General aviation
Garmin Expands Aviation Database With New Guided Visual Approaches
Garmin announced an update adding 12 new Guided Visual Approaches and eight new airports to its aviation database.
On October 22, 2026, Garmin announced the expansion of its aviation database lineup to include additional airports and runways for Guided Visual Approaches. Created through a partnership with Hughes Aerospace, the latest update introduces 12 new Guided Visual Approaches and eight new locations, featuring new options in Mexico alongside domestic additions like Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Hayden, Colorado. This expansion brings the total database offerings to 77 visual approaches across 56 challenging airport environments.
Pilots utilizing these procedures receive both vertical and lateral guidance during visual approaches into difficult environments. The design aims to replicate the appearance and function of conventional instrument approaches from initial loading through final runway touchdown. Aviators can couple these visual procedures directly to the autopilot, which frees the crew to maintain external visual scanning. Furthermore, every procedure includes a georeferenced approach chart accessible through Garmin FliteCharts on compatible avionics or the Garmin Pilot mobile application on Apple mobile devices.
These procedures are intended to assist pilots in maintaining stabilized approaches, particularly when operating faster aircraft or navigating unfamiliar terrain and obstacles. They also provide support during night operations into destinations surrounded by urban lighting, helping flight crews remain in visual contact with the runway. The company notes that these additions are not approved for use in instrument meteorological conditions.
Compatibility requires WAAS-equipped Garmin avionics capable of radius-to-fix legs, such as the GTN and GTN Xi navigator series or select integrated flight decks. Operators should consult their flight manual or pilot operating handbook to verify operational capability for required navigation performance procedures featuring RF legs. Database subscriptions can be purchased through flyGarmin.com, and customers can also access them via comprehensive database bundles like OnePak.
Sources: Garmin