Story ID: 
GTN Software Update Adds Requested Features
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Garmin's upgrade to the touchscreen navigators adds features customers have been asking for.
Word Count: 290
A free major software update for Garmin’s GTN 650/750 touchscreen navigators will be released in this year’s third quarter. The update adds a number of features, many of which had been on customers’ list of requested upgrades.

One such feature is customized holds, which have been available on Garmin’s G1000 through G5000 integrated flight decks. Users can create a hold over any fix in the navigation database or user-defined waypoint then customize it as needed with inbound or outbound course guidance, left or right turns and leg length in time or distance. An expect further clearance time can be entered, and a message will alert the pilot when to depart the hold or contact ATC.

A new IFR approach option is radius-to-fix (RF) leg support, which also requires a digital HSI such as on the Garmin G500 or G600 displays. This opens up new airports with RF-leg approaches in terrain-challenged environments, according to Garmin. The software update also allows pilots to load secondary approaches “during the missed approach segment,” the company said, “so they can have ample time to prepare for the next approach sequence.” The update includes a new display of waypoints before the final approach fix when pilots choose the vectors-to-final transition.

The GTN units will be able to animate radar imagery from FIS-B regional and Conus imagery via ADS-B, Sirius XM radar images and precipitation imagery from the GSR 56 Iridium datalink. Other new features include fuel range rings on moving-map displays, automatic generation of flight plans for four search patterns for search-and-rescue missions, control of the GTN from G3X Touch displays, additional metric and imperial unit options, new own-ship fixed-wing icons and LP+V approach support.