Several GNS430, GNS530s Donated

Kansas State University Aviation has received advanced glass cockpit avionics equipment from Garmin Ltd. that will help avionics maintenance students learn to work on modern electronic navigation and communication radios.

Garmin, based in Olathe, KS has donated a number of GNS530 and GNS430 integrated navigation/communication/Global Positioning System units to K-State.

"This gift from our industry partners at Garmin reinforces K-State's commitment to provide students with a heavy emphasis on glass panel avionics, and Garmin is a leader in this technology," said Dennis Kuhlman, dean of K-State's college of technology and aviation. "Our faculty and staff extend thanks to the people of Garmin for this gift."

Both the GNS530 and GNS430 feature glass cockpit moving map displays that depict real-time aircraft progress in relation to airports, surface terrain, radio beacons and other features pilots need to establish their position and navigate from airport to airport. The Garmin gift also includes aviation communication radios that pilots use to communicate with air traffic controllers.

Hardware and installation equipment for the GNS530 and GNS430 avionics units were also part of the donation, as well as operating manuals and navigation database software.

K-State Aviation's fleet includes a high number of glass panel technically advanced aircraft so that Garmin G1000 glass panel accelerated training can be offered. This training allows students to train for both private and instrument pilot certificates simultaneously so they can reach their goals more quickly.

K-State at Salina has a fleet of 50 training aircraft.

FMI: www.sal.ksu.edu/