Garmin has expanded its Guided Visual approach database with 12 procedures at eight airports and introduced SmartCharts airport diagrams on Garmin Pilot Web. Developed with Hughes Aerospace, the update brings the database to 77 visual approaches serving 56 challenging airport environments, while SmartCharts provide graphical NOTAM overlays identifying runway, taxiway and ramp closures in supported regions.
The new procedures include airports in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Hayden, Colorado; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They provide lateral and vertical guidance to runway ends and can be flown coupled to the autopilot, supporting visual operations at airports affected by terrain, obstacles, dense cityscapes or difficult night lighting.
Guided Visuals are compatible with WAAS-equipped Garmin avionics capable of radius-to-fix legs, including GTN and GTN Xi navigators and selected integrated flight decks. Each procedure includes a georeferenced approach chart showing the aircraft’s position, accessible in a manner similar to Garmin FliteCharts. The database is distributed through flyGarmin.com, and Garmin Pilot users require the relevant subscriptions.
Garmin Pilot also gains composite radar coverage for Mexico, expanded composite coverage in Canada and a forecast cloud layer showing cloud tops, bases and coverage. These weather features are available on Apple devices and the web, while SmartCharts airport diagrams became available on Garmin Pilot Web on 27 October in supported regions.