Garmin GTN Trainer Update

Garmin has updated the free Windows-based simulators for the GTN/G500/G600/Txi products. Details here.

System Requirements
The following is required to install and operate the Garmin Aviation Trainer:
• 2.4GHz dual core processor or equivalent
• Windows 7 or later
• 10GB free hard disk space; 12-13GB during installation
• Microsoft DirectX 9.0 or later
• 256MB 3D accelerated graphics card or higher
• Screen resolution: 1280 x 1024 or higher recommended

Note that the trainer includes all the of updated user guides for the avionics and a guide to using the trainer itself.

An RNAV Approach in VMC

In this video, I depart Jefferson County International Airport (0S9) on the Olympic Peninsula and fly the RNAV RWY 20 approach at Bremerton (KPWT) in visual conditions.

This is an exercise I do with my instrument students as they begin flying approaches. It’s useful to observe several approaches, preferably with the autopilot engaged, to help new IFR pilots correlate what they see out the window with the navigation displays, aircraft attitude, power settings, and configurations used during an IFR approach. Watching the autopilot fly the approach helps students clearly see the subtle corrections needed to track courses and glidepaths. And observing the proximity to terrain and obstacles reinforces the need to fly the published courses and altitudes precisely.