What’s New

The expanded Connext ecosystem, that now includes the FltPlan.com website and the FltPlan Go app on Apple and Android mobile devices. With compatible Garmin avionics, pilots can simply create a flight plan within the FltPlan.com website, share it within the FltPlan Go app and wirelessly transfer it to select avionics once they arrive to the aircraft via the app on a mobile device. FltPlan Go customers can also wirelessly receive and display aviation weather products from various sources including Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) as well as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) traffic, GPS position data and back-up attitude information.

“Through this collaboration, FltPlan.com and FltPlan Go customers gain access to even more connectivity options that significantly enhance their flight planning and in-flight experiences,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “With this strategic relationship, we’re excited to not only expand the Connext ecosystem, but also give aircraft owners and operators even more options when pursuing avionics upgrades that offer a connected environment in the cockpit, which further aid in the decision making process.”

A companion to the popular FltPlan.com website, the FltPlan Go app can be utilized within the Connext ecosystem to wirelessly communicate with select Garmin avionics. Flight planning is streamlined with Flight Stream 510, which enables wireless flight plan transfer between the FltPlan Go app and the GTN 650/750 and G1000® NXi. Wireless flight plan transfer is also available between the Flight Stream 210 and GTN 650/750 or GNS™ 430W/530W. In addition, flight plans may be transferred from Fltplan Go to the Garmin Pilot application for iOS and Android users.

“We are excited to be part of the Garmin Connext ecosystem and look forward to expansion of this collaboration as Garmin continues their innovation in cockpit technology. We believe that this integration will streamline the flight planning process for our users while ensuring that they have the best possible information at their fingertips,” said Ken Wilson, president of FltPlan.com.

When paired with compatible avionics, the FltPlan Go app can wirelessly communicate with select Garmin products to display ADS-B traffic, FIS-B weather and audio entertainment within the app. Select Garmin products also power synthetic vision to display dynamic pitch and bank information alongside highly accurate WAAS GPS position information.

Connext wireless compatibility is extended to the FltPlan.com website and FltPlan Go app and includes the following Garmin products:

• Flight Stream 510/210/110
• GTX 345 series
• GDL 88/84 series
• GDL 69 series
• GDL 52 series
• GDL 39/GDL 39 3D

FltPlan.com and FltPlan Go iOS app compatibility are available now. FltPlan Go Android app compatibility is expected to be available soon

The GDL 50, a portable device capable of receiving Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) traffic and weather, GPS and aircraft attitude information for display on select portables and mobile devices. A remote-mount version of the GDL 50, the GDL 50R, is also available. Exclusive features such as TargetTrend and TerminalTraffic further enhance the ADS-B traffic picture and are unique to Garmin products. Wireless and hardwired compatibility of the GDL 50/50R includes the G3X™ Touch glass flight display, the aera 660 and aera 795/796 aviation portables, as well as wireless connectivity with the Garmin Pilot™ app on Apple and Android mobile devices.

“The GDL series is yet another example of how we’re committed to delivering a variety of ADS-B and SiriusXM solutions that provide unique benefits and capabilities beyond what is available on the market today,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “With the GDL series, we’re excited to bring modern, all-inclusive portable solutions that have superior battery life and exceptional features so pilots can easily access the benefits of ADS-B traffic and weather.”

A successor to the GDL 39 3D, the GDL 50 combines dual-link ADS-B traffic, a wide range of Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather products, GPS and back-up aircraft attitude information that displays on compatible Connext products via Bluetooth wireless technology or hardwired connections. FIS-B weather products received by the GDL 50 include NEXRAD imagery, METARs, TAFs, wind and temperatures aloft, PIREPs, NOTAMs and more. Additionally, pilots also have access to the most recent data as the GDL 50 continually downloads traffic and weather information in the background – even while the display is sleeping.

In addition to comprehensive weather data, pilots utilizing the GDL 50 can receive ADS-B traffic information and audible alerts to easily identify potential traffic conflicts while in-flight. Dual-link technology allows the GDL 50 to receive ADS-B In traffic on both 978 MHz and 1090 MHz frequencies, offering the most complete traffic picture and superior situational awareness. For aircraft that are properly equipped to meet ADS-B Out with a certified solution, the portable GDL 50 ADS-B In receiver provides an even better traffic picture by also receiving TIS-B traffic data from ground stations.

Exclusive to Garmin products, patented TargetTrend provides pilots with a more intuitive method of judging target trajectories and closure rates, particularly in airspace with high volumes of traffic so pilots can more easily discern traffic targets that pose the greatest threat. TerminalTraffic displays a comprehensive picture of ADS-B-equipped aircraft and ground vehicles throughout the airport environment on the moving map and SafeTaxi airport diagram. ADS-B traffic can be overlaid on the dedicated traffic page, the moving map, as well as IFR/VFR charts on compatible devices.

Boasting superior battery life, a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery allows the GDL 50 to receive ADS-B traffic, FIS-B weather, GPS and back-up aircraft attitude information for up to 8 hours on a single charge. On applicable devices, back-up attitude information can be displayed within the synthetic vision (SVX) or the aircraft panel pages for use in VFR conditions. Capable of wirelessly streaming data to two devices and making hardwired connections to two additional devices simultaneously, the GDL 50 offers quick and convenient access to essential information throughout the cockpit.

In addition to the GDL 50/50R, both the GDL 52/52R and GDL 51/51R portable receivers are available and shipping. The GDL 51/51R is a portable SiriusXM receiver while the GDL 52/52R combines both SiriusXM and ADS-B receive capabilities. The introduction of the new GDL series completes the industry’s most comprehensive line-up of portable ADS-B In and SiriusXM aviation receivers.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value.

Introducing the GFC 600H flight control system for helicopter owners and operators – a breakthrough in cost-effective technology that reduces pilot workload and improves mission effectiveness. This attitude-based (AHRS-derived) flight control system boasts a number of helicopter-tailored safety features, including stability augmentation system (SAS), Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP), dedicated return-to-level (LVL) mode, hover assist, and overspeed and low speed protection. The GFC 600H can operate as a full-featured standalone flight control system, but also offers integration with compatible flight displays, including the Garmin G500H and G500H TXi flight displays, instruments and navigation sources.’

“Garmin designed the GFC 600H to significantly reduce inflight workload, fatigue and stress levels for helicopter pilots who are often faced with complicated missions in adverse weather conditions or degraded visual environments,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “The GFC 600H combines our industry-leading flight control capabilities with our helicopter experience and aviation safety technology expertise to deliver a system that ultimately allows pilots to focus more attention on accomplishing the multitude of missions they face while trusting their helicopter flight to us.”

With its advanced AHRS technology and redundant, cross-checking sensors, the GFC 600H was designed for smooth handling. The GFC 600H includes SAS that provides inputs to help stabilize the helicopter while hand-flying. The corrections provided by SAS serve to improve the helicopter’s basic handling characteristics by maintaining a commanded attitude. Designed with the pilot in mind, its cyclic-mounted flight control system (FCS) allows for seamless interactions without taking a hand off of the helicopter controls during basic operations, including system initialization of the SAS in attitude mode, adjustments of the pitch and roll, trim and much more. While flying with SAS, pilots can easily “fly through” the flight control inputs for smooth maneuvers beyond the preset trim condition. With heading hold, the pilot can easily set a new heading by simply moving the cyclic to the desired heading.

Thanks to the hover assist mode, the system will also automatically detect a hover condition and provide flight control inputs to help maintain position over the ground. When equipped with the optional yaw axis control, the GFC 600H will also hold heading in hover.

As a standard feature, Garmin H-ESP helps the pilot remain within a safe envelope when hand-flying the helicopter. Should the pilot exceed pre-determined pitch, roll or airspeed limitations, H-ESP provides a corrective force on the flight controls proportionate to the exceedance. H-ESP works in all modes – even when the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft with the system not engaged – and can be manually disabled to allow for manoeuvring flight as needed. In potentially disorienting situations, the GFC 600H features a dedicated LVL mode that can be engaged by the pilot to automatically initiate recovery from unusual attitudes and return the aircraft to straight-and-level flight, helping to avoid a potential loss-of-control scenario.

The flight director can be displayed on an optional G500H or G500H TXi flight display to help guide the pilot’s hand-flown inputs toward the desired flight path, including heading, altitude, vertical speed, and airspeed modes. For enroute and approach navigation, the system uses guidance from a compatible Garmin navigator, such as the GTN 750/650 series, to automatically fly approaches and search and rescue patterns. Additional vertical and lateral modes include altitude hold, altitude select, vertical speed, indicated airspeed and heading select.

The GFC 600H features a stack-width mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display. Its robust architecture allows for both 2-axis and 3-axis configurations to provide the features and handling characteristics needed for a helicopter. Integrated “smart” servos provide pitch and roll inputs as commanded by the system, and the available third servo and collective sensor provide yaw axis control capability and smooth flight control adjustments when the pilot moves the collective. Digitally controlled, high-torque servos allow for faster, crisper, more powerful response, which enables the GFC 600H to perform with smooth efficiency and advanced capability.

With its extensive features and advanced technology, the GFC 600H offers unprecedented value at a competitive price in a flight control system for helicopters. Initial Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the Airbus AS350 B2/B3 is expected in Q4 2018. During the HAI HELI-EXPO in Las Vegas, Feb. 27-Mar. 1, the GFC 600H will be on display in an AS350 B2 at the Garmin static exhibit in the North Hall N8. The GFC 600H is supported by our award-winning aviation product support team, which provides 24/7 worldwide technical and warranty support.

Garmin is constantly working to source new map and chart data from various sources around the world and they are happy to announce a new option starting today for those flying in South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.

South Africa VFR charts are now available for Aera 660/795/796 and G3X Touch for $29.99.

Follow the link below and sign in with your details: https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/garmin-pilot/

Step 1: Click on portables

Step 2: Click on add your portable to flygarmin

Step 3: Enter your portable device details

Step 4: As per attached picture – Click on software updates to ensure your devices are updated to the latest software version

Step 5: Select IFR/VFR database in the left frame and choose South-Africa VFR to purchase

The unique design of these autopilots delivers superior in-flight characteristics, self-monitoring capabilities and minimal maintenance needs when compared to older-generation autopilot systems. Boasting a robust feature set, GFC 600 and GFC 500 incorporate a number of technologies that can improve safety, such as Garmin ESP™ (Electronic Stability and Protection), under speed protection, Level Mode, Flight Director (FD) and more. The GFC 600 autopilot is intended for high-performance piston single/twin-engine and turbine aircraft that have a wide range of aircraft speed and performance characteristics, while GFC 500 is intended for less complex piston single-engine aircraft. Built upon the acclaimed performance of the popular GFC 700 autopilot, GFC 600 and GFC 500 provide pilots with a suite of advanced autopilot capabilities that are an economical addition for a growing number of aircraft.

GFC 600 Autopilot for High-performance Single/Twin-engine Piston and Turbine Aircraft

GFC 600 is designed as a standalone autopilot that boasts superior integration capability with G500 and G600 glass flight displays, Garmin navigators as well as a variety of third-party flight displays, instruments and navigation sources. The self-contained GMC 605 autopilot controller incorporates backlit keys and a bright, sunlight-readable display that depicts autopilot status and mode selection. An intuitive built-in control wheel also provides convenient adjustment of aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed modes. When the level button is selected, the aircraft automatically returns to straight-and-level flight. Standard mark-width design of the GFC 600 autopilot controller allows for routine installation into the aircraft’s avionics stack. EASA validation to follow. GFC 600 includes environmentally hardened GSA 87 autopilot servos designed for harsh operating conditions. The servos contain a brushless DC motor and a gear train that eliminates the need for a mechanical slip clutch, offering improved performance and reducing maintenance requirements when compared to decades old servo designs.

If a G600/G500 flight display is not installed in the aircraft, an optional GI-285 autopilot annunciator panel can display the selected autopilot mode in the pilot’s primary field of view and retains an identical footprint of third-party autopilot annunciators on the market. In the absence of a compatible airspeed and pressure altitude source, an optional air data module attaches to the backplate of the GMC 605. Initial Supplemental FAA   Type   Certificate   (STC) for GFC 600 has been completed in the A36 Bonanza and B55 Baron aircraft with the 58 Baron, and more aircraft  models,  as  well as GFC 500 Autopilot for Certificated Single-engine Piston Aircraft. Built upon the popular G5 electronic flight instrument, the GFC 500 autopilot integrates specifically with G5 to provide pilots with an economical autopilot and modern flight instrument (G5 is sold separately). The GMC 507 mode controller contains large, dedicated keys and knobs, a control wheel that allows for easy adjustments to aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed and a level button that returns the aircraft to straight-and-level flight. Similar to GFC 600, the GSA 28 servos utilized on GFC 500 also contain brushless DC motors and gear trains that eliminate the need for a mechanical slip clutch. G5 provides input and display of altitude preselect, heading, vertical speed target, airspeed target and Flight Director command bars for the GFC 500. The  optional  GAD™ 29 adapter allows GFC 500 and G5 to interface with select Garmin GPS or VHF navigators. Initial FAA STC for GFC 500 is expected to be completed on select Cessna 172 aircraft models in the fourth quarter of 2017, with select Cessna 182 and Piper PA-28 aircraft models and more to follow. As usual Garmin will work with EASA for a STC validation after the initial FAA STC has been received.

GFC 600 and GFC 500 Feature Set: Cutting Edge Autopilot Design and Reliability

 The full-featured GFC 600 and GFC 500 autopilots provide thousands of existing general aviation aircraft with a simple, light-weight, cost-effective autopilot upgrade path. GFC 600 and GFC 500 both incorporate solid state attitude with robust self-monitoring capabilities to provide superior autopilot performance, high reliability and stability benefits that are similar to the popular GFC 700 autopilot.

In addition to traditional autopilot capabilities such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading, GFC 600 and GFC 500 also include the following features:

• Premium functions and advanced capabilities such as altitude pre-select1 and indicated airspeed hold mode; VNAV will be a growth function when appropriately equipped
  • Pilots can select, couple and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC and back course approaches2,3
• Built-in GPS roll steering capability eliminates the need for external roll steering converters for smoother navigation tracking when installed with a compatible navigator

• Level Mode button, which automatically engages the autopilot to restore the aircraft to straight-and-level flight
• Underspeed protection helps prevent the pilot from stalling the aircraft if the autopilot is engaged in an inappropriate manner
  • Overspeed protection helps prevent the pilot from exceeding aircraft maximum speed (VNE) if the autopilots engaged in an appropriate manner
• With the addition of an optional yaw servo, Yaw Damping (YD) mode minimizes yawing oscillations while also helping to maintain coordinated flight by keeping the slip/skid indicator centred
  • Flight Director command bars can be displayed on G5 with the GFC 500, while GFC 600 displays Flight Director on a variety of flight displays, such as G500 and G600
• Pilots can fly coupled ‘go-arounds’ during missed approach sequencing. A remotely-installed go-around button commands the Flight Director to display the appropriate pitch attitude required for the missed

approach procedure and activates a loaded missed approach when paired with a GTN™ 650/750 navigator

• An optional pitch-trim servo adds automatic trim and manual electric trim
  • Control wheel steering is available on GFC 600, which allows the pilot to adjust pitch, roll, altitude hold, vertical speed or airspeed references using the control yoke

Garmin ESP™ (Electronic Stability and Protection)

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

Should the pilot become inattentive and exceed pre-determined pitch, roll or airspeed limitations, Garmin ESP provides gentle nudges on the flight controls to lessen the aircraft’s pitch attitude or bank angle. The correcting force becomes stronger if the aircraft pitch, bank or airspeed excedance grows further away from the present limits. In the event the pilot becomes incapacitated and the system detects it has been activated for an extended period of time, the autopilot engages with the Flight Director in Level Mode, bringing the aircraft to level flight until the pilot commands otherwise. Autopilot torque is limited such as the pilot can always overpower the servo and hand- fly the aircraft. For manoeuvring flight, Garmin ESP can be disabled manually.

GPS Smart watch with High-resolution Mapping, Weather Radar Overlay and More

 Garmin is pleased to announce the D2 Charlie aviator watch, an elegant and functional timepiece that boasts global navigation information, rich and colorful moving maps and a host of connectivity options. Designed with pilots, aviation enthusiasts and aspiring pilots in mind, the D2 Charlie aviator watch features high-resolution mapping, real-time worldwide weather radar, as well as airport information that includes frequencies, runway information, METAR data and more. Garmin Elevate™ wrist heart rate technology also allows customers to measure heart rate 24/7 alongside daily activity tracking1. Available with leather and silicone bands or in a titanium edition featuring titanium and silicone bands, D2 Charlie can easily adapt in seconds using these new QuickFit™ bands for use in the cockpit, on the golf course or in the boardroom. Read more on this product on our on-line shop https://centuryavionics.co.za/wrist-worn/

Garmin is pleased to announce the G5 electronic flight instrument will soon be compatible with a wide-range of third-party autopilots available on the market. Utilizing the new GAD 29B adapter, the

G5 directional gyro (DG)/horizontal situation indicator (HSI) can interface with a variety of autopilots to provide heading and course error from G5 to drive the autopilot. With a compatible navigation source, the G5 can also interface with select autopilots for coupled flight in heading and navigation modes. Additionally, when interfaced with a GTN 650/750 or GNS 430W/530W, the G5 can provide GPSS roll steering navigation from the navigator to the autopilot. Pilots can simply select GPSS on the G5 and heading mode on the autopilot and the autopilot will fly smooth intercepts, holding patterns, procedure turns and more.

Third-party autopilot support is expected to include the following autopilots: 

• Century II/III
• Century IV (AC), IV (DC)
• Century 21/31/41
• Century 2000
• Cessna 400B
• Cessna 300 IFCS/400 IFCS
• Honeywell (Bendix King) KAP 100/150/200
• Honeywell (Bendix King) KFC 150/200
• Honeywell (Bendix King) KAP 140
• Honeywell (Bendix King) KFC 225
• S-TEC 20/30/40/50/55/60-1/60-2/65
• S-TEC 60 PSS
• S-TEC 55X

Garmin expects to expand third-party autopilot compatibility for the G5 electronic flight instrument in the future. The GAD 29B is expected to be available in September 2017. Effective immediately, all new orders will include the new GAD 29B adapter at no additional cost. Please, contact our Order Management to change your pre-existing orders to include the new GAD 29B adapter. Additionally, Garmin is working on an amendment to the existing G5 supplemental type certification (STC) that allows a certificated aircraft owner to mount the G5 electronic flight instrument flush with their aircraft instrument panel. Garmin expects the FAA STC to be complete Q3 2017. Garmin is continuing to work with EASA to incorporate these changes into the EASA STC as well. Timing for EASA approval is related to a number of factors and Garmin will provide a formal announcement and update once EASA certification has been achieved.  Please, contact your regional sales manager with further questions.

Be ready for the 2020 Mandate – ADS-B out

ADS-B Out is an airspace requirement and already required in many parts of the world.If a new transponder is installed in an IFR or VFR aircraft, it is highly recommended that it be equipped with serviceable ADS-B and Mode S transponder in order to comply with the future effective dates for planned Mode S and ADS-B equipage.

Mode S and ADS-B Planned Dates of Applicability
The proposed fitment of approved ADS-B equipage is as follows:
2018 – IFR Forward fit: Any aircraft that is first registered on or after 1 January 2018 and is operated under IFR must carry a serviceable ADS-B transponder that complies with the requirements below.
2020 – All IFR aircraft: On and after 1 April 2020 operated under IFR must carry a serviceable ADS-B transponder that complies with the requirements below.
2020 – Mode S for New aircraft and Mode S for Newly installed transponders: Any aircraft that is first registered or modified by having its transponder replaced on or after 1 April 2020, and is operated in Class A, B, C or E airspace must carry a serviceable ADS-B and Mode-S transponder that complies with the requirements below.

Any aircraft that operates above 10,000 feet AMSL in all declared airspace types must carry a serviceable ADS-B transponder that complies with the requirements below. If a new transponder is installed in an IFR or VFR aircraft, it is highly recommended that   it be equipped with serviceable ADS-B and Mode S transponder in order to comply with the future effective dates for planned Mode S and ADS-B equipage.

To become compliant, you will need at least the following equipment:
›    ATC Mode-S Transponder (compliant with DO260B)
›    ADS-B out capable GNSS Sensors / Multi-Mode-Receivers /Flight Management System
›    EASA / FAA approved STC package
›    Aircraft Documentation update
›    Sufficient installation time: modification may require multiple days work, likely to coincide with Heavy Maintenance checks

Click here to read about the FAA report
Read more about common questions asked and answered by Garmin

Becker is a leader in digital avionics technology. They set the standard in customer-centric, state-of-the-art ground and airborne solutions.  Becker Avionics is a privately held high-tech company that develops, manufactures and distributes the latest communications, navigation, surveillance and search & rescue equipment for airborne and ground applications.  Becker Avionics has a longstanding history of over 50 years in providing equipment to General and Corporate Aviation, ATC, law enforcement and military organizations around the world. In order to support international market requirements the Company has established branches around the world.

For more information please contact our team +27 11 701 3244 | mornec@centuryavionics.co.za

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