Garmin Brings FAA Data Comm to the Retrofit Market

Garmin is pleased to announce the expansion of its FAA Data Comm solution to now include the broad retrofit market with over 25 makes and models added to the FAA Data Comm participation list. Previously available from Garmin on integrated flight decks, FAA Data Comm is now available for GTN 750Xi series navigators through integration with the GDR 66 VHF data link (VDL) Mode 2 transceiver. When paired with Garmin’s TXi™ flight displays, additional features are enabled through enhanced push-to-load functionality. This capability allows pilots to communicate with select air traffic control facilities via clear, text-based communications, enhancing safety. Garmin’s FAA Data Comm solution also allows properly equipped aircraft to directly load clearances, frequen cies, and more, directly to the avionics. Designed to reduce errors, more easily receive clearances, and send requests on crowded frequencies, Garmin’s FAA Data Comm solution is the first to be available to many applicable aircraft and their pilots.

Departure and enroute clearances

With over 60 airports equipped with Controller Pilot Datalink Communications Departure Clearance (CPDLC-DCL) for departure clearances, FAA Data Comm enables the ability to automatically load the route of the departure clearance into the avionics, mitigating read-back errors and allowing for faster departures at busy airports. When properly equipped, other clearance items such as frequencies, transponder codes, and altitudes can be pushed and pre-set into the avionics as well, reducing workload and reducing the potential for errors in loading.

Enroute FAA Data Comm is available across the United States above 16,000 feet MSL, as all air traffic control centers are now Data Comm capable, allowing the controllers to easily communicate clearances such as frequency changes, altitudes, routing and more.

Using their GTN 750Xi series navigator, pilots also have the ability to request clearances such as shortcuts along route, direct fixes for weather, altitude changes, heading changes and more, directly from their avionics.

In addition to using Data Comm via the GTN 750Xi navigators, pilots can opt to integrate one or more TXi flight displays to enhance their Data Comm experience. The GTN 750Xi series navigator is able to push altitudes, baro settings and other bugs via Data Comm clearances and load prompts, streamlining workload. These bugs are synced across TXi primary flight displays when multiple units are installed, creating harmony across the cockpit in two-crew aircraft.

Data Comm is available with the GTN 750Xi series navigators using a new Data Comm enablement along with a GDR 66 datalink radio. Additionally, Data Comm annual subscriptions can be purchased from Garmin.