Garmin expands Guided Visual Approaches database with 18 new approaches and 13 airports

Garmin announced this month the addition of further runways and airports to its Guided Visual Approaches programme, a growing database that provides lateral and vertical guidance for pilots flying visual approaches into more demanding airports.

Database expansion for Garmin Guided Visual Approaches

Developed in collaboration with Hughes Aerospace, the latest update introduces 18 new Guided Visual Approaches and adds 13 new airports, including Las Vegas (KLAS), Oakland (KOAK) and West Chicago (KDPA).

These new Guided Visuals are now available via flyGarmin.com, taking the database total to 64 visual approaches across 48 challenging airport environments.

How Guided Visuals work in the cockpit

Pilots using Guided Visuals can expect an experience that closely mirrors traditional approach procedures, from loading them into the avionics through to flying down to the runway. The system supplies both lateral and vertical guidance, and the visual approaches can be flown coupled to the autopilot, helping pilots keep their attention focused outside the aircraft.

Each Guided Visual Approach also includes a geo-referenced approach chart, making briefing and flying these procedures feel familiar. The charts can be accessed as standard Garmin FliteCharts on compatible avionics.

Guided Visuals are intended to improve approach safety by supporting more stabilised visual approaches in faster turbine aircraft, particularly when operating into airports with higher terrain and obstacles nearby. They can also assist pilots flying visual approaches at night into airports surrounded by urban scenery and lighting, making it easier to maintain visual contact with the runway.

Compatibility and Garmin Pilot access

Guided Visuals are compatible with WAAS-equipped Garmin avionics that support RF legs, such as GTN and GTN Xi navigators, as well as selected Garmin integrated flight decks. Aircraft owners and operators should refer to the pilot’s operating handbook or the aircraft flight manual to confirm operational capability for required navigation performance (RNP) procedures with radius-to-fix (RF).

Pilots using Garmin Pilot on Apple mobile devices can now choose to view Guided Visual FliteCharts within the Garmin Pilot app. Guided Visuals in Garmin Pilot provide straightforward access to these charts for briefing, and they can also be loaded as an approach procedure in the flight plan to display the procedure over the map, in the same way as other approach types.

Information from Garmin