Garmin has received approved model list (AML) STC approval for its G5 electronic flight instrument as a replacement directional gyro or horizontal situation indicator in more than 650 certified airplane models. When paired with select GPS navcoms, the 3.5-inch LCD unit can be used as a primary instrument for displaying magnetic heading, VOR/LOC guidance and/or GPS course guidance, as well as distance and groundspeed. Dual G5s also eliminate the dependency on a failure-prone vacuum system.

According to Garmin, the G5 is approved for installation in place of an aircraft’s existing DG/HSI via the Garmin-held AML-STC. It uses a “cost effective” magnetometer for magnetic heading data and has a dedicated rotary knob that allows pilots to select and adjust course and make heading bug selections. The G5 also has a four-hour back-up battery and is approved for both VFR and IFR operations.

The G5 can be paired with the Garmin GTN 650/750, GNS 430W/530W, GNS 430/530 and GNS 480 GPS navigators, as well as the GNC 255 and SL 30 navcoms. Base retail price is $2,449, which includes the installation kit, magnetometer, back-up battery and the STC. With the required adapter for a compatible GPS navigator, it costs $2,975.