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GDL 60 Frequently Asked Questions for GTN XI Installations

What is the GDL® 60 datalink and what will the GDL 60 do?

Answer: The GDL 60 is an LRU/Datalink that enables our PlaneSync™ technology. PlaneSync is a connected aircraft solution that automatically updates your avionics databases, and depending on your installation can potentially also log flight/engine data and allow you to remotely check fuel and systems status from the Garmin Pilot™ aviation app. By adding the GDL 60 datalink to your system, you can use Connext® connected cockpit to stream weather, traffic, AHRS, flight plans, and other data from your avionics to flight apps such as Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight.

How do I Switch Between Database Regions on a GTN™ Xi GPS navigator?

Answer:

From the Home screen:

Tap on System.
System Status.
Menu.
Database Preferences.
Select the region field on the database you would like to change.
Select the region.
Confirm the new region is selected.
The Database Sync tab can be monitored to see the transfer of the newly selected region across all the compatible avionics.

What features require a subscription?

Answer: Automatic database updates require an active database subscription, along with an LTE / Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi-only subscription. Flight Data Log Uploading requires LTE / Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi-only subscription. Aircraft Dashboard with the last-known state is available with a Wi-Fi subscription. Remote Aircraft Status (RAS) requires an LTE subscription.

Why am I not able to use Remote Aircraft Status (RAS) on Wi-Fi only?

Answer: An LTE connection is required to wake up your aircraft for a Remote Aircraft Status report.

What do I do if Remote Aircraft Status (RAS) did not work?

Answer: If RAS doesn't work, there are several troubleshooting steps to take:

Ensure that the aircraft's battery has a sufficient charge. The battery will require a certain level of voltage set by the installer to initiate a wake-up. If your aircraft has not flown in a long period of time, there may not be sufficient charge.
Be sure the RAS setting is enabled on the avionics (found in Connext Settings).
Be sure the GDL 60 has a good LTE signal. You can check the status of the avionics (found in Network Settings) by viewing 'Status' next to LTE.

What is the difference Between RAS and PlaneSync?

Answer: RAS is a sub-component of PlaneSync. PlaneSync is an umbrella technology that encompasses:

Flight log uploads.
Remote aircraft status.
Automatic database updates.

How does the GDL 60 update the aircraft’s databases?

Answer: When the aircraft is not in use (selectable by owner) the GDL 60, using battery power, will download updated databases and store them inside the GDL 60. When the avionics are turned on, the databases will synchronize across the displays. After databases have been downloaded to the GDL 60 and subsequently synchronized to the attached LRUs:

Terrain and Basemap will activate on the next power cycle.
FliteCharts/Chartview and IFR/VFR Charts will update in the background.
Navigation, SafeTaxi® diagrams, Airport Directory, and Obstacles will update on the initial boot of the avionics.

*If there is a database SD card in the system, the GDL 60 will NOT update because the SD card has the priority. Please remove all SD cards from the avionics when using Automatic Downloads and Database Sync.

What is the power drain for the GDL 60 to download databases?

Answer: About 14 Watt-Hours but can vary based on LTE service. The GDL 60 monitors the ship’s battery voltage and will not attempt to retrieve databases when the voltage falls below installer set levels. If the download is interrupted due to power, it will resume downloads once power is restored.

I like using the SD card or Database Concierge method for updating my charts, do I have to use the automatic database update tools?

Answer: No, you don’t. Either an SD card or Database Concierge will still work.

What is the database update priority when the GDL 60 is installed in my panel?

Answer: This is the database update priority when the GDL 60 is installed in the panel:

SD Card*.
Database Concierge.
GDL 60.

*If there is a database SD card in the system, the GDL 60 will NOT update because the SD card has the priority.

Can I use the GDL 60 with my Flight Stream 510?

Answer: No, the Flight Stream 510 cannot be used with the GDL 60.

Will the GDL 60 download both the FliteCharts® and Jeppesen Charts (ChartView™) Databases?

Answer: Yes, it will be able to automatically download both. If using Jeppesen, be sure the subscription package includes the GDL 60. A flyGarmin® account is required for any database downloading, and your FlyGarmin and Jeppesen accounts must be linked.

What steps need to be taken to download a Jeppesen Subscription?

Answer: To download Jeppesen databases, the Jeppesen databases need to be set for the correct avionics, including the GDL 60. The account details in both FlyGarmin and Jeppesen need to be exactly the same. This includes:

Tail Number.
Serial Numbers.
System IDs.
Email Address.

Finally, the link between the FlyGarmin and Jeppesen account needs to be established on FlyGarmin.

Should I delete all the databases from the GDL 60 if I have a problem with my databases?

Answer: The GDL 60 uses a new feature called incremental updates. It doesn’t download the whole database each time, only the changes. Imagine updating only the outdated charts vs throwing out the whole box of charts and starting over. Deleting all the databases will greatly increase the download time. Please contact Garmin Aviation Support if you are having database issues.

Should I connect a pone or tablet to the GDL 60's Internal Wi-Fi?

Answer: GDL 60 internal Wi-Fi is available on Garmin Pilot for increased performance and advanced features such as Database Concierge, connecting to multiple devices, and streaming weather products. Be sure to connect to the GDL 60's internal Wi-Fi when connecting to multiple devices and when streaming weather products. Before connecting to internal Wi-Fi, devices must be paired via Bluetooth. For best results, do not manually connect crew devices to the internal Wi-Fi network from the device settings page. Garmin Pilot supports connection to GDL 60’s internal Wi-Fi network from within the Garmin Pilot app once pairing is complete.

What does the GDL 60 battery remaining mean?

Answer: It is the remaining percentage of the battery allocated for databases and remote wake-ups.

Why am I not able to set up a GDL 60 on a Dealer FlyGarmin Account?

Answer: The dealer will need to set up the aircraft from the customer's FlyGarmin account, using the new website feature that allows them to manage a customer's FlyGarmin account.

What is required for Remote Aircraft Status (RAS)?

Answer: RAS will require an LTE subscription and a GDL 60 installation that specifically includes the components and configuration necessary for RAS to be a capability.

How can I check to see if the LTE signal is strong enough in my hangar/airplane?

Answer: An LTE coverage map can be found here. Coverage on the map may be affected by terrain as well as structural limitations. A reduced signal can be expected inside a hangar. -100dBm or better is needed for RAS.

Which Terrain database can be automatically updated with the GDL 60?

Answer: 4.9 arc/second Terrain will need to be selected for compatibility with the GDL 60. This includes 4.9 arc/second for the

GI 275.
GTN Xi.
Garmin TXi™ display.

In addition to Terrain, device software may need to be updated to be compatible. Software compatible with the GDL 60 in GTN Xi installations is as follows:

GI 275 2.60.
GTN Xi 20.30.
TXi 3.50.