AirVenture has not yet begun yet there’s already a new-product announcement from Garmin, which introduced the GHA 15. Most pilots would know it as a radar altimeter but Garmin refers to it as a “height advisor” that uses “radar technology” to provide height-above-ground references to the G3X Touch EFIS. The module, due to be available in August, costs $1995.
According to Garmin, the GHA 15, which is available now for Experimental and LSA installation, “calculates height AGL by sending radio waves to the ground and determining the time it takes to receive the signals back. GHA 15 processes hundreds of measurements per second and applies advanced digital filters to maintain continuous readings—even over water or in challenging terrain environments. AGL readouts are shown on the G3X Touch display and drawn on the altitude tape or gauge at altitudes as high as 500 feet AGL.” Garmin shows that a connected G5 display can also show the readings.
Indications of ground proximity start at 300 feet agl in visual and audible forms, with “altitude callouts at select intervals down to 1 foot AGL,” according to Garmin. “The pilot can configure the callouts to start and stop at specified altitudes. Knowing precise height AGL can be helpful to pilots during landings and flying in areas where limited barometric altimeter setting information is available—such as backcountry flying.”
