Garmin 660 synthetic vision
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 26
From: The Wild West... and Oz
Garmin 660 synthetic vision
Has anyone used, or own this gps?
I'm interested in how effective the synthetic vision is, or does it require the GDL 39 ADS-B to give it true synthetic vision?
Cheers BM
I'm interested in how effective the synthetic vision is, or does it require the GDL 39 ADS-B to give it true synthetic vision?
Cheers BM
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 243
Likes: 3
From: London
I own and fly with one; it’s a great bit of kit. Screen is clear in bright sunlight, it never overheats (unlike iPads), you can swap out the batteries (unlike iPads) and it is pretty bulletproof. Has some nice features like showing AGL.
Regarding the synthetic vision, connecting with the GDL 39 really is about getting traffic. The synthetic vision is really just a novelty for my personal flying, but it could be useful. I find the Garmin helicopter obstacles database to be pretty accurate and they show/warn on the 660 screen really well.
The addition of the GDL unit would give better attitude information, but otherwise works roughly the same.
Below is a link to the pilots guide and also to the new GDL 50 that has just come out
Garmin 660 Pilots Guide
Garmin GDL 50
Regarding the synthetic vision, connecting with the GDL 39 really is about getting traffic. The synthetic vision is really just a novelty for my personal flying, but it could be useful. I find the Garmin helicopter obstacles database to be pretty accurate and they show/warn on the 660 screen really well.
The addition of the GDL unit would give better attitude information, but otherwise works roughly the same.
Below is a link to the pilots guide and also to the new GDL 50 that has just come out
Garmin 660 Pilots Guide
Garmin GDL 50
Last edited by RMK; 13th March 2018 at 10:25.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 26
From: The Wild West... and Oz
Thanks RMK.
I have an Android tablet with Oz runways, which is great, but wouldn't bet my life on it. Was after a good portable, and this seems to be the one.
I have an Android tablet with Oz runways, which is great, but wouldn't bet my life on it. Was after a good portable, and this seems to be the one.
Last edited by BigMike; 14th March 2018 at 21:22.
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: montreal
I was tempted to buy a 796 or perhaps a 660 to put on the EC120
I love both
I now use an Ipad with FlightPlan with a right column mount, it does vibrate
my prblem is to use touch screen in flight, I don't find it easy to punch in info,
also the vibration makes reading hard....
do the above help aleviate this issue?
thanks
I love both
I now use an Ipad with FlightPlan with a right column mount, it does vibrate
my prblem is to use touch screen in flight, I don't find it easy to punch in info,
also the vibration makes reading hard....
do the above help aleviate this issue?
thanks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 927
Likes: 12
From: Germany
I was tempted to buy a 796 or perhaps a 660 to put on the EC120
I love both
I now use an Ipad with FlightPlan with a right column mount, it does vibrate
my prblem is to use touch screen in flight, I don't find it easy to punch in info,
also the vibration makes reading hard....
do the above help aleviate this issue?
thanks
I love both
I now use an Ipad with FlightPlan with a right column mount, it does vibrate
my prblem is to use touch screen in flight, I don't find it easy to punch in info,
also the vibration makes reading hard....
do the above help aleviate this issue?
thanks
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 26
From: The Wild West... and Oz
Well I purpurchased one, and tried it yesterday. Brilliant.
Easy to read, and use the touch screen.
The synthetic vision is the star...
Flew down amongst the hills, and it very accurately represented the terrain, warned of conflict with colour, and followed pitch roll change of direction really well.
Flew a long final to the threshold of 27 Nadi, and it perfectly aligned with what I was seeing out the front.
I honestly think this might save someone who went IIMC, and is not confident on instruments.
Easy to read, and use the touch screen.
The synthetic vision is the star...
Flew down amongst the hills, and it very accurately represented the terrain, warned of conflict with colour, and followed pitch roll change of direction really well.
Flew a long final to the threshold of 27 Nadi, and it perfectly aligned with what I was seeing out the front.
I honestly think this might save someone who went IIMC, and is not confident on instruments.
