Garmin Collision Avoidance Equipment Approved

Garmin received its holiday gift from the FAA a little early. On Dec. 9, the agency granted an approved model list supplemental type certificate (AML-STC) for the company's TAS and TCAS I traffic systems, which include the GTS 800 ($9,995), GTS 820 ($19,995) and GTS 850 ($24,995). The list of approved aircraft includes 580 separate makes and models, and Garmin expects to add even more in the coming year. Garmin received the technical standards order (TSO) authorization for the 800-series systems last month. The units combine active and passive data to identify threat aircraft using Garmin's CLEAR-CAS (Correlated Location Enhanced ADS-B Receiver-Collision Avoidance System: patent pending) technology to track up to 60 targets simultaneously. The system correlates automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and radar data and is compatible with recently announced standards for the developmental NextGen air traffic system. The differences between the products include their transmitter strength. The GTS 800 has 40 watts of power for a range of up to 12 miles. With 250 watts, the GTS 820 has an effective range up to 40 miles. Geared for turboprops and jets, the GTS 850 has the same 250-watt transmitter, but also meets FAA's TCAS-I certification standards. Threat information is displayed on Garmin's panel-mounted aviation navigators using TAS/TCAS symbology for a 360-degree "controller's-eye view." It can show flight ID, altitude, velocity and direction of the target aircraft.