Garmin updates GI 275 electronic flight instrument

Garmin’s updates to its GI 275 electronic flight instrument, including transponder control, simpler GPSS mode switching, and more, have been granted FAA STC approval.

Transponder control

Pilots can now control basic transponder settings including squawk code, function, IDENT and flight ID directly from the GI 275 when interfaced with a compatible transponder, such as the GTX 345, GTX 345R, and GTX 45R.

The touchscreen user interface offers pilots a quick way to make transponder setting adjustments and can be especially beneficial to pilots in aircraft with transponder installations on the co-pilot side, according to company officials. Additionally, space-constrained cockpits can benefit from the opportunity to install remote transponders and control them from the GI 275.

To access these new controls, a dedicated transponder page is available on GI 275 installations configured as a multifunction display (MFD), or standby attitude indicator with MFD pages.

Switching between GPSS and heading modes

Pilots flying aircraft equipped with third-party autopilots can benefit from easier switching between GPSS and heading modes on a GI 275 installation configured as an attitude-direction indicator (ADI). A new autopilot reference option has been added to the first menu level of the ADI, allowing pilots to switch between GPSS and heading mode without the need to access additional menu levels.

Additionally, aircraft owners can opt to add a dedicated switch on the panel to control this function.

The software update for the GI 275 is available immediately through a Garmin Authorized Dealer. The GI 275 is approved for installation in more than 1,000 single-engine and multi-engine aircraft models, company officials note.

Prices for the GI 275 start at $3,995.