Garmin has introduced the GDL 84 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) datalink, which is the latest addition to Garmin’s lineup of certified ADS-B solutions.
The GDL 84 provides an all-inclusive, minimally intrusive solution for aircraft owners looking to satisfy the requirements of NextGen, while providing the benefits offered by ADS-B In without the need to significantly modify the panel of the aircraft or the need for a multifunction display, according to Garmin officials.
When the GDL 84 is paired with the Flight Stream Bluetooth wireless gateway, pilots gain access to traffic and subscription-free weather information for display within Garmin Pilot on a mobile device.
“We’ve made the decision simple and beneficial for pilots who are looking for a cost-effective way to meet the requirements of ADS-B Out while receiving the benefits of ADS-B In, which does not require a significant avionics installation,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Backed by our portfolio of ADS-B solutions, Garmin offers comprehensive options for each segment of general aviation. Pilots can depend on us to provide a complete, feature-rich solution, which meets the requirements of NexGen by December 31, 2019.”
The GDL 84 provides a rule-compliant ADS-B Out solution for aircraft operating below 18,000 feet in the U.S., while offering access to traffic information and subscription-free weather. Dual-link capability allows the GDL 84 to receive on both the 978 MHz UAT and 1090 MHz frequency bands, Garmin officials said.
Installation is easy because the GDL 84 is a straightforward solution that wirelessly transmits weather and traffic information via Flight Stream 110/210 to a mobile device, instead of an installed multifunction display in the cockpit, Garmin officials said.
Additionally, for aircraft owners who do not already have a compatible WAAS GPS position source on board their aircraft, the GDL 84 offers a built-in WAAS GPS receiver.
Becoming rule-compliant and preserving the existing aircraft panel are important to many aircraft owners. Because of the versatility and wireless functionality of the GDL 84 and Flight Stream, the existing panel configuration remains intact, Garmin officials said.
Garmin’s patented self-interrogation feature allows the GDL 84 to wirelessly communicate with a wide range of general aviation transponders to synchronize squawk code and ident. This technology enables the ADS-B Out source to broadcast the same code as the transponder, eliminating the need to install an additional ADS-B control panel, which simplifies installation and eases the burden of manually keeping two squawk codes in sync, Garmin officials said. The only panel modification required includes a single annunciator indicating ADS-B status.
Benefits include Garmin’s patent-pending TargetTrend relative motion technology, which helps pilots visualize the trend of traffic threats as they relate to their aircraft. TargetTrend provides a picture of aircraft trajectories, which helps pilots better predict potential conflicts.
ADS-B-equipped surface targets are also displayed on Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams, including taxiing aircraft and ground vehicles. Adding to the wireless versatility of Flight Stream, GPS location information derived from the GDL 84 and back-up attitude information from Flight Stream 210 combine to display position and attitude information within Garmin Pilot.
The GDL 84 is expected to receive the FAA’s Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certification (AML STC) in the first quarter of 2015. The GDL 84 system with the Flight Stream 110 wireless gateway is expected to be available at that time starting at $3,995.
Customers may upgrade to a Flight Stream 210, which adds back-up attitude information for an additional $450.
The GDL 84 is also designed to offer customers added flexibility to meet the needs of future avionics upgrades. While the GDL 84 does not offer interface to avionics displays, customers may upgrade the GDL 84 to display traffic and weather on select Garmin avionics, such as the GTN™ 650/750, GNS 430W/530W, G500/G600 and more, for $1,995.
I’m already selling my Warrior which I fixed up and majored the engine because I’m not willing to upgrade my non WAAS Garmin 430 for $4000 to WAAS and but a $3000 transponder plus install. Even with this costing $4000, for the time being, it’s just too much for this so called government mandate. More and more derelict airplane will be sitting on ramps to rot because the cost for the average guy to own a plane is just out of reach.
I think I read in another publication that the cost of the Garmin unit was$3950, but even if its $2000, its too much. If Garmin thinks this is affordable for the “little guy” they have lost touch with reality. No wonder recreational aviation is dying. The FAA is making it harder and harder for the little guy to enjoy aviation……………but wait – I think I just broke the code.
So how is this $2000 a “solution” when the same thing could easily and more safely and economically be done without WAAS, NIC, or NAC, with existing hardware (such as a non-WAAS G430+GTX330) for under $200??? This isn’t a step forward. This is a step backward. FARs 91.225 and 91.227 need to be rescinded unless and until a real and workable NextGen plan is formulated, and agreed by industry. Further, FAA’s wasting another $131M on unnecessary and obsolete WAAS is absurd. Especially when we’re going to be asked to pay for it. We need to follow Australia’s lead, and Canada’s lead. They don’t need any of this FAA overspecified, gold plated, unworkable ADS-B ruse to make ATS work.