Garmin Updates the Free PC Trainer Suite

Garmin has updated the free Garmin PC Trainer Suite for Windows. Download and details here.

The new version, dated June 7, 2024, simulates:

  • GTN
  • G500/G600 TXi
  • GDU 620
  • GNX 375
  • GNC 355/355A,
  • GPS 175

As far as I know, this is the first version of the simulation to support two GPS/NAV units simultaneously, if you select one of the new Aircraft Trainers from the main screen. The available airframes are:

  • Citation 525A CJ2
  • Cirrus SR22TN
  • Pilatus PC-12/47

For example, with the Cirrus SR22TN selected, you can display a PFD and MFD, and both a GTN 750Xi and GTN 650Xi. You can show dual bearing pointers on the HSI and practice using other features available with such a setup.

Unfortunately, the simulation does not (yet) support a GFC 500 or GFC 600 autopilot. You still have a generic, basic autopilot-like controller to set speed, altitude, etc.

Still this update can be a great tool for learning about and teaching these avionics.

Cloud Surfing and Low IFR Approach

Here’s video from a recent IFR proficiency flight from Boeing Field (KBFI) to Arlington, WA (KAWO). After a departure in IMC, I flew the RNAV RWY 34 approach to LPV minimums at KAWO, using the GFC 600 autopilot for the approach and the TOGA feature for a coupled missed approach.

Notice the glory as I cruise just above a solid cloud deck with the sun at my back.

This video also shows my use of cockpit and avionics flows followed by checklists to prepare for an approach.

For more information about those techniques, see the following videos:

To learn more about how I set up the displays in my panel and in ForeFlight on my iPad, see “Sipping Information from the Right Glass,” my IFR Tip in the December 2023 issue of AOPA Pilot magazine (you may need an AOPA membership to read the full article).

New RNAV (GPS) Approaches at KBFI

The FAA Instrument Procedures Information Gateway now includes the new RNAV approaches to runways 14R and 32L at Boeing Field (KBFI) in Seattle that were published on August 10, 2023.

Boeing Field management contracted with Hughes Aerospace Corporation to develop these approaches, but they are public use, and the charts appear in the databases in EFBs and panel avionics.

Note that these are not Authorization Required (AR) approaches (for more information about that topic, see Unscrambling RNAV, RNP, and Other Chart Naming Conventions and Notes). The new approach to runway 14R replaces the old RNAV (GPS) Y procedure, and it’s a welcome supplement to the ILS RWY 14R, which is often out of service.

Both approaches offer LPV minimums for WAAS-equipped aircraft.

Here are detailed views of the new RNAV (GPS) RWY 14R approach, which features tracks through Elliott Bay, keeping low-altitude traffic (and noise) away from the Magnolia neighborhood. I transferred information from the approach chart to VFR charts (at SkyVector). The positions of the fixes and the tracks are approximate, but they help you visualize the new flight paths. (For similar views of the new RNAV (GPS) RWY 32L approach, scroll down.)

Here are views of the fixes in the new RNAV (GPS) RWY 32L approach.

Approaches with ‘M,’ ‘N,’ etc. in the Title

I recently ran across the RNAV (GPS) RWY 23 N Approach approach at Pullman, WA (KPUW).

Note the N in the procedure title. This approach appears in the procedures listed for KPUW in the GTN 750Xi in the Garmin PC Trainer Suite.

But you won’t find a chart for this approach because it’s a Special Instrument Flight Procedure (aka, a non-Part 97 approach). Section 1-6-5. Non-Part 97 Approach Procedure Naming in ORDER 8260.3E (part of TERPS) explains the naming conventions for such special procedures:

…straight-in approach procedures will be designated with the suffixes “M,” “N,” “P,” or “Q.” Circling-only approach procedures will be designated with the suffixes “J” or “K.”
…
a. The first approach established uses the suffix “M” (or “J” if circling-only) even though there may be no intention to establish additional procedures.

The database in the Garmin trainer includes the N approach to RWY 23, but not the M procedure to RWY 05, which is in the list described below. That list shows that these approaches at KPUW are maintained by Alaska Airlines, which operates Horizon flights to that airport.

Special instrument flight procedures may appear in the databases of the navigators that you use. You can find a list of special instrument flight procedures at the FAA website here.

But as that page notes, “Distribution of procedure documentation is restricted to authorized users in accordance with FAA Order 8260.60.” In other words, you can’t get the chart unless the FAA has approved you to fly a specific special instrument flight procedure.

For more information about approach naming conventions, see Z, Y, X in Approach Titles here at BruceAir.

PBN Bingo

The May 2023 issue of AOPA Pilot magazine includes PBN Bingo, an article I wrote to help pilots understand the key acronyms, abbreviations, and other terms associated with performance based navigation.

I also have a presentation on the topic on my YouTube channel: Unscrambling RNAV, RNP, and Other Chart Naming Conventions and Notes.

Briefing IFR Procedures

Charts for instrument procedures include a lot of information, and IFR pilots learn to brief departures, arrivals, and approaches as part of the preparation for takeoff, descent, and landing.

Often, however, those briefings aren’t especially effective, because the pilot or crew just recites data on the chart and doesn’t actually prepare to fly the procedure by describing a plan that includes details such as how:

  • You will join the procedure.
  • You will use and monitor navigation sources (GPS or ground-based navaids) to track the initial and final approach segments of the procedure and to enhance situational awareness.
  • You plan to configure the aircraft during an approach, especially along the final approach segment.
  • You will navigate the missed approach segment.

In other words, just reading a chart aloud doesn’t truly prepare you to fly a procedure. It’s like trying to sight-read a piece of music instead of practicing before a recital. And too often, a traditional briefing is also rushed or juggled with other tasks, especially in an aircraft equipped with modern avionics.

Today most IFR pilots fly with at least some electronic displays and GPS navigators, and we use electronic flight bags—tablets and apps—to plan our flights on the ground and to display charts and related information in the air. Given the way we now fly IFR, it’s time to update the briefing process to reflect modern avionics and the tools we bring into the cockpit.

For a detailed explanation of how I teach procedure briefings, see:

Scenic Approach at Tillamook, OR

I’ve been testing the latest system software in my Garmin avionics and checking out the A36 after its annual inspection. A break in the weather allowed a scenic VFR flight from Boeing Field (KBFI) to Tillamook, OR (KTMK) and a practice RNAV RWY 13 approach using the automation available with the Garmin GTN 500Txi, GTN 750Xi, and GFC 600 autopilot.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Oregon coast south of Astoria as I descend into KTMK.