially allowing more options or opportunities for projects and pastimes. This is especially true in aviation. For some, portables can be cost-effective navigation tools for specific aircraft – or a transferable option for multiple aircraft. For others, it could simply be a dependable backup, one that typically stays in the flight bag for any unplanned or unexpected situation. The common thread in these products is their ability to deliver additional information within the cockpit, enhanced situational awareness or an extra form of communication, all in a mobile package. Here are our portable avionics solutions fit for any flight bag:

aera® 660 and aera® 760: purpose-built portable navigators

Mount it on the yoke, in the panel or keep it by your side, the aera 760 and aera 660 GPS navigation devices feature sunlight-readable touchscreen displays and come in two different sizes — a 5” display with the aera 660 and 7” display with the aera 760. These aren’t just tools for getting you from Point A to Point B, they feature a 3D Vision view that shows terrain, obstacles and a detailed layout of the airport environment to help keep you aware of your surroundings. Plus, add even more situational awareness by pairing a GDL® 50/51/52 series portable receiver — they can wirelessly stream weather and traffic data to the aera 660/760 and even overlay that information directly on the map display.

GDL 50/51/52 portable receivers

An ideal companion to our aera 660/760 series portable navigators or mobile devices running Garmin Pilot, the GDL 50/51/52 series provides valuable information including weather and traffic data wirelessly. The data type offered is different for each unit, tailored to different pilots’ specific needs. The GDL 50 provides subscription-free U.S datalink weather via ADS-B “In” technology¹. It also provides ADS-B traffic data via our TargetTrend and TerminalTraffic technology, providing detailed directional information on traffic targets in-flight and on the ground using relative motion technology². Next in line is the GDL 51, which provides SiriusXM® satellite aviation weather and digital audio entertainment. For those wanting both ADS-B weather and traffic data plus SiriusXM Aviation Weather and digital audio entertainment? Go for the GDL 52, it features all of the aforementioned features. Additionally, all GDL 50/51/52 devices provide GPS position data and backup attitude information to compatible products.

inReach® series satellite communicators*

Popular in the outdoor and adventurer communities, our inReach satellite communicators can be indispensable for pilots. It doesn’t matter if a mission takes you into the backcountry, oversees or simply across the state. With inReach, pilots can benefit from two-way satellite messaging and position tracking — so loved ones can stay in touch, in the know on your location and ensure you’ve arrived at your destination safely. Plus, each inReach model features an SOS button in case of emergency. If activated, it triggers an interactive SOS message to GEOS, a professional 24/7 global monitoring and response center (satellite subscription required). Add peace-of-mind to every flight with inReach.

For additional information on our latest portable or panel-mounted avionics solutions, visit Garmin.com/aviation.

1. Not all ADS-B weather products may be available across all devices. Check your Pilot’s Guide for specifics about which products are available on your device.

2. Audible traffic alerting, TargetTrend and TerminalTraffic require compatible displays. Check your Pilot’s Guide for specific capabilities available on your display.

*NOTICE: Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is your responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the satellite communication device is intended to be used.

Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

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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.

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

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/

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/

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/