Says Portable Device 'Perfect For The Weekend Pilot'

ANN April 1 Special Edition

Garmin has introduced a game-changed portable GPS the company says is perfect for the weekend pilot who does not spend hours every week in the cockpit.

The G100 will have a unique power switch that requires a credit or debit card swipe to activate the instrument. Carl Wolf, Vice President, Aviation Sales and Marketing, says the device will make precision navigation affordable for GA.

"The theory is fairly simple," Wolf said. "The device itself is free. In the box is a credit card reader that plugs in to  your smart phone or tablet device. The GPS interfaces with the device over a Bluetooth connection, and when it sees that the card has been swiped, it turns the device on, then you can upload your flight plan to the device. Billing is handled through your Garmin account that is used for chart updates and software upgrades."

Wolf said it is a cost-effective way for pilots who do not fly every day to take advantage of the company's products. "It follows the old cell phone model that offered free phones and the money was made through use of the service," he said. "Pilots only pay when the device is used. It could save individual pilots thousands on GPS equipment, and Garmin will make up it up in volume. We anticipate huge demand for the device, which is portable so that it can be used in rental airplanes as well."

Pricing for the service has not yet been determined.

FMI: www.garmin.com