Garmin introduces revolutionary technology to help avoid runway incursions

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has announced the certification of Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA), the first certified software solution using Surface Indications and Alert (SURF-IA) technology. ROA utilizes ADS-B traffic to alert crews of potential runway incursions caused by nearby aircraft and ground vehicles. The initial FAA certification was received for the G1000® NXi-equipped Cessna Caravan, with expected certification for G5000® STC on Cessna Citation Excel, XLS, XLS+ and XLS Gen2 in September 2024.

ROA analyzes GPS and ADS-B traffic information to assess and alert crews of possible runway incursions or collisions. It provides visual and aural alerts based on the level of threat, ranging from caution to warning level alerts for imminent collision risks. This technology builds upon Garmin's other Terminal Safety Solutions, including ROAAS, SafeTaxi, and SurfaceWatch™.

Positive

• First certified software solution using SURF-IA technology
• Addresses increasing rate of runway incursions
• Enhances safety in busy and complex airports
• Expands Garmin's portfolio of Terminal Safety Solutions

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aviation Safety Expert

Garmin's Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA) technology represents a significant advancement in aviation safety. By leveraging ADS-B traffic data, ROA addresses a critical issue in the industry: the increasing rate of runway incursions. This system provides multi-layered alerts, including visual cues on the primary flight display and SafeTaxi map, as well as aural warnings.

The technology's ability to detect various scenarios, such as aircraft landing, taking off, or taxiing on the same runway, adds a important layer of safety. With alerts triggered up to 15 seconds before a potential collision, pilots gain valuable reaction time. The integration with Garmin's existing suite of Terminal Safety Solutions creates a comprehensive safety ecosystem, potentially reducing human error in complex airport environments.

While the initial certification for Cessna Caravan is promising, the planned expansion to other aircraft types will be important for widespread impact. This innovation could significantly reduce runway incursions, addressing a persistent safety concern in aviation.

Technology Analyst

Garmin's ROA technology showcases the company's innovative edge in avionics. The system's use of ADS-B traffic information, coupled with GPS data, demonstrates advanced data fusion capabilities. The implementation of Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) for visual alerts is particularly noteworthy, as it enhances situational awareness in a user-friendly manner.

The scalability of ROA across different Garmin Integrated Flight Decks, from G1000 NXi to G5000, indicates a well-designed, modular approach to software development. This flexibility could accelerate adoption across various aircraft types and potentially open up new market segments for Garmin.

While the technology is impressive, its true value will be determined by its reliability in real-world conditions and its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing cockpit workflows. The planned certifications for additional aircraft types in the coming months will be important in establishing ROA as an industry standard for runway safety.

Runway Occupancy Awareness, or ROA, provides enhanced situational awareness in the busy airport environment

OLATHE, Kan., Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the certification of Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA), marking the first certified software solution utilizing the Surface Indications and Alert (SURF-IA) technology. ROA uses ADS-B traffic to alert the crew of potential runway incursions caused by nearby airborne aircraft, aircraft on the ground and ground vehicles. The initial FAA certification was received by Textron Aviation on the G1000^® NXi-equipped Cessna Caravan.

Garmin also expects to receive FAA certification for ROA in their G5000^® STC covering the Cessna Citation Excel, XLS, XLS+ and XLS Gen2 in September of 2024 and expects for the technology to be certified on more Garmin-equipped aircraft in the coming months. ROA is initially available on select Garmin Integrated Flight Decks ranging from G1000 NXi to G5000 equipped aircraft serving the broad general and business aviation markets.

"With the rate of runway incursions increasing, there is a real need for increased safety tools in the cockpit. Equipping pilots with this technology can reduce the risk of runway incursions and help provide confidence for pilots navigating busy and complex airports."  
–Phil Straub, Garmin Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Aviation

ROA technology analyzes aircraft GPS and ADS-B traffic information relevant to the airport's runways and taxiways to assess and alert the crew of a possible runway incursion or collision. ROA provides visual crew-alerting system (CAS) caution and warning annunciations on the pilot's primary flight display (PFD) and highlights the runway yellow or red, depending on the level of threat, on Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT^™). It also provides similar caution and warning annunciations on the SafeTaxi^® map displayed simultaneously on the multifunction window.

Both visual and aural alerts are provided to the flight crew based on the potential hazard, ranging from no immediate collision hazard to a warning level alert where a collision risk could occur within 15 seconds. Indications and alerts to the flight crew include: any traffic landing, taking off, stopped, or taxiing on the aircraft's runway; traffic on approach to the aircraft's runway or runway that crosses the aircraft's runway; as well as any traffic on the runway at which the aircraft is holding.

ROA builds upon Garmin's other Terminal Safety Solutions that help increase situational awareness while navigating runways and taxiways, including Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), Garmin SafeTaxi and Garmin SurfaceWatch^™. To learn more about Garmin's ROA technology, visit Garmin.com/Aviation.

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.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, G1000 NXi, G5000 and SafeTaxi are registered trademarks and SVT and SuraceWatch are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact:
Mikayla Minnick
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com 

 

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

What is Garmin's new Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA) technology?

Garmin's ROA is a certified software solution that uses ADS-B traffic to alert crews of potential runway incursions caused by nearby aircraft and ground vehicles, enhancing situational awareness in busy airport environments.

When will ROA be certified for Cessna Citation Excel, XLS, XLS+ and XLS Gen2?

Garmin expects to receive FAA certification for ROA in their G5000® STC covering these Cessna Citation models in September 2024.

How does Garmin's ROA technology work?

ROA analyzes aircraft GPS and ADS-B traffic information related to airport runways and taxiways to assess and alert crews of possible runway incursions or collisions, providing visual and aural alerts based on the level of threat.

Which Garmin flight decks will initially support ROA?

ROA is initially available on select Garmin Integrated Flight Decks ranging from G1000 NXi to G5000 equipped aircraft serving general and business aviation markets.