Garmin Continues to Improve Aviation Safety with the Launch of Smart Glide

Garmin International Inc., a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd., today announced the launch of Smart Glide. This game-changing safety tool assists pilots in engine power outages by automating activities to minimize pilot workload. Smart Glide joins the Autonom family of autonomous flight technologies, which includes the Collier Trophy-winning Garmin Autoland. If a single-engine aircraft lacks engine power, the pilot is faced with the critical and time-consuming task of navigating the aircraft from its present location to a suitable airfield. Through compatible avionics such as GTN Xi series navigators, Smart Glide assists the pilot by recommending a suitable airport estimated to be within glide range and providing critical information to the pilot, and optimizing select avionics settings saving the pilot valuable time and workload1. In addition, when used in conjunction with a compatible Garmin autopilot, Smart Glide may automatically activate the autopilot and pitch for the aircraft's best glide speed while navigating the aircraft within a few miles of the chosen airport pilot can execute an approach and landing.

Smart Glide is compatible with several Garmin systems.

Smart Glide will be available in certified aircraft with a GTN Xi series navigator coupled with a suitable Garmin flight display such as the G500 TXi/G600 TXi, GI 275 electronic flight instrument, G3X Touch, or G5 electronic flight instrument, with more to be added later4. When Smart Glide is activated, compatible Garmin autopilots such as the GFC 500 or GFC 600 may be automatically engaged. Smart Glide will still provide critical information and functionality to help manage engine crises and decrease pilot workload for aircraft with a compatible Garmin autopilot. Furthermore, when properly equipped, experimental aircraft with G3X Touch and a G3X autopilot may allow Smart Glide technology.

Garmin expects Smart Glide to be available as a free software upgrade on compatible devices in August 2021 through the Garmin Authorized Dealer network6. A list price of $129 is also available for the optional Garmin Smart Glide activation button.

About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a Garmin Ltd. subsidiary.
Garmin Ltd. is headquartered in Switzerland, with significant subsidiaries in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Garmin and Connext are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, while Smart Glide, GTN, GFC, GNX, and GTX are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.