Garmin goes slim

The GTR 205 and GNC 215 are designed for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and can be used globally with pilot-selectable 25 or 8.33 kilohertz channel spacing. The slim sizing works well in space-limited panels and corresponds to Garmin’s earlier-generation SL30 and SL40 radios.

Both radios have a sunlight-readable color LCD screen that displays the currently tuned active and standby radio frequencies and their airport codes or station ID. The new slim radios are designed to mimic the look of other modern Garmin avionics with backlit keys, a dual concentric knob, and bright color displays.

The 2,280-channel capable GTR 205 VHF com radio comes standard with 10 watts of power with an option for 16-watt power. There is also an option for those needing NVIS, or Night Vision Imaging System, compatibility. The GTR 205 includes dual-band monitoring capabilities, allowing pilots to listen to a standby frequency while tuned into the active frequency to monitor the ATIS while still connected to the active ATC frequency.

The GNC 215 nav/com radio features all the com features of the GTR 205 and includes full VHF navigation capabilities like VOR/ILS with localizer and glideslope and can monitor the standby VOR frequency. According to Garmin, the GNC 215 can interface with most course deviation indicator and horizontal situation indicator systems and autopilots, including most Garmin flight displays. This nav/com also features navaid lookup that “allows the GNC 215 to find the desired frequency from its built-in worldwide database when entering a navaid, and the Automatic Station ID feature will automatically decode a station’s Morse code to provide positive visual identification,” Garmin explained in a press release.

The GTR 205 com radio starts at $2,695 and the GNC 215 nav/com radio starts at $5,295. Both the GTR 205 and GNC 215 received FAA technical standard order authorization, and Garmin says they will be available for purchase in March through the Garmin Authorized Dealer network.