Garmin expands autonomous flight technologies

Garmin is further expanding the autonomous flight technologies of its Autonomí family. According to information from Garmin International Inc., a unit at Garmin Ltd. based in the canton of Schaffhausen, the company brought its “revolutionary safety tool” Smart Glide to market on Wednesday. This supports pilots of single-motor aircraft in the event of a loss of engine power by automating tasks and thereby decreasing the workload for the person piloting the aircraft.

With compatible avionics, it recommends a suitable airport that is estimated to be within gliding range. Moreover, it provides important information and optimizes the settings of avionics. The pilot can set the best gliding speed and navigate the aircraft near to the selected airport. Audible alerts then show on the autopilot if the aircraft is approaching the airport and when it is advisable to take over the controls again to start the landing maneuver. Carl Wolf, Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing, is quoted as saying: “We are so proud to continue to help make aviation safer.”

Smart Glide is available in certified aircraft with a navigation device from the GTN Xi series linked to a compatible Garmin flight display. Other systems may be added. For aircraft without a compatible Garmin autopilot, Smart Glide provides important information and functions to support management of a loss in engine power.

Smart Glide is expected to be available as a free software upgrade for compatible systems from August onward via the Garmin Authorized Dealer network. The optional Smart Glide activation button can be purchased for a fee.