Garmin Adds IFR-Approved GPS/COMM

Garmin has filled out its lineup of modern panel-mount, IFR-approved GPS units with the GNC 355, which combines an approach-capable GPS with a comm radio for $6995. Earlier this year, Garmin introduced a standalone IFR GPS and a version with a built-in Mode S transponder and ADS-B Out capabilities.

The GNC 355 carries many of the same features of the GPS 175 and the GNX 375, including color touch display, WAAS GPS engine, full ARINC 429 data connections, Bluetooth (to display ADS-B In data from a suitable source) and autopilot connectivity. The new 355 adds a comm radio, either in the conventional 25 kHz spacing or 8.33 kHz spacing (this is the GNC 355A, $700 more). As on Garmin’s larger GNC boxes, the comm radio can leverage the nav database to populate the standby frequency window.

GPS 175

“The GNC 355 gives value-minded customers a simple upgrade path to a GPS navigator with a number of capabilities including WAAS/LPV approach guidance, wireless connectivity, a modern comm radio, and with its standard mark-width form factor, pilots can easily add the GNC 355 without overhauling the panel of their aircraft,” says Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing.

Garmin says the GNC 355 will be available in August along with a trainer app you can download for free. An STC for installation in certified aircraft is “imminent,” says Garmin.

Marc CookEditor

KITPLANES Editor in Chief Marc Cook has been in aviation journalism for more than 30 years. He is a 4000-hour instrument-rated, multi-engine pilot with experience in nearly 150 types. He’s completed two kit aircraft, an Aero Designs Pulsar XP and a Glasair Sportsman 2+2, and currently flies a 2002 GlaStar.