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Garmin's New GPSMAP 396...The Ultimate Back-Up For IFR Operations
The first thing we need to get straight about the new Garmin GPSMAP 396 is that you can't just put it on top of your instrument panel and go fly IFR with it, as some folks seem to think they can. Yes, its presentation is that good! But it is definitely NOT approved primary navigation equipment that you can use as a low-cost moving map substitute for panel-mounted equipment such as the Garmin GNS 430/530 or similar systems that are certified for IFR use. But, with that understood, the GPSMAP 396 can provide unparalleled situational awareness in VFR operations--and as the ultimate backup in IFR flight--if your primary navigation equipment should ever fail!
With the GPSMAP 396, you can access XM WX Satellite Weather, available by subscription, featuring NEXRAD graphics, METARS, terminal airport forecasts (TAFs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), lightning, winds aloft and other vital information to help you make informed navigational decisions. You can customize the display to overlay XM WX data over the unit's Jeppesen and topographic databases. The GPSMAP 396 can combine inputs from built-in terrain, obstacle and electronic flight databases to give you a vivid picture of vital proximity hazards. Because it's a handheld unit, you can easily take the GPSMAP 396 from your aircraft to your car to your boat and back again.
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Shown here on the glare shield of a Cessna 185 over Oklahoma, the GPSMAP 396's bright full-color viewing screen shows roads, rail lines, lakes, rivers, airports, topography--virtually anything you see on a sectional chart, plus NEXRAD weather, as in this view with amazing detail and clarity. And in your car or boat, you can see your route and surroundings portrayed with equal sharpness. |
In your aircraft, it can display Traffic Information Service (TIS) when interfaced with the GTX 330 transponder and can channel frequencies with the touch of a button when interfaced with the SL30 nav/comm radio. And, of course, whether in your aircraft, car or boat, the GPSMAP 396 can receive XM Satellite Radio's 130 plus channels of music, sports, news, talk and entertainment programming by subscription.
On your boat, the GPSMAP 396 offers a worldwide marine database and U.S. tide data. With appropriate marine cartography, it can display depth contours, wrecks, navaids, port plans, restricted areas, cable areas and anchorages. In your car, you can load the optional software for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions to your destination. The optional auto kit has a friction and dash mount, a cigarette lighter adapter with speaker output, a 128-MB data card and optional software for detailed maps of the United States. The GPSMAP 396 also features USB data transfer, fast processing speed and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.
A lot of our customers are excited about the GPSMAP 396. For more information, come in or call us at 801-539-8412. Ask for Doug or Jim.
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