Garmin receives EASA approval for new GTN 650/750 features

Garmin is pleased to announce an expanded feature set, an enhanced user interface and additional wireless connectivity solutions for its popular GTN 650/750 touchscreen navigators. New GTN enhancements include pinch-to-zoom and Flight Stream 510 integration, which supports wireless Database Concierge between the GTN and the Garmin Pilot app on a mobile device. Flight plan transfer, as well as traffic, weather, GPS information and more also display on select mobile devices when paired with Flight Stream 510. Pilots can also utilize the Garmin Pilot app on Apple mobile devices to send text messages and initiate phone calls1. These new features bring advanced capabilities and even more functionality to new and existing GTN 650/750 touchscreen avionics.

Pinch-to-zoom user interface

The GTN 650/750 now features pinch-to-zoom capability on any map, traffic or terrain page, in addition to the dedicated zoom icons. Much like pinch-to-zoom on a smartphone or tablet, pilots can naturally use two-finger gestures on the GTN to zoom in and zoom out.

Database Concierge wireless database management

Flight Stream 510 is a small, patented Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled MultiMediaCard (MMC) that enables wireless Database Concierge and communication between the GTN 650/750 series, select avionics and up to two compatible Apple or Android mobile devices operating Garmin Pilot. Wi-Fi connectivity is specifically for wireless database transfer, while Bluetooth enables a wide variety of additional capabilities, including flight plan transfer, the sharing of traffic, weather, GPS and more. Customers can easily incorporate wireless technology into their aircraft with the latest GTN software upgrade and Flight Stream 510 as no wiring changes or complex installation considerations are required. For customers with a G500/G600 glass flight display installed, back-up attitude information also wirelessly displays within a mobile device.

European enhancements

Tailored specifically to European operators, the GTN series now includes the option to display Visual Reporting Points (VRPs) on the moving map. Often used as reporting points in controlled airspace, pilots can easily reference these points relative to their position on the map so it's easy to navigate and make accurate reports to air traffic control.

Database synchronization

Customers with any combination of GTNs or GTNs with G500/G600s receive additional benefits with database synchronization. Once customers complete the wireless database transfer to the GTN, the databases are automatically transferred to the G500/G600 and synced across both systems to ensure database information matches and is up-to-date. Chart streaming also allows pilots to view and utilize departure, approach and arrival charts immediately, even while the charts database is synchronizing between the two systems. Flight Stream improves the experience by adding Database Concierge wireless database transfer, which automates database management between Garmin avionics. Flight Stream 510 wirelessly transfers the following databases to compatible avionics: Jeppesen NavData or the Garmin Navigation Database, Airport Directory, Obstacle, Terrain, SafeTaxi, FliteCharts and Basemap.

Connext text and voice control via mobile devices

With Flight Stream 510, customers can pair an Apple mobile device operating Garmin Pilot to the GTN to access text and voice services enabled by a GSR 56 datalink1. While in-flight and on the ground, pilots can quickly send and receive messages with a mobile device using a familiar conversation format and conveniently utilize the phone's existing contact database. Similarly, customers can initiate phone calls on an Apple mobile device using Garmin Pilot, so it's easier to complete phone calls over a headset while in flight. The GSR 56 also supports the display of weather on compatible avionics.

Additional features within the latest GTN software upgrade

- Radios are available during power-up prior to engine start.

- With the addition of the new flight track vector, pilots are provided more visual cues to help ensure flight plan tracking.

- Pilots have the option to clear all stored flight plans and user-waypoints.

- Hot spot descriptions are pilot-selectable on the SafeTaxi diagram.

These new features are available immediately from Garmin authorized dealers for hundreds of aircraft makes and models. The GTN software upgrade is supported by Garmin's award-winning aviation support team, which provides 24/7 worldwide technical and warranty support.