Garmin's GTN Updates

Think about todays sophisticated navigator. Start with the computer. That computer needs inputs-some buttons and probably a touch screen. Other local inputs include a means to get aviation database(s), a GPS engine that provides precise position data, and receivers for VOR, LOC and glideslope. Inputs for remotely provided data might include things like barometric pressure, fuel flow and data for weather, traffic and the like. Outputs include the local display and externally providing data from the GPS and the databases.

IFR Staff

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Modern avionics, like Garmin GTN navigators, are essentially computer systems that receive continuous software updates to introduce new features, fix issues, and extend their capabilities.
Recent Garmin GTN software updates (Version 6 and later) have added significant enhancements, including user-defined ad hoc holding patterns, support for advanced RF (Radius-to-Fix) approach legs, and more intuitive user interfaces like voice command and pinch-to-zoom.
These updates also provide practical operational benefits such as animated NEXRAD weather, dynamic fuel-range rings, specialized search patterns, and improved data management through reduced database costs and wireless update options.

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Modern avionics, whether an EFIS display, a navigator or even a traffic system—in fact just about all electronics today—are little more than computers with some local inputs, some remote inputs, an output device and some remote outputs. That’s it.

Think about today’s sophisticated navigator. Start with the computer. That computer needs inputs—some buttons and probably a touch screen. Other local inputs include a means to get aviation database(s), a GPS engine that provides precise position data, and receivers for VOR, LOC and glideslope. Inputs for remotely provided data might include things like barometric pressure, fuel flow and data for weather, traffic and the like. Outputs include the local display and externally providing data from the GPS and the databases. (Yes, this is an oversimplification, but not by too much.)