Simplifying Aircraft and Fleet Ownership

Garmin’s synonymousness with navigation and geography are evinced by the facts the company was founded in Lenexa, Kansas, is headquartered in Olathe, Kansas, incorporated in Switzerland, and supported by principal subsidiaries in Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

On 24 April 2023, Garmin announced PlaneSync, a connected aircraft management system that automatically updates avionics databases, logs flight and engine data, and allows aircraft owners/operators to remotely check fuel and systems status via the Garmin Pilot app. Available for both forward-fit and retrofit applications, PlaneSync technology is designed to bring new levels of connectivity and convenience to aircraft owners and operators alike.

Garmin vice-president of aviation sales and marketing Carl Wolf stated: “As constant innovators within the avionics industry, this impressive technology provides a solution that will simplify and reduce the complexities of aircraft management. The capabilities of PlaneSync technology will help provide confidence to operators, from individual owner-pilots to crews for large fleets, that their aircraft is prepared for flight, improving the overall pilot experience so our customers can spend more time focused on the task at hand—flying.”

Using a 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) cellular or Wi-Fi connection provided by the new GDL 60 datalink, PlaneSync technology enables impressive avionics connectivity capabilities by which aircraft owners’/operators’ pre and post-flight regimens are streamlined.

In telecommunications, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals. Based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA standards, LTE improves upon the aforementioned standards' capacity and speed by utilizing a different radio interface and incorporating core network improvements.

Garmin’s PlaneSync system utilizes LTE connectivity to remotely check the host aircraft’s fuel and systems status while LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity can be used to download database updates and upload logged flight and engine data. Compatible with popular Garmin avionics such as the company’s GTN Xi series navigators, TXi series flight displays, GI 275 electronic flight instruments, and select Garmin integrated flight decks, PlaneSync technology is available for a wide array of Garmin-equipped general and business aviation aircraft. PlaneSync technology is currently available on new G3000-equipped aircraft such as Daher’s TBM 960 and Piper’s M600 SLS.

Eliminating the time-consuming process of updating databases via PC and data card, PlaneSync technology automatically downloads databases to the host aircraft via Wi-Fi or LTE and offers an attractive alternative to the Flight Stream 510. Downloads can occur while the host aircraft is powered off and the owner/operator is elsewhere. Essential databases are automatically synchronized across compatible avionics once the host aircraft is powered up. Ergo, pilots no longer need to plan around database cycle update timing or manually update databases using data cards.

PlaneSync will be upgraded in early 2024 to automatically transmit engine and flight log data to secure cloud storage after the host aircraft lands. Owners/operators can view collected data on devices running the Garmin Pilot app, and may, if they choose, download the log files for maintenance team viewing. Assuming a properly-equipped host aircraft, the data log can include GPS position and speed and attitude information as well as engine data.

PlaneSync allows aircraft owners/operators to easily check the status of a host aircraft and its systems by using the Garmin Pilot app or a D2 Mach 1 smartwatch. Viewing an aircraft’s current status allows pilots to see the machine’s location on the ramp and determine whether or not it has been fueled for a given trip.

Convenient for flying clubs or multiple-owner aircraft, service subscribers may assign access for additional users to view aircraft status. For appropriately equipped aircraft, remote status features include active/standby database status; as well as Hobbs, tachometer and flight times; fuel quantity; battery voltage; OAT; oil temperature; and aircraft GPS location.

The GDL 60 datalink also offers Garmin Connext device connectivity, allowing pilots to connect their compatible app or portable device and interface such to the host aircraft’s avionics for purpose of transferring flight plans and streaming weather, traffic, attitude information, and other data. The GDL 60 can also act as an interface to a GSR 56 satellite transceiver, thereby allowing pilots to utilize in-flight text messaging or initiate voice calls via the Garmin Pilot app. Data streamed to compatible devices and apps can include:

• ADS-B Traffic and Weather
• SiriusXMTM Weather and Audio Control
• GSR 56 Weather and Messaging
• GPS and Attitude Data
• Engine and Flight Data

LTE and Wi-Fi enabled features such as automatic database updates, remote aircraft status, and flight and engine log uploading require a service plan from Garmin. Multiple service plans are available to provide customers cost-effective choices depending on the connectivity capabilities desired. Service plan details can be found at Garmin.com/PlaneSync.

PlaneSync technology is expected to be available for retrofit installations in Q3 2023 through Garmin’s authorized dealer network. The system will retail for $3,995.

FMI: www.garmin.com/en-US/