GNC 355 pireps ??

[Redbud40]

Just curious if folks using this nav/com could chime in on likes / dislikes.
Also how does it play with the other equipment in your panel.
Thanks.
Red

[Jetmart]

I have one and use it as my second Nav or GPS source which is required in Canada for IFR. I have not used the GPS portion very much as I have a GTN-650 as my primary unit. Works well with the G3X however two dislikes I have. The GNC and GTN do not crossfill to each other. This to me is a major weakness especially if it is being used as a back up to the 650. The other thing to note is that it doesn't have a "default NAV" page like the 650 has.

[BTG1996]

I just had two G5's and a GNC 355 installed in my C172 (rv12is on order). Picked it up yesterday and had to fly straight to a different shop for it's annual. Initial impression based on my 45 minutes of use is that it's awesome. What I noticed/like out of the gate:

- safe taxi with airport layout made reading back taxi instructions a breeze.
- being able to select between atis, tower, and ground frequencies with a tap instead of dialing them in was such a time saver.
- having the gps show course and track made wind correction insanely easy.

I know I haven't even scratched the surface on capabilities and got the install to start working on my IFR ticket. So far I'm very impressed.

[BTG1996]

One thing I didn't realize that kind of bums me out is that you have to buy a $1,500 SD card (Flightstream 510) to have connectivity with ForeFlight and to get over the air database updates. I'm sure that's a known thing, but this is my first panel mounted GPS, so wasn't aware. Not sure if I'll do it or not, but seems like it would be a really useful add-on.

[Carl Froehlich]

Originally Posted by BTG1996

One thing I didn't realize that kind of bums me out is that you have to buy a $1,500 SD card (Flightstream 510) to have connectivity with ForeFlight and to get over the air database updates. I'm sure that's a known thing, but this is my first panel mounted GPS, so wasn't aware. Not sure if I'll do it or not, but seems like it would be a really useful add-on.

Shoot fire, I would not pay a tenth of that for this add on.

Carl

[h&jeuropa]

I replaced my non WAAS 430 with a GNC355 about a year ago. It’s worked out pretty well.

I have a 2 screen GRT EFIS that the GNC355 feeds and between them I can display all the data fields I desire. The 355 only has 4 data fields compared to 6 on the 430 and there is no CDI on the 355, hence the need to have an EFIS or G5 for display.

I haven’t missed the VORLOC function at all.

Having the com integrated is handy.

My flying is mostly VFR but I do load simple flight plans (rather than direct to) as I find that the easiest way to have waypoint information available.

The 355 makes loading Victor airways easy.

There are several Garmin You Tube videos for the GTN series that help a lot with operating a 355. Pilot Workshops recently made a GTN course which is also very good.

Download the Garmin simulator and use it to practice and learn. It is very good.

Jim Butcher

[g3xpert]

Originally Posted by BTG1996

One thing I didn't realize that kind of bums me out is that you have to buy a $1,500 SD card (Flightstream 510) to have connectivity with ForeFlight and to get over the air database updates. I'm sure that's a known thing, but this is my first panel mounted GPS, so wasn't aware. Not sure if I'll do it or not, but seems like it would be a really useful add-on.

You can connect to the GNC 355 via Bluetooth without the need for a Flightstream 510. The Flightstream 510 has a WiFi interface however, which the GNC 355 does not have onboard itself. The WiFi interface is what facilitates the large database file transfers.

Thanks,

Justin

[Richard Connell]

Originally Posted by Jetmart

I have one anduse it as my second Nav or GPS source which is required in Canada for IFR. I have not used the GPS portion very much as I have a GTN-650 as my primary unit. Works well with the G3X however two dislikes I have. The GNC and GTN do not crossfill to each other. This to me is a major weakness especially if it is being used as a back up to the 650. The other thing to note is that it doesn't have a "default NAV" page like the 650 has.

I recall crossfill being discussed as a possible future update to the GNC/GNX series a few years ago.
Here’s the current GTN install manual



Perhaps this is still a possibility in the near future?

[Jetmart]

Originally Posted by Richard Connell

I recall crossfill being discussed as a possible future update to the GNC/GNX series a few years ago.
Here’s the current GTN install manual

Attachment 19398

Perhaps this is still a possibility in the near future?

I checked with the Garmin rep recently and they do not have plans for crossfill between the GTN and GNC.

[BTG1996]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

You can connect to the GNC 355 via Bluetooth without the need for a Flightstream 510.
Thanks,

Justin

Thanks Justin- so it's possible to load a flight plan from ForeFlight to the GNC 355 without the FlightStream? That would be great news! My plane went straight into annual after the install so I can't tinker with it for another week or so. I appreciate the guidance.