Garmin announced a series of updates in advance of the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Dallas, Texas, with transponder functionality added to its GI 275 instrument replacement unit, a new TXi engine indicating system for twin turboprops, and the Pllatus PC-12 and Cessna 441 added to the STC list for the GFC 600.
Enhancements to the GI 275 include the STC approval of the option to control transponder settings on the Garmin GTX 345, GTX 345R, or GTX 45R remotely from the instrument—including squawk code, function, IDENT, and flight ID. This provides a neat solution for those operating single pilot with the transponder itself mounted on the right side of the flight deck. A remote-mounted transponder could also utilize this path, to minimize the use of panel space in a tight cockpit.
Other new features on the GI 275 include easier switching between modes using third-party, non-Garmin autopilots, and the ability to drive a GFC 500 autopilot while maintaining capability as a standby attitude indicator when connected with an original G500-series flight display.
The TXi engine indicating system announced on June 22 is available for twin turboprop aircraft, including the Cessna 425, King Air 90 series, and select Pratt & Whitney PT6A-powered Piper Cheyennes. According to Garmin, the TXi features a dedicated 7-inch flight display in portrait mode and replaces aging round dial EIS gauges with a modernized display “to more clearly read engine information and simplify the cockpit. These twin turbine owners and operators can also benefit from an outside air temperature (OAT) indication that can be set to alert the pilot at thresholds determined by the pilot operating handbook (POH), and actions such as turning on pitot heat can clear the alert from the display.” The TXi is already available on the Cessna 208/208B, Daher TBM 700/850, and the Piper PA-46-310SP/350P JetPROP single-engine turboprop and will be ready for installation via the Garmin dealer network in July.
The GFC 600 digital autopilot also received approval for installation and retrofit on Cessna 441 twins. The package is available through certain Garmin dealers in a standard STC kit and a “de-mod” kit—which enables a Cessna 441 that has not had prior Cessna 400/800/1000 autopilot components installed to receive the GFC 600. To look at the latest list of STCs on the GFC 600—and see what models are next in line—visit the company’s page for the model.
