Buyers waiting for cheaper or at least more solutions to satisfy the 2020 ADS-B mandate have another choice to shop. Garmin this week announced a new ADS-B box that will interface with its Flight Stream onboard data network, satisfying the ADS-B Out requirement.
The GDL 84 appears to be a downscale version of the company’s popular GDL 88, featuring both ADS-B In and Out capability without requiring external controls or panels. Paired with Garmin’s Flight Stream in-cockpit data network, the GDL 84 can display FIS-B weather and TIS-B traffic on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. The unit receives on both the 978 UAT and 1090 MHz frequencies and is suitable for aircraft operating below 18,000 feet. (Aircraft flying above 18,000 feet will still require a 1090 Out solution, however.)
The GDL 84, says Garmin, is expected to receive FAA AML/STC approvals in early 2015 and will sell for $3995, to include the basic Flight Stream 100 system.
