Garmin GI205 Radio Altimeter Indicator complies with new EASA Part-CAT requirements

EASA Part-CAT (Commercial Air Transportation) introduced new requirements for Helicopter operations regarding Radio Altimeters. The latest revision of the regulation states that Radio Altimeter’s should be of an analogue type display presentation that requires minimal interpretation for both an instantaneous impression of absolute height and rate of change of height (AMC2 CAT.IDE.H.145). Also, an analogue type display presentation may be, for example, a representation of a dial, ribbon or bar, but not a display that provides numbers only. An analogue type display may be embedded into an electronic flight instrument system (GM2 CAT.IDE.H.145).

Recently there have been concerns expressed by some installers and operators as to whether the GI 205 Radio Altimeter Indicator complies with the above EASA Part-CAT requirements.

Garmin is pleased to confirm, that based on our assessment of the regulations, the GI 205 Radio Altimeter Indicator complies with these requirements, with trend indication displayed as analogue-style information providing magnitude and direction of change, as well as providing digital absolute altitude indication.

Garmin is working closely with the European Agencies to fully meet safety requirements. Garmin requested that EASA review the design of the Garmin GI 205 Radio Altimeter Indicator with respect to the intent of the operational requirement and while the EASA response noted that operational requirements are the responsibility of the National Aviation Authorities (NAA), they did provide their opinion the Garmin GI 205 design meets the intent of the operation requirement.