Garmin Smart Glide Now Free for Some Systems

Technology reduces pilot load in the event of engine power loss.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 03:27 PM ET

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Smart Glide can recommend an airport estimated to be within the aircraft’s best glide range and create a best direct route. [Courtesy: Garmin]

Key Takeaways:

Garmin has released Smart Glide, a free software update for compatible avionics, designed to assist pilots during emergencies involving a loss of engine power.
This safety technology automates critical tasks, recommends suitable airports within the aircraft's glide range based on factors like runway, terrain, and weather.
When paired with an autopilot, Smart Glide can automatically adjust the aircraft's pitch for best glide speed and navigate to the selected airport, ultimately alerting the pilot to take control for landing.

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Garmin International Inc. (NTSE:GRMN) announced Wednesday that Smart Glide is now available as a free software update for the G3X Touch and G5 electronic flight instruments in aircraft equipped with a GTN Xi series navigator.

Smart Glide is a safety technology that can assist pilots in emergencies involving a loss of engine power. By automating tasks, some workload is lifted from the pilot—and by installing Smart Glide on compatible avionics—pilots can tap into suitable airport recommendations within the aircraft’s glide range, along with optimization of select avionics settings.