Garmin Announces Smart Glide Engine-Out Automation
Ahead of AirVenture 2021, Garmin released Smart Glide—the latest feature that’s part of the company’s Autonomi family of autonomous technologies, which also includes emergency Autoland. Smart Glide, which recommends a suitable airport that’s estimated to be within gliding range, also navigates to the terminal area so the pilot can execute the dead-stick landing. Moreover, when interfaced with a Garmin autopilot, Smart Glide automatically engages the autopilot and pitches for the aircraft’s best-glide airspeed.
Smart Glide requires at least one of Garmin’s latest GTN Xi-series navigators, plus a compatible Garmin display. These include the G5, GI 275, G500/600 TXi and the G3X Touch. Smart Glide is activated with an optional panel-mounted switch, or by pressing the navigator’s Direct-To button for two seconds. Once activated, it recommends an airport that’s estimated to be within gliding range and creates a direct-to route to the field.