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Gdl 60 Frequently Asked Questions for Garmin Integrated Flight Decks (Gifd)

What is the GDL60?

The GDL®datalink is a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) Datalink that enables our PLANESYNC™ connected aircraft management.  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 application.  By adding the GDL 60 datalink to your system, you can use Connext® computer application to stream weather, traffic, Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) data, 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 an integrated flight deck, such as on the G3000?


  1. On the G3000® flight deck Garmin Touch Controller (GTC), navigate to HOME, then select UTILITIES:
  2. Next, select SETUP:
  3. Next, select DATABASE STATUS:
    •  
  4. Next, select the Standby Column of the database where you wish to select a different region.  In this example, we are selecting the region for FliteCharts® database.
  5. Next, select the desired REGION and confirm the selection by selecting OK on the pop-up:
  6. You will see the word "Selected" on the region the system is set to use:
  7. Ensure the selected region is showing in the "Active" column: 

What features require a subscription?

Automatic database updates require an active database subscription, along with an LTE / Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi-only PlaneSync subscription.  Flight Data Log Uploading requires LTE / Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi only PlaneSync subscription.  The aircraft dashboard with the last-known state is available with a Wi-Fi PlaneSync subscription.  RAS requires an LTE PlaneSync subscription.

Why can't I use Remote Aircraft Status (RAS) on Wi-Fi Only?

The GDL 60 relies on LTE to receive RAS "wake-up" messages to wake up your aircraft on demand.

What do I do if RAS didn't work?

 If RAS doesn't work, perform the follow troubleshooting steps:

  1. 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. 
  2. Be sure the RAS setting is enabled on the avionics (found in Connext Settings). 
  3. Be sure the GDL 60 has a good LTE signal.  You can check the status of the avionics by viewing  "Status" in Network Settings next to LTE.

What is the difference between RAS and PlaneSync?

 RAS is a subcomponent 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?

When new databases become available, the GDL 60 will wake up at a scheduled time (selectable by owner) using battery power. The GDL 60 will download all new and available databases.  When the avionics are powered on, the GDL 60 will synchronize databases across the displays.

  • Databases that will update on the initial boot up of the avionics:

    • Navigation

    • SafeTaxi® diagrams

    • Airport Directory

    • Obstacles 

  • Databases that will activate on the next power cycle

    • Terrain

    • Basemap 

  • Databases that will sync in the background:

    • FliteCharts® electronic procedure charts issued from the AeroNav Services division of the FAA

    • ChartView™ electronic approach charts issued by Jeppesen

    • IFR/VFR Charts

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

Will the GDL 60 kill my aircraft's battery?

No, the GDL 60 has battery protections in place to ensure your aircraft's battery is not depleted.  The GDL 60 monitors the ship's battery voltage and will not download databases or wake up for RAS when the voltage falls below the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)s defined levels.  If database downloads are 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?

No.  Updating databases using an SD card or Database Concierge will still work.  To update using Database Concierge, you will connect Garmin Pilot to the GDL 60.

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

 Databases are updated using the following priority scheme:  

  1. SD Card*

  2. Database Concierge (via GDL 60)

  3. Automatic Database Downloads (via GDL 60)

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

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

No, the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway cannot be used with the GDL 60 and should be removed from the avionics.  The GDL 60 replaces all functions provided by the Flight Stream 510 including:

  • Database Concierge

  • Streaming Weather

  • Traffic

  • Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS)

  • Flight plans transferred from your portable device

Will the GDL 60 download both the FliteCharts and Jeppesen Charts (Chartview) Databases?

Yes, the GDL 60 will download both FliteCharts and Jeppesen Charts (Chartview).  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?

 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

  • E-mail Addresses

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

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

 It is not recommended to delete databases from the GDL 60.  Please contact Garmin Aviation Support if you are having database issues.

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

According to FlyGarmin.com, the GDL 60 says that it has downloaded all current charts, but when I go to my aircraft, I'm still seeing old chart versions.  What is going on?

 Verify the correct databases are loaded. From the GTC, go to:

  1. Utilities

  2. Setup

  3. Database Status

Confirm that the Effective Date is past the Current (today's) Date, and that a database update is not currently in progress.  Finally, confirm that there aren't any database SD cards loaded in the displays, as the system will prioritize the SD card over the GDL 60.

Should I Connect a Phone or Tablet to GDL 60's Internal Wi-Fi?

GDL 60 internal Wi-Fi is only available on Garmin Pilot for increased performance and advanced features such as Database Concierge.  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 crew 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. 

Why is Bluetooth not working?  I am not able to find my Bluetooth Name.

The Bluetooth Device Name can be found in

  1. Home

  2. Utilities

  3. Setup

  4. Wireless Settings

  5. Bluetooth Setting Page

Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled (by showing a green underline ) in the Settings Tab.  Pairing mode is enabled only when viewing the GDL 60 Crew device Settings Tab.

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

 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 recommended for RAS.

GDL 60 Related Links:


GDL 60 Product Page

Planesync Connected Aircraft Management; Planesync Subscription Plans

Related

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