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 comprehensive portable GPS navigator, integrating numerous advanced safety and navigation features previously found in expensive panel-mounted avionics.
• Its large display significantly enhances situational awareness by allowing simultaneous viewing of a virtual instrument panel, moving map, real-time weather, and navigation data, providing critical backup capabilities.
• Key features include SafeTaxi for safer ground navigation by highlighting high-risk areas on airport diagrams, and integrated IFR approach and en route charts (including Victor airways) which can be overlaid with terrain or weather, effectively serving as an electronic flight bag.
• The device brings advanced glass cockpit capabilities to a wider range of aircraft, simplifying pilot tasks and serving as a significant safety feature by combining multiple functionalities into one portable unit.

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