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First Word: June, 2023

GARMIN GNS NAVIGATORS

Chopping the master switch and watching the Garmin GNS 430W power down after a recent trip through the clag and an RNAV approach, I couldn’t help but think of the good utility these units offer—even though the first GNS was introduced over 25 years ago. Yes, the display technology shows its age compared to the graphics on newer units, and there’s no touchscreen, but it’s easy to see why Garmin’s GNS navigators are arguably the most successful and quite possibly the most installed avionics ever. They simply get the job done. 

 Following Garmin’s announcement that it plans to phase out factory support for the GNS-series navigators, a lot of owners have been asking what they should do with the ones in their panel. I know what I would do—think about selling it. 

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.