17 May 2016
Automated flight logging, display of Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), and an aviation-tailored customisable face are just three of the functions of Garmin’s latest pilot watch, the D2 Bravo Platinum. It can also display your heart rate (useful after paying $899 for it) and is rated to a depth of 100 metres in water (which is where you might be hiding when your other half finds out).
Aviation features include a worldwide airport database and, when paired with a compatible smartphone, pilots can view METARs and TAFs in plain language, colour-coded to indicate visual or instrument meteorological conditions.
The D2 Bravo Platinum can create flight plans and includes an altimeter with an adjustable barometric setting and a compass with an HSI and moving map.
Dedicated direct-to and nearest buttons along the side of the bezel allow for immediate navigation commands. Similar to Garmin portables, customisable data fields include Estimated Time Enroute (ETE), Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) and more. There’s a preset oxygen reminder based on barometric altitude when operating at or above 12,500 feet, and pilot-selectable altitude alerting.
The D2 Bravo Titanium also integrates with some other Garmin products, such as the VIRB XE camera.
Software upgrade
All new and current D2 Bravo owners have access to a free software upgrade that enables the display of TAFs, incorporates automated flight logging and includes the addition of new activities such as golf. Support for flight plan transfer from the Garmin Pilot app to D2 Bravo Titanium and D2 Bravo is expected in June, which will be enabled by a free software update.
