Source: Dennis Kuhlman, 785-826-2601, dkuhlman@k-state.edu

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

K-STATE AT SALINA RECEIVES GLASS COCKPIT LEARNING EQUIPMENT FROM GARMIN LTD.

SALINA -- Kansas State University at Salina's department of aviation has received advanced glass cockpit avionics equipment from Garmin Ltd. that will help avionics maintenance students learn to work on modern electronic navigation and communication radios.

Garmin, based in Olathe, has donated a number of GNS530 and GNS430 integrated navigation/communication/Global Positioning System units to K-State at Salina.

"This gift from our industry partners at Garmin reinforces K-State at Salina's commitment to provide students with a heavy emphasis on glass panel avionics, and Garmin is a leader in this technology," said Dennis Kuhlman, dean of K-State at Salina. "Our faculty and staff extend thanks to the people of Garmin for this gift."

Both the GNS530 and GNS430 feature glass cockpit moving map displays that depict real-time aircraft progress in relation to airports, surface terrain, radio beacons and other features pilots need to establish their position and navigate from airport to airport. The Garmin gift also includes aviation communication radios that pilots use to communicate with air traffic controllers.

Hardware and installation equipment for the GNS530 and GNS430 avionics units were also part of the donation, as well as operating manuals and navigation database software.

K-State at Salina's aviation fleet includes a high number of glass panel technically advanced aircraft so that Garmin G1000 glass panel accelerated training can be offered. This training allows students to train for both private and instrument pilot certificates simultaneously so they can reach their goals more quickly.