Smart Glide G3X

[Shadowrider]

This feature was added on 8.91 update. (current update is 8.92) Pretty cool! Not that useful in the backcountry.....but still cool. I turned this feature on and have yet to fly and test it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Snbignb57s&t=55s

[Flybyjim]

That could be very helpful, I’m glad I went with the G3X however the learning curve might be steep. I should be flying this spring so time will tell. Trying to keep the mind active, learn something new everyday.

[mike92104]

It's pretty neat. I got to play with it in an Aeroprakt I have access to. Even in the backcountry, it may still be usable just to hold best glide speed while you work the problem.

[jiott]

Dynon has a glide ring in their Skyview. Its not as full of features as the Garmin, but even without an autopilot I find it very comforting and potentially useful. During my last flight review the instructor pulled the throttle to idle and said I just had an engine failure and needed to make an emergency landing. I quickly spotted a small airport out at the edge, but within, my glide ring and headed that way. He said I would never make it, but I did and made a perfect power off landing with enough room to spare to make a touch-and-go. Love that visual glide ring which is always on the screen ready for instant use.

[efwd]

Really cool IMO. However, for me, unless Im on a cross country I don't fly above 2000ft AGL. In that case the thing will never come on line. I wonder what happens if you ignore the 2000ft notice to disengage?

[Shadowrider]

I will test it shortly and let you know.

[PapuaPilot]

I just downloaded the 8.91 update and can't wait to go out and try it out.

I was thinking the same as Eddie, it is rare the I am more than 2000' above the ground unless I'm in the backcountry. In that case I am looking at the glide ring like Jim mentioned. While it will be nice to have Smart Glide I know I can just trim full nose up trim to get 65 MIAS and turn toward my chosen landing zone, especially in day/VFR flights.

[Shadowrider]

8.92 is out FYI

[jiott]

Does the Garmin visual glide ring turn off below 2000'? If so that's a bummer. The Dynon stays on at any altitude; admittedly it becomes less useful at low altitudes, but I find that at 1500' or so it still is a useful tool.

[PapuaPilot]

No, the glide range ring doesn't go away, it just gets smaller.

[Shadowrider]

Went out and flew and tested smart glide. Pretty cool! Pressing and holding direct button will activate it. Pressing and holding nrst button will bring up smart glide menu you can manually activate it. When you activate it, if airports are within safe glide ring it will give you and tell you via voice through audio airport is 10 o’clock and 5 miles.

[efwd]

Hey Dustin, did you try ingnoring the 2000' disengage?