FAA approves installation of Garmin transponders to achieve ADS-B In/Out in over 60 helicopter models

OLATHE, Kan. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials in Washington have issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of GTX 345 ADS-B In/Out and GTX 335 ADS-B Out transponders from Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), in an Approved Model List (AML) of Part 27 helicopters.

The GTX 345 and GTX 335 include Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B Out with options for built-in wide-area augmentation system (WAAS). Remote-mount variants of these transponders are also available, which are compatible with the GTN 650/750 touchscreen series. Available in an attractive size and form factor, panel modifications are not required when replacing the GTX 345/335 with some of the most popular transponders on the market, such as the GTX 327 and many others.

The GTX 345 adds more utility to existing avionics configurations by displaying ADS-B traffic and subscription-free weather on select installed displays in the cockpit. Utilizing Bluetooth and Connext technology, the GTX 345 also streams traffic and weather wirelessly to select Garmin portables and the most popular apps in the industry, including Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight Mobile.

The GTX 345 and 335 provide a rule-compliant ADS-B Out solution for helicopter operators in the U.S., while offering traffic alerting capabilities tailored to these operators and their unique operations. As part of Garmin’s Terminal Safety Solutions, TerminalTraffic provides pilots with a comprehensive picture of ADS-B-equipped aircraft and ground vehicles in the airport environment.

ADS-B-equipped aircraft in-flight are easily distinguished from ground vehicles and taxiing aircraft, which are displayed using distinct colors and symbols. Specifically designed for helicopter operations, nuisance alerts are minimized and abbreviated while performing unique helicopter maneuvers such as hovering in the airport environment.

“Based on the immense popularity of the GTX 345 all-in-one ADS-B transponder for fixed-wing aircraft, we’re excited to extend installation approval for this all-inclusive solution to over 60 helicopter models, providing these customers with the same integrated and wireless experience that thousands of pilots are enjoying today,” says Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Helicopter pilots have depended on Garmin avionics for over two decades and with more fielded ADS-B solutions than anyone else in the industry, our leadership in ADS-B prevails as we continue to bring smart solutions to a broad spectrum of the aviation industry that are simple, beneficial, and economical.”

The GTX 345 and GTX 335 incorporate the 1.65-inch-tall (4.2 centimeters) panel-mount transponder form factor and boast a bright, sunlight-readable digital display including pressure altitude readout and dedicated buttons for numeric squawk code entry and a built-in timer.

For helicopters without a WAAS-enabled GPS such as the GTN 650/750 series, an option for an integrated GPS/SBAS position source provides owners and operators with an all-inclusive solution that meets ADS-B Out requirements. Remote mount options are also available for control and display within GTN 650/750-equipped helicopters. The GTX 345 pairs with compatible displays to add subscription-free Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather and ADS-B In traffic, which also includes a dual-link ADS-B receiver that provides pilots with a comprehensive traffic picture.

The GTX 345 integrates with the audio panel to provide ATC-like audible alerts, such as “Traffic: 10 O’Clock, same altitude, two miles” to help pilots keep their eyes outside of the cockpit when looking for traffic. Additionally, an optional altitude encoder is available and conveniently mounts on the back of the transponder for easy installation and service, precluding the need for an external altitude encoder.

When paired with the GTN 650/750, the GTX 345 supports On Scene mode, which minimizes nuisance traffic alerts in-flight when intentionally operating in close proximity to other helicopters during operations such as Electronic News Gathering.

The dual-link GTX 345 displays various ADS-B In benefits on the GTN 650/750 touchscreen series, G500H and GNS 430W/530W (software version dependent). Pairing the transponder with a display overlays ADS-B traffic and subscription-free FIS-B weather on top of colorful moving maps with reference to airspace, terrain, flight plan information and more. FIS-B weather products include NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, winds and temperatures aloft, NOTAMs, AIRMETs, and SIGMETs. With Connext wireless technology, additional ADS-B In benefits can be streamed to a Garmin portable such as the aera 660 and aera 796/795 and to the most popular apps in the industry, including Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight Mobile.

The GTX 345 and 335 have received approval for installation in over 60 helicopter models. The GTX 345 transponder provides ADS-B In/Out capabilities and is available starting at $4,995, while the GTX 335 ADS-B Out transponder is available starting at $2,995. WAAS-enabled versions of the GTX 345/335 are available for an additional $800. Remote-mount derivatives of the GTX 345/335 share pricing equivalent to the panel-mount transponders.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military, and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq:GRMN).

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