Aero-TV: Garmin's GNC-255 - Back To Basics

Garmin's New Aviation VHF Radios

Early this year, a new series of aviation VHF COM and NAV/COM radios, the GTR and GNC series, was announced by Garmin.

As the replacement products for the popular SL 30 and SL 40 models, the GNC series NAV/COM radios include new features to reduce pilot workload, while also offering an affordable solution to meet the requirements of the 8.33 kHz channel spacing mandate recently enacted by the European Union under the Single European Sky (SES) initiative.

The SES mandate aims to enhance safety and efficiency of air transport in Europe, by tripling the number of channels available for aircraft communications. This mandate requires all aircraft using European airspace to be equipped with 8.33 kHz radios by December 31, 2017. Select GTR and GNC models offer both 25 kHz and the 8.33 kHz operational capabilities required to comply with the law.

A unique frequency database makes it easy to find frequencies associated with a given airport or facility just by entering the location name or station ID. And when manually tuning a frequency, the reverse lookup function will automatically provide the navaid or airport identifier. Pilots can also find the nearest airport, area control center, flight service station, weather frequencies and VORs. All models also include a COM monitor function, which provides the utility of two receivers in one, allowing the pilot to listen to ATIS transmissions without leaving the active ATC frequency, as one example.

The GNC series automatically store the 20 most recently used frequencies. Plus, the radios allow for storage of up to 15 most-used frequencies such as the pilot's home airport or other frequently visited destinations. A familiar flip-flop feature allows channels to be entered in a standby window, and then activated with a press of a button. All models also include a built-in, voice activated two-place intercom. The GNC series NAV/COM radios offer all of the same COM features, while also adding navigation capability with VOR/ILS with Glideslope. The GNC series also works well with select Garmin flight displays including the G500, G600, G500H and G3X to display the NAV indicators in the primary field of view, as well as integrate with most autopilots.

The GNC 255A includes 10 watts of transmit power for $4,495 and the GNC 255B includes 16 watts of transmit power for $5,495. Both GNC models include 8.33 kHz spacing.

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