Garmin’s new G5 can serve as an all-in-one standby instrument or a compact primary flight display for experimental and light sport aircraft.
The G5 fits into a standard 3-inch instrument hole and has an internal GPS; air data, attitude, and heading reference system (ADAHRS); and an optional backup battery. If the primary instruments fail, the G5 can continuously display attitude, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, and a slip/skid ball on its 3.5-inch LCD screen. It also can be used to control some Garmin autopilots and provide redundant performance data for display on G3X EFIS screens if the G3X internal ADAHRS fails.
The G5 was developed by Garmin’s “Team X,” which designs products for experimental and light sport aircraft, and it uses different software than Garmin’s other products so that a fault in one system won’t corrupt the other.
“Installation is quick and easy and the integration potential is limitless,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “We’re excited to bring this innovative and safety promoting product to the Experimental and Light Sport market.”
The G5 has a retail price of $1,199 and an optional four-hour backup battery sells for $150.
FAA regulations prohibit non-TSO equipment like the G5 from being installed in standard category aircraft, but legislation now before Congress and backed by AOPA would allow safety-enhancing equipment such as this to be added to general aviation cockpits if approved.
Garmin offers audio panels for experimentals, LSAs
Garmin has introduced a new line of audio panels that allow cellphone conversations through aircraft headsets, high-quality “directional” audio, and simultaneous links to multiple electronic devices.
The GMA 245 and 245R Bluetooth audio panels are made for experimental and light sport aircraft and allow up to six listeners to connect to as many as three devices.
“You’ve got to hear it with your own ears to appreciate how rich and clear the sound quality really is,” said Jessica Koss, a Garmin spokeswoman. “You can easily differentiate between multiple voices on the radio or intercom and listen to the one you want to hear.”
The GMA 245 and 245R (the R is a “remotely” installed version) also allow users to control a Garmin VIRB XE camera through an internal Bluetooth wireless connection. The GMA 245 is rack and pin compatible with Garmin’s GMA 240 and 340 audio panels and can be integrated with the G3X and G3X Touch EFIS systems.
The GMA 245R has a retail price of $1,199 and the GMA 245 sells for $1,325.
