Garmin launches VHF COM and NAV/COM radios

Garmin has announced a new series of aviation VHF COM and NAV/COM radios, the GTR and GNC series. The radios are introduced as replacement products for the SL 30 and SL 40 models.
According to Garmin the GTR series COM transceivers and GNC series NAV/COM radios include new features to reduce pilot workload, while also offering an affordable solution to meet the requirements of the 8.33 kHz channel spacing mandate recently enacted by the European Union under the Single European Sky (SES) initiative.
The SES mandate aims to enhance safety and efficiency of air transport in Europe, by tripling the number of channels available for aircraft communications. This mandate requires all aircraft using European airspace to be equipped with 8.33 kHz radios by December 31, 2017. Select GTR and GNC models offer both 25 kHz and the 8.33 kHz operational capabilities required to comply with the law.
Features of the new series include a reverse lookup function and the ability to find the nearest airport, area control centre, flight service station, weather frequencies and VORs. All models also include a COM monitor function, which provides the utility of two receivers in one, allowing the pilot to listen to ATIS transmissions without leaving the active ATC frequency.
All products in the series have received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorisation and are expected to be available in February to U.S. and global destinations accepting FAA TSO. The GTR and GNC series will be available in Europe upon European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) authorisation, expected in first quarter 2013.
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