James - that's how I read this too. For pilots building an IFR capable aircraft, this makes s lot of sense. Add the GTR200 (or GTR20) and this is a good option to a GTN650.

Hello James,

You are correct. The special G3X promotion for the GPS 400W was very successful and when that ended we scrambled to find another way for G3X and G3X Touch customers to more affordably equip for IFR.

Like the GPS 400W, the GTN 625 is a GPS only IFR navigator that supports flying IFR enroute as well as the thousands of great LNAV, LNAV+V, LP, and LPV approaches that are available today. Since there are now many more LPV precision approaches than ILS approaches, most won't miss the NAV radio that is provided by the GTN 650, but not by the GTN 625. And since there is no NAV antenna to install, the GTN 625 is a much easier installation than the GTN 650.

Yes, the GTN 625 is a little more than the GPS 400W, but there are a couple of features that the GTN 625 provides that were not provided by the GPS 400W that make it particularly attractive.

First is the missed approach discrete input capability. With a single button press at minimums on the LPV approach, both the G3X system and the GTN 625 will simultaneously execute the autopilot coupled missed approach. We haven't seen anyone yet who didn't smile big when pushing that TO/GA button and seeing the GTN transition from the approach to the missed approach procedure. When executing the missed, the flight director pitches up and takes you NAV/pitch coupled to the missed approach holding altitude/pattern where it automatically enters the hold and stays there as long as you need it to.

Secondly, the GTN 625 features a convenient front-loading SD? card reader, so you can more easily update your databases from FlyGarmin without having to use a special card writer like used for the GPS 400W.

Thanks,
Steve

Thanks for updating the promo! I really really wish the other gtn6xx were covered, mostly because I don't want to use another panel spot for a radio :(

Sure wish Garmin would give the G3X non-touch user the ability to control a GTR 20 remote comm, this would open up space in the panel now required for comm 2 (dual coms are a must IMO) and make the 625 an excellent option.

This makes me revisit the question of a NAV radio being needed anymore. If you add up the GTN625 and garmins NAV/COM you are at the price of a GTN 650. The GTR 20 is a well priced COM remote radio, easy to put in two of those, but what about a NAV solution. Is NAV still needed? I am leaning toward yes, if so with this price change is the GTN 650 still the best choice or is there a good option for a remote NAV radio, VAL maybe?

Jason,

Feel free to reach out to us at g3xpert@garmin.com if you are considering a GTN 625 addition to an existing G3X install and we can discuss options.

Thanks,
Brian

Bill,

I just looked it up. VAL has their NAV 2KR remote NAV for $1195. However, its compatibility with G3X is "Limited", as in G3X cannot directly set frequencies - they must be selected from a list. Also, NAV volume control is unavailable. :/ At that rate, I'd spend the extra $100 and get a panel-mount NAV 2000.

I would also tend to disagree that a "modern" IFR plane does not need a NAV radio of some sort. True that LPV is taking over ILS. But how about if/when GPS signals are on the fritz? Or in my case, planning to use my RV as my IFR trainer, I have to be able to run at least more than one type of approach. Yes, I know, the whole thing about only being tested to what your plane is capable of. But there's a big difference between having the GPS be your primary IFR nav source vs your *only* IFR nav source.

There's a reason the NextGen plan is to still keep around enough VORs to back up GPS to some extent. ;)

One more vote here for a GTN 635 or 650 option! Maybe a flat rebate equal to the current discount?

I really appreciate Garmin offering this incentive for G3X buyers, it's a great marketing move. It would be that much more helpful to get a radio or two in that real estate, too.

Thanks,
David

So drop the EFIS plus this GPS navigator in the panel, then what are the options for remote comm radios in a space-limited panel? Can a person put two GTR-20 remote comm radios in on one G3X touch unit? Or are you limited to one remote radio plus one in the panel?

Seems like a good deal.
Unfortunately for those of us in the antipodes, LNAV+V, LPV and LP are not likely in my lifetime. So we need to keep the NAV in the meantime. :(