Garmin Pilot adds synthetic vision to Android mobile devices

Garmin is pleased to announce several new enhancements and an expanded feature set for the Garmin Pilot application on Apple and Android mobile devices. New for Android, Garmin Pilot customers can now access synthetic vision (SVX), as well as pilot-configurable checklists within the app. Customers using Garmin Pilot on an Apple mobile device can take advantage of weight and balance calculations tailored to helicopter operators, Search and Rescue (SAR) options and more. With the latest upgrade, both platforms also offer connectivity with the GDL 52/GDL 51 portable receivers, the D2 Charlie aviator watch and the VIRB 360 camera.

Synthetic vision (SVX) for Android mobile devices

Garmin Pilot incorporates sophisticated graphics modeling to create a virtual topographic landscape. Instead of blue-over-brown attitude information, Garmin Pilot conveniently displays a clear 3D depiction of ground and water features, as well as obstacles and the runway environment. Aiding in situational awareness, GPS-derived airspeed, altitude and vertical speed is overlaid on the SVX page. Additionally, when an active flight plan is present, a horizontal situation indicator (HSI) is superimposed over the 3D topographic landscape. For additional situational awareness, pitch and roll information is available when pilots use the GDL 52/GDL 51 or GDL 39 3D in conjunction with Garmin Pilot. In addition to full-screen synthetic vision, pilots can also view split-screen SVX alongside the moving map, flight plan information and more.

Pilot-configurable checklists within Android mobile devices

Checklists can now easily be created and displayed within the Garmin Pilot app. Similar to an aircraft Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), these checklists can be categorized by normal, abnormal and emergency and sorted even further by phase of flight, such as preflight, before take-off and before landing. Customized checklists are also interactive, allowing pilots to select each individual checklist item. When selected, the checklist item turns green and a green checkmark confirms the step has been completed. In addition to creating customized checklists within Garmin Pilot, checklists can also be created on the flyGarmin website and synced to Garmin Pilot on a mobile device.

Helicopter weight & balance for Apple mobile devices

Garmin Pilot is the first application that incorporates helicopter weight and balance calculations into a flight plan or a saved trip, which takes into account fuel burn to provide a comprehensive look at weight and balance characteristics throughout a flight. Pilots can take advantage of pre-loaded helicopter types or enter helicopter weight and balance figures manually, noting the arm, moment and station of each point from the POH. Figures such as lateral center of gravity (CG) are easily referenced in the application relative to an active flight plan. In the event CG limits entered within the app are exceeded, pilots receive a visual alert. Additionally, customized weight and balance profiles can be shared across multiple Garmin Pilot accounts within Apple mobile devices.    

Additional features for Apple mobile devices

Several new features that have also been added to Garmin Pilot:

• Synthetic vision can now be viewed in split-screen mode, allowing customers to view flight plan information, charts and rich, dynamic maps alongside the SVX page simultaneously.
• For operators conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, pilots can automatically generate flight plans for three search patterns: Parallel Line Search, Expanding Square, and Sector Search patterns.
• Garmin Pilot supports wireless flight plan transfer to and from the new D2 Charlie aviator watch.
• Improved stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) incorporate unique coloring to denote when the TFR over a stadium is active or inactive.
• GPS-based tracks can now be embedded within a logbook entry, which displays a geo-referenced map of a particular flight so pilots can easily recall their recent flight history and tie it to their electronic logbook.
• Within Garmin Pilot, certified flight instructors can more easily keep track of and maintain endorsements given to their students.

Additional features for Apple and Android mobile devices

New features that have also been incorporated into both mobile platforms: 

• The new GDL 52 all-in-one ADS-B and SiriusXM receiver can display Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather products, ADS-B traffic, as well as SiriusXM aviation weather¹ within the app. Remote control of SiriusXM satellite radio is also available¹.
• The new GDL 51 SiriusXM receiver can be paired with Garmin Pilot to display SiriusXM aviation weather products¹ and provide remote control of SiriusXM satellite radio¹.   
• Remote control of the VIRB 360 camera from within Garmin Pilot allows pilots to start/stop video using the app.

The newest release of Garmin Pilot for Apple and Android mobile devices are both expected to be available next week. For new customers, Garmin Pilot is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store as a free download for the first 30 days. After the 30-day trial period, customers may purchase an annual subscription of Garmin Pilot starting at $74.99. For customers with Garmin avionics, purchasing Garmin OnePak annual database packages offers valuable benefits for Garmin Pilot subscribers. Visit the Garmin exhibit at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24-30, 2017 for additional information or visit www.garmin.com/aviation.

^{1. Requires a compatible SiriusXM subscription.}