Garmin GI-260 AOA Indicator
Garmin wasn't the first out of the gate with an angle-of-attack indicator for light airplanes, but the avionics giant's first foray into this emerging market could be just the thing to jumpstart interest among pilots who've been considering adding the safety equipment.
Garmin's $1,500 product offering, consisting of the GI 260 AOA indicator, GAP 26 angle-of-attack probe and GSU 25 air-data computer, has achieved FAA certification and is now shipping. No STC is required for installation, which promises to be a straightforward procedure in most aircraft.
Garmin says the GI 260 is designed for "quick, at-a-glance understanding of AOA," offering a visual readout in the cockpit as well as audible alerts for high-workload situations. Because the Garmin AOA system corrects for weight, g-loading, density altitude and airspeed, it offers better accuracy compared to lift reserve indicators, the company claims.
Buyers can choose from a variety of packages to accommodate 14V and 28V aircraft, including heated and unheated options. The GI 260 indicator is also available as an option for G3X and G3X Touch avionics for $249.
The FAA recently made it easier and less costly to add AOA indicators to light airplanes as part of a push to drive down prices for safety-related gear. Other AOA systems on the market include options from BendixKing, Safe Flight Instrument Corp., Alpha Systems and others.
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