Class A TAWS, Other Features Available On New Series Of Instruments

Garmin International on Tuesday rolled out expanded capabilities and new features for the GTN series. With the latest software, operators have access to optional Class A TAWS, ADS-B out compatibility with select third-party transponders, and scheduled message alerting.

“The GTN provides owners and operators a savvy solution with a number of benefits like the ability to access more airports with WAAS LPV approach capability, display of weather radar information, and much more while providing a solution for TAWS-A requirements around the world,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s vice president of marketing and sales. “Since the GTN’s introduction over two years ago, we’ve incorporated a number of safety enhancements and customer-requested features which are available today and offer pilots increased situational awareness and reduced pilot workload.”

Class A TAWS offers pilots an increased level of situational awareness by providing alerts such as excessive closure rate, large glideslope deviations, and the potential for terrain impact when the aircraft is not in landing configuration. This update helps owners and operators around the world meet their respective operating requirements. Furthermore, this update is timely for operators who need to meet the July 2014 TAWS mandate in Canada.

To help owners and operators meet ADS-B requirements around the world, this update incorporates an open industry protocol to send information from the GTN to a compatible transponder. This simple software update can help bridge the gap to compliance for many operators who have already invested in a GTN and a compatible transponder. And for others, choosing to install a GTN for compliance can bring a wealth of additional benefits to their flying experience while utilizing the transponder already installed.

Scheduled message alerting can help remind pilots of routine operations. These messages can be easily configured to provide a custom message alert on the display using a specific preset date and time reference, countdown timer, or periodic timer. For example, a “Switch fuel tanks” message can be programmed to populate as a helpful reminder in-flight. The latest GTN software has received TSO approval and is available today from an authorized Garmin dealer as a free upgrade for current GTN owners (installation charges may apply). Additionally, Garmin is updating the AML STC for installation in a wide range of aircraft makes and models (optional Class A TAWS functionality requires separate approval).

(Images provided by Garmin)

FMI: www.garmin.com/aviation