While evaluating Garmin’s new G5 electronic flight instrument, we couldn’t help but look beyond its target market of light sport and experimental aircraft. At first blush, the instrument is packaged perfectly for use as a primary attitude instrument in vintage steam gauge-equipped panels, fitting in the 3-inch attitude instrument cutout.
But Team X, Garmin’s engineering team that’s tasked with developing products for the LSA and experimental market, had other plans for the G5, designing it as an EFIS to back up—and integrate with—the PFD in its G3X Touch integrated avionics suite. Mention FAA certification to these guys and you’ll hear their laughter echo across the state of Kansas.