Garmin Brings SmartCharts to Garmin Pilot Web
Garmin’s aviation charting solution SmartCharts is now available for Garmin Pilot Web, the avionics manufacturer’s flight planning website that complements its mobile app. SmartCharts provides pilots with a simplified and intuitive experience by producing clear and relevant data to depict a chart tailored for their specific flight operation.
SmartCharts serves as the primary charting tool on a computer or mobile device and allows pilots to view simplified terminal procedures, including instrument approach procedures (IAP), departure procedures (DP) and standard terminal arrival routes (STAR). Integrated into the flight planning flow, SmartCharts allows pilots to seamlessly evaluate the impacts of weather and NOTAMs on each procedure and provides a straightforward presentation of the resultant adjustments to minima or equipment required before ever leaving the ground. Additionally, SmartCharts airport diagrams are available in the Garmin Pilot mobile app on iOS devices and will come to Garmin Pilot Web in the future.
“SmartCharts have completely changed how pilots plan and brief instrument flights and this capability now comes to Garmin Pilot Web,” Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs & Support, said in a news release. “The decluttered terminal procedures allow pilots to focus on the most relevant and key information for their flight, ultimately helping to promote safety and situational awareness well in advance of stepping into the cockpit. Now, no matter how a pilot plans their flights, they can utilize our revolutionary SmartCharts.”
Data-driven flight planning: SmartCharts uses digitized data from global sources to create a consistent, standardized and scalable charting solution. Garmin used that data to build the clearest possible picture of information needed to successfully fly charted procedures via a new charting user interface, which is now available in Garmin Pilot Web.
This interface, coupled with the digital data, allows SmartCharts procedures to automatically adjust and scale as the pilot zooms and pans within the chart, similar to Garmin’s data-driven maps across its entire product line. This data also allows SmartCharts to highlight details and notes that could be easily overlooked and lost on traditional charts or may only be available in a briefing from disparate sources. Integrated into the flight planning flow in Garmin Pilot Web, these highlights include adjustments to minima – such as minima height adjustments due to NOTAMs, alternate minimums, etc. – to be automatically calculated, providing a clear picture of impacts and allowing formation of a strategic plan for the upcoming flight.
The SmartCharts user interface is consistent across both Garmin Pilot Web and the mobile app, creating a seamless experience for pilots, regardless of which tool they choose to flight plan with. When using Garmin Pilot Web, the user can view charts in a split screen or a full screen to take advantage of the additional screen real estate of the computer.
Simplified information: SmartCharts help optimize pilot workflow by providing only relevant data, important in the cockpit and when flight planning. Users can make selections – such as aircraft type, arrival/departure/approach transition fix, runway and more – to simplify the chart down to the information that they need to see, including information for their primary airport or as they evaluate choosing a planned alternate.
Starting with STARs and standard instrument departures (SIDs), the user selects their aircraft type, the route transition they are flying and the runway of intended use. This reduces depicted information to only show the routing, fixes and crossing restrictions pertinent to their expected procedure. Quick access buttons also reveal pertinent procedure details like briefing information, communications frequencies, graphical missed approach icons and more so pilots can easily find and decipher needed information as they build their preflight picture.
When viewing an approach procedure, approach minima are updated and presented to the pilot via easy selection buttons for aircraft category, approach type (e.g., ILS, LOC, LPV, LNAV, etc.) and other adjustments like local or other altimeter settings, inoperative airport lighting, flight director or HUD use and more. Those selections then present only one minima number to reference, allowing for easy evaluation of go/no-go decisions or the need for further contingency planning.
The popular Approach Vertical Profile View is also available in SmartCharts on Garmin Pilot Web. Pilots can enhance the planning process by seeing terrain and obstacles below their approach path to the runway without ever leaving the ground. SmartCharts can be accessed via the Airports and Flights tabs, similar to Garmin Pilot mobile.
Garmin Pilot Web was launched in 2025 to ensure Garmin Pilot users could use the popular flight planning tool on any device, including their computer. Flights planned on Garmin Pilot Web sync to mobile devices for seamless planning and flying. For users who prefer to plan their flights on a computer, adding SmartCharts to Garmin Pilot Web gives them the most consistent experience so they can plan with SmartCharts on their computer and fly with SmartCharts on their iOS mobile device. Visit garmin.com/smartcharts to learn more.
SmartCharts are available on Garmin Pilot Web and the Garmin Pilot mobile app with a Premium subscription in the United States and the Bahamas at launch. Source: garmin.com
Garmin Avionics Navigation Database Coverage Expands to Africa
Previously available to aircraft owners and operators in the Americas, Europe and South Pacific regions, the Garmin Navigation Database has expanded coverage to allow customers in Africa to incorporate the latest aviation navigation information into their Garmin avionics. Available for Garmin integrated flight decks, navigators, flight displays, portables and more, the new database for Africa can be purchased via a variety of cost-effective options including a new Transatlantic OnePak subscription for all compatible avionics in an aircraft.
The Garmin Navigation Database for Africa provides foundational information needed for precise navigation throughout the departure, enroute, arrival and approach phases of flight. Coverage is available in more than 40 countries in Africa, including enroute and airspace data, instrument procedures, frequencies, airport information and more. Additionally, Garmin Pilot users in Africa can now leverage more VFR data in South Africa such as airport arrival and departure routes and visual reference points (VRP). Visit flygarmin.com for more information. Source: garmin.com
First King Air 360 To Enter Mongolian Market
The King Air 360 is making its entry into Mongolia with charter operator Hunnu Air placing the first order for the Beechcraft turboprop aircraft in the country. In a news release, Textron Aviation said delivery is expected at the end of 2027.
Hunnu Air will use the King Air 360 to enhance its tourism and travel offerings along with VIP commuter services within Mongolia. The addition complements Hunnu Air’s recent orders of two passenger variants of the Cessna SkyCourier and a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX. These aircraft join Hunnu Air’s existing fleet of Grand Caravan EX aircraft. Source: txtav.com
Textron Aviation Expands Flight Test Operations
Textron Aviation recently announced the completed expansion of its flight test hangar on the company’s East Wichita Campus, increasing capacity to support growing global demand for the Cessna SkyCourier and continued development activity across its turboprop portfolio.
The 57,000‑square‑foot expansion adds six new hangar bays on the north side of the facility, significantly increasing capacity for flight test operations as activity continues to accelerate for the twin‑engine, large utility SkyCourier. The expanded footprint will also support ongoing flight test and entry‑into‑service work for the Beechcraft Denali.
“As demand for the Cessna SkyCourier continues to grow across commercial, cargo and special missions markets, it’s critical that our facilities and teams are positioned to support that momentum,” Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, said in a news release. “By investing in additional flight test capacity, we are strengthening our ability to efficiently support development today and as demand continues to expand.”
Designed for versatility, the Cessna SkyCourier serves commercial passenger, cargo and special missions operators with multiple configurations and mission‑ready performance. As the aircraft expands into defense and special missions applications, including its first military order, recent enhancements such as an in‑flight operable door option further extend its operational flexibility across a broad range of missions.
From an operational standpoint, the expanded facility allows flight test teams to move more efficiently between aircraft preparation, data collection and evaluation, an important advantage as the SkyCourier supports an increasing range of missions and test requirements.
“With more space and flexibility, our teams can run multiple test profiles in parallel and turn aircraft more efficiently,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Manufacturing Operations. “That capability is critical as the SkyCourier supports a growing range of real‑world missions for operators around the globe.”
The expanded facility also reflects Textron Aviation’s ongoing commitment to responsible operations, incorporating energy‑efficient LED lighting and high‑efficiency systems designed to reduce energy consumption while supporting demanding flight test activity. Source: txtav.com