How Garmins 696 Can Save Your Bacon

We have a love-hate relationship with cockpit gadgets. On one hand, were strongly in favor of anything that simplifies aviating, navigating and communicating. On the other hand, weve too often seen people get caught up trying to make the gadget work while ignoring the airplane. In the end, we (and our wallets) always have yearned for some kind of inexpensive all-in-one magic box to simplify cockpit chores. Garmins latest GPS portable, the GPSMAP 696, comes about as close as weve seen. Its not perfect, its definitely not cheap and it occupies a lot of space in what might be cramped quarters, but the sheer volume of features and the ease with which they can be accessed pretty much demand anyone shopping for a portable GPS navigator take a close look at the 696. Moreover, having one of these in the cockpit might save what otherwise could be a very bad day. Lets look at what those safety features are and how they work.

Key Takeaways:

• The Garmin GPSMAP 696 is presented as a nearly "all-in-one" portable GPS, consolidating advanced navigation, weather, and charting features typically found in expensive panel-mounted avionics.
• Its large display significantly enhances usability, allowing simultaneous viewing of crucial information such as a virtual instrument panel, moving map, and real-time Nexrad weather.
• The device introduces key safety enhancements, including an improved SafeTaxi feature that highlights high-risk areas on airport diagrams, and the groundbreaking integration of full instrument approach procedure charts and en route charts.
• Functioning as an electronic flight bag, the 696 brings sophisticated glass cockpit capabilities to a wider range of aircraft, simplifying cockpit tasks and enhancing overall flight safety.

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