Last week I talked about two of the databases available for
the G1000 through Jeppesen, and this week I’ll explain some of the other
available databases. The aviation databases available through Garmin are
available through www.fly.garmin.com. Below I have listed the databases, and a
little information about each. These
databases are loaded to the bottom SD card slot for the PFD and MFD, which
should be the Garmin supplemental database card. These cards should have a Garmin part number
ending in a -40, -41, -42, or -43. If
you have -40 cards then you will only be able to download the Terrain
database. The -41 cards use the Terrain
and Obstacle. The -42 can use the Terrain,
Obstacle, Flitecharts, and SafeTaxi. The
-43 cards contain all the databases in the -42 card plus the enhanced Terrain
(9 arc second) required for SVT, and the AOPA airport directory. (AOPA will only work with GDU software 10.0
or higher. For more information on the
AOPA or GDU 10.0 click here.)
FliteChart – This database is Garmin’s approach charts which
include the airport diagrams, approach plates, SIDs, and STARs.
AOPA – This database includes an airport directory providing
information such as FBO’s on field, phone phones, restaurants, transportation,
and more.
Obstacles – This database contains all man made structures
above 200 ft above ground level, and it includes buildings, towers, and
bridges.
SafeTaxi – This database includes the airport diagram for
over 800 airports in the
US
and displays them on the moving map on the MFD.
It also includes shaded HotSpot areas on the airports that require extra
attention or caution.
Terrain – This database is a little obvious. It’s the ground, so all of those mountains,
hills, and valleys.
I hope this information has helped to clear up any
confusion. For additional information
refer to the Pilot’s Guide for your G1000 in the Appendix section under the
title SD Card Usage.
