Deliveries Set To Begin In Europe
The European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) has validated
the FAA's Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Garmin's GTN 650
and GTN 750 series touchscreen avionics. With this validation,
these avionics are certified and approved for installation in
hundreds of makes and models of European-registered general
aviation aircraft.
“The GTN has been very well received since its
introduction earlier this year, with thousands of units already
installed,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s vice president of
aviation sales and marketing. “Now, through the validation of
the FAA STC, EASA has made it possible, and more affordable, for
European aircraft owners to immediately benefit from the latest
technology, simplified interface and enhanced safety features that
come with installing the GTN series.”
The GTN 650 and GTN 750 series are the successors to the popular
GNS 430W and 530W series GPS/NAV/COM avionics. They combine the
latest in multi-function display (MFD) features with touchscreen
data entry and integrated radio tuning, as well as optional remote
transponder control. The GTN 750 series can also optionally support
remote audio processor control. Other new capabilities include
graphical flight planning with victor airways and high-altitude jet
routes and the ability to display European electronic terminal
procedure charts with optional Garmin ChartView (750 series
only).
The units are offered in two sizes and a variety of
configurations. The GTN 650 series products are contained in a
2.64-inch tall package that replicates the in-stack form factor of
the GNS 430W design, while providing a display that is over 50
percent larger. The GTN 750 series is six inches tall with a
display that is nearly 100 percent larger than that of the GNS
530W.
All products in the GTN series are SBAS-enabled (WAAS and EGNOS)
allowing pilots to fly GPS-guided LPV glidepath approaches down to
ILS-comparable minimums. In addition, precise course deviation and
roll steering outputs can be coupled to select autopilots so that
IFR flight procedures may be flown automatically.
The GTN series meets current European regulatory requirements
including 8.33 kHz VHF Communication, immunity from FM radio
broadcasts, B-RNAV, P-RNAV and optional Class B TAWS. The standard
GTN 650 and GTN 750 feature a 10-watt COM, and a field upgradeable
16-watt version is also available. The GTN 725 is similar to the
GTN 750, but is a GPS only unit. The GTN 625 is also a GPS only
unit, and the GTN 635 is a GPS unit with VHF Communications
radio.
Because the GTN offers a wide array of compatibility with select
Garmin avionics and sensors, Garmin has made it possible to have a
consistent and intuitive interface to other systems – like
audio and transponder – by creating simplified systems
management functionality on the GTN display. Saving valuable panel
space, Garmin’s new GMA 35 remote mount audio processor
(optional) interfaces with the GTN 750 and makes it possible for
the GTN to be used as a touchscreen control head for the
aircraft’s audio and intercom functions. Garmin’s GTX
33/33D remote transponders (optional) also interface with the GTN
650 or 750 so that pilots can control the transponder function from
the GTN’s display. Optional versions of the GTX 33/33D mode S
transponders are available which support ADS-B/Out.