Garmin Units WAAS-Certified

Garmin International, Olathe, Kan., said its GNS 400/500 series integrated avionics units have been certified by FAA for use in GPS approaches supported by the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The GNS 400/500 series obtained Technical Standard Order (TSO) C146a Gamma-3 certification, allowing pilots to fly Lateral-Precision with Vertical (LPV) guidance approaches and receive GPS navigation via WAAS. FAA also granted approved model list STC approval allowing the series 400/500 equipment to be installed on over 980 aircraft models. The GNS 400/500 series joins Garmin’s G1000 and GNS 480 in providing WAAS enabled navigation for aircraft. Garmin said it expects deliveries of the new GNS 430W and GNS 530W to begin by the end of the year, with upgrades beginning in January. Upgrades are available for a suggested retail price of $1,500. Pilots will be able to purchase new GNS 430W and GNS 530W units for $10,750 and $16,495, respectively. More