Garmin has expanded the capabilities and features for the GTN series with optional Class A TAWS, ADS-B out compatibility with select third-party transponders, and scheduled message alerting. The GTN provides owners and operators with additional features, including the ability to access more airports with WAAS LPV approach capability, display of weather radar information, and more - all while providing a solution for TAWS-A requirements around the world.

Class A TAWS offers pilots an increased level of situational awareness by providing alerts such as excessive closure rate, large glide slope deviations, and the potential for terrain impact when the aircraft is not in landing configuration. This update helps owners and operators around the world meet their respective operating requirements. Furthermore, this update is timely for operators who need to meet the July 2014 TAWS mandate in Canada.

To help owners and operators meet ADS-B requirements around the world, this update incorporates an open industry protocol, ARINC 743a, to send information from the GTN to a compatible transponder. This simple software update can help bridge the gap to compliance for many operators who have already invested in a GTN and a compatible 3rd party transponder. For others, choosing to install a GTN for compliance can bring a wealth of additional benefits to their flying experience while utilizing the transponder already installed.

The GTN series now adds scheduled message alerting which can help remind pilots of routine operations. These messages can be easily configured to provide a custom message alert on the display using a specific preset date and time reference, countdown timer, or periodic timer. For example, a “Switch fuel tanks” message can be programmed to automatically provide a helpful reminder in-flight. Other messages can be programmed to help remind pilots of aircraft maintenance items.