Garmin Pilot updates for Android, iOS released

Aviation technology developer Garmin has announced updates of its Garmin Pilot apps for Android and iOS systems, including new integration capabilities and other enhancements.

The latest version of Garmin Pilot for Android and iOS devices, immediately available in the United States as a free update, includes integration with the new GTX 345 ADS-B In/Out transponder, as well as trip planning enhancements, Garmin said in a news release.

Components pair to wirelessly display subscription-free Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather, a complete picture of ADS-B-equipped traffic, GPS position information, and back-up attitude information that powers SVX synthetic vision and Garmin panel.

Trip planning enhancements include the Altitude Selector Guide, which makes it easier for pilots to select the best altitude for an intended route of flight. It can be accessed within the Trip Planning form, which displays fuel burn, estimated time en route, and headwind or tailwind components. A Minimum Flight Requirement warning will appear when the terminal forecast for the departure or destination airports is at or below IFR minimums. For IFR flights, pilots can view airport information as well as ceiling and visibility in the Alternate Airport Selection Guide.

Enhancements to Garmin Pilot for iOS also include a Flight Profile View, expanded European coverage, X-Plane simulation support, and other features including United Kingdom VFR charts for international pilots and other features.

Flight Profile View delivers “a vertical cross section of airspace, terrain, obstacles and weather display to give pilots a more detailed look at their intended route of flight,” Garmin said.

Enhanced new optional VFR chart coverage within the United Kingdom includes Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland, Southern England, and Wales. The company expects VFR chart coverage throughout France to be available in April within Garmin Pilot for iOS.

Garmin Pilot for iOS now supports X-Plane 10 or higher, enabling flight plan information to be displayed within the application and the simulator after a connection is established via Wi-Fi.

Existing U.S. Garmin Pilot customers can download the latest version of the app for iOS as a free update. The new United Kingdom VFR charts are available starting at $34.99. New customers can download Garmin Pilot from the Apple App store as a free trial for the first 30 days.

For more information, visit Garmin’s website.