Garmin has announced new capabilities and enhanced operational benefits for the King Air C90 aircraft, which are made available through the latest software upgrade. This latest update offers new features including, NextGen components such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) compliance, user-defined holding patterns and the approval of optional equipment, which expands global operational capability.
New enhancements offer King Air C90 owners and operators the opportunity to prepare for the demands brought on by NextGen. These options ensure aircraft meet industry requirements while expanding capabilities to allow for greater flexibility and improved situational awareness.
These new features include:
Barometric Vertical Navigation (Baro-VNAV)
approach capability
ADS-B Out Compliance
Area Navigation (RNAV) capability that includes the ability to fly procedures with Radiusto-Fix
(RF) segments
As part of the latest upgrade, pilots now have the flexibility to conveniently build user-defined holding patterns. These holds may be created over an existing fix in the navigation database or over a user-defined waypoint. Additionally, for operators conducting SAR missions, the G1000 can automatically generate flight plans for three search patterns: Parallel Line Search, Expanding Square and Sector Search patterns. SAR is available as an option and aids in crew situational awareness during these critical missions.
Optional equipment upgrades are now available for operators who pursue the latest software upgrade. The industry leading GWX 70 solid state radar offers significant improvements in capability, reliability and cost of ownership, compared to earlier generation magnetron-based weather radar systems. The GRS 7800 Attitude Heading and Reference System (AHRS) is also available as an optional equipment upgrade. The GRS 7800 enables free-gyro mode, greatly expanding the authorized area of operation up to North 84 degrees latitude.
For King Air C90 operators, the latest G1000 software update is available immediately from select Garmin Authorized Dealers as a free upgrade (installation charges may apply). For additional information regarding the G1000 upgrade for the King Air series, contact Scott Frye at (913) 440-2412.
Enhancements to New and Existing G500
and G600 Glass Flight Display Systems
Garmin also announced enhanced capability and an expanded feature set for the G500/G600 glass flight display systems. Pilots will experience a faster, more responsive and modernized mapping display, complete with a number of enhancements that bring new capabilities to these flight displays. In addition to a new, vibrant presentation, this update provides support for the display of advanced Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) traffic and weather with the GDL® 88, geo-referenced FliteCharts®, a number of weather upgrades such as WX 500 Stormscope® support, Canadian weather and more. Approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) further extends the validation of this certification to also include hundreds of makes and models of European-registered general aviation aircraft.
Enhanced Map and Display Functionality
Newly improved dynamic maps expand upon the existing rich and vibrant mapping display capabilities within the G500/G600 glass flight display system. Expertise leveraged from incorporating dynamic maps within the GTN™ 650/750 touchscreen avionics series is integrated into the G500/G600, resulting in vivid and superior display quality. In addition to the newly enhanced display capabilities, Geo-referenced Garmin FliteCharts terminal approach procedures add an elevated level of situational awareness. When flying an Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP), a magenta aircraft icon is overlaid on the approach plate so pilots can easily identify their location relative to the approach.
WireAware incorporates wire-strike avoidance technology to graphically overlay power line locations and altitude information on the moving map. Altitude is displayed in mean sea level (MSL) and above ground level (AGL), so power lines are easier to identify relative to the aircraft flight path. For added protection, Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) alerting is also available to provide visual and aural alerting.
Smart Airspace integration makes it easier for pilots to identify what airspace lies ahead. This feature conveniently highlights the airspace nearest to the aircraft’s current altitude and de-emphasizes non-pertinent airspace so pilots can quickly distinguish their location to the relevant airspace around them. Additionally, newly incorporated airspace altitude overlays are depicted on the moving map and reduce pilot workload, particularly in congested airspace.
Advanced ADS-B Integration
Garmin brings Vantage ADS-B integration to the G500/G600 with the optional GDL 88 ADS-B datalink, offering pilots the opportunity to display safety enhancing ADS-B traffic and subscription-free Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather on these flight displays. TerminalTraffic™ provides pilots with a comprehensive picture of ADS-B-equipped aircraft and ground vehicles in the airport environment. ADS-B-equipped aircraft in-flight are easily distinguished from ground vehicles and taxiing aircraft, which are displayed using distinct colors and symbols. Enhancing the traffic display, TargetTrend™ relative motion technology helps pilots visualize the trend of traffic as it relates to their aircraft, while innovative dual-link technology provides pilots with the most comprehensive ADS-B traffic picture available in the industry. For customers with synthetic vision technology (SVT™) enabled, traffic targets are also displayed on the PFD. Additionally, weather is easily accessible on the MFD of the G500/G600, displaying weather products such as NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, winds and temperatures aloft, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, PIREPs, as well as datalink TFRs, NOTAMs and SUA status information. By incorporating the GDL 88 ADS-B datalink, aircraft owners are provided a simple, rule-compliant ADS-B Out solution when operating in the U.S. below 18,000 feet, while receiving the safety benefits of ADS-B In traffic and weather.
Enhanced Weather Support
and Compatibility
New weather enhancements offer pilots access to optional weather products for display on the G500/G600 and provide expanded compatibility for additional weather radar systems. These new compatibilities include GWX™ 70 adds optional ground clutter suppression and turbulence detection; GWX 68/GWX 70 enhances existing support for multiple G500/G600 flight displays and GTN touchscreen avionics; GDL 69® adds support for advanced weather products, such as icing, turbulence, PIREPs and Canadian weather and WX-500 Stormscope® support.
The new features and capabilities for the G500/G600 are available today for new installations or as a free software upgrade with a qualifying ADS-B purchase for existing customers from a Garmin Authorized Dealer (installation charges may apply). This software upgrade is supported by Garmin’s award-winning aviation product support team, which provides 24/7 worldwide technical and warranty support. For additional information, visit www.garmin.com/aviation.
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