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 G3X Touch, G5, and other avionics, designed to assist pilots during emergencies involving a loss of engine power.
This safety technology automates tasks such as recommending suitable airports within the aircraft's glide range and optimizing avionics settings; when paired with an autopilot, it can also adjust pitch for best glide speed and navigate to the selected airport.
Activated by holding the direct-to button, Smart Glide considers various factors for airport selection (e.g., runway length, terrain, weather) and provides aural and visual alerts to the pilot to take control for the final landing sequence.

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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.