Garmin adds Guided Visual Approaches to aviation database lineup

OLATHE, Kan./July 17, 2025 – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today introduced Guided Visual Approaches, a new database offering that provides lateral and vertical guidance for pilots flying visual approaches to challenging airports. Designed in collaboration with Hughes Aerospace, a growing list of 31 Guided Visual Approaches into 25 airports can be purchased through flyGarmin.com.

“We are excited to work with Hughes Aerospace to bring an industry leading number of Guided Visual Approaches to our customers. We are confident these approach procedures will help simplify approaches for pilots who often find themselves in challenging terrain or airport environments.”

–Creighton Scarpone, Garmin Director Airline & Business Aviation Sales

“Hughes Aerospace is proud to collaborate with Garmin on this new product offering. Guided Visual Approaches deliver precise, three-dimensional navigation to the runway threshold—enhancing safety, reducing pilot workload, and maximizing the value of your Garmin avionics investment.”
–Chris Baur, Hughes Aerospace Corporation CEO

Familiar user interface

Pilots using Guided Visuals will experience a similar look and feel as traditional approaches from the time they load them into the avionics all the way to flying them to the runway. Users can load and activate these “RNAV G” approaches in their avionics just like traditional approaches. Lateral and vertical guidance is provided, and the approaches can be flown coupled to the autopilot. Additionally, all Guided Visual Approaches have a georeferenced approach chart available, making briefing and flying these procedures a familiar experience for pilots. All charts can be accessed like a traditional Garmin FliteChart on applicable avionics or via the Hughes App from Hughes Aerospace.

Enhanced safety

Guided Visuals enhance approach safety by aiding for more stabilized visual approaches in faster turbine aircraft, especially when flying into airports in areas of higher terrain and obstacles. Guided Visuals also aid pilots flying visual approaches into airports surrounded by cityscapes and lights at night, making it easier to stay in visual contact with the runway.

Simple purchase experience

Guided Visuals are compatible with Garmin WAAS-equipped avionics capable of RF legs, such as the GTN and GTN Xi series navigators, and select Garmin integrated flight decks. Aircraft owners and operators should reference their pilot operating handbook or aircraft flight manual to determine operational capability of RNP procedures with RF legs.

Guided Visuals can be purchased on flyGarmin.com like other Garmin database offerings. Customers may choose a OnePak^™ purchase that includes the Guided Visuals starting August 7, 2025. For additional information, visit Garmin.com/GuidedVisuals.

Garmin products and services have revolutionized flight and become essential to the lives of pilots and aircraft owners and operators around the world. A leading provider of solutions to general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carrier customers, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate. Recipient of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for Garmin Autoland, Garmin developed the world’s first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to control and land an aircraft without human intervention. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminaviation on social, or follow our blog.

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