Flight Stream 510: Garmin-Connected Cockpit For Less

Garmin has made the dream of upgrading your avionics by plugging a single memory card into your panel a reality, at least for some owners. The company has announced a new product, the Flight Stream 510, an SD card that plugs into the front slot on a GTN 750 or GTN 650 and turns the navigator into a wireless hub that lets you transfer flight plans from Garmin Pilot and (this might be the best part) even update databases. ForeFlight is also compatible with the Flight Stream 510, for flight plan transfer plus ADS-B, attitude and GPS data, with compatible Garmin hardware. Owners will need to update their GTN software, but good news again: That update is free, and there are extra goodies included, such as pinch-to-zoom capability and voice command, when paired with the right companion products, of course.

Cost of the Flight Stream 510 is $1,495, which will be the most you've ever spent on an SD card, but it'll also be the most card you've ever owned.

It works like this. The card, while it looks like a simple memory chip, is actually a WiFi hub that connects the GTN with your Android or iOS tablet, yeah, your iPad. The chip also features Bluetooth connectivity, so you can transfer your flight plans while you upload new data.

Speaking of databases, Garmin also announced a new subscription plan designed to save customers money. The service, which the company calls OnePak, gives you subscription updates for all of your Garmin panel-mount avionics, including nav data, SafeTaxi, terrain and obstacle databases as standard. You can add on Garmin FliteCharts and Canada coverage, as well. Plus, there's a year's free subscription upgrade for Garmin Pilot IFR premium for those pilots who already have the app. The OnePak subscriptions, which are good for multiple panel-mount units, your tablet and a qualifying portable are priced at between $499 and $924, depending on chosen coverage.

Learn more about the Garmin Flight Stream 510 at garmin.com.

Isabel GoyerWriter

A commercial pilot, editor-in-Chief Isabel Goyer has been flying for more than 40 years, with hundreds of different aircraft in her logbook and thousands of hours. An award-winning aviation writer, photographer and editor, Ms. Goyer led teams at Sport Pilot, Air Progress and Flying before coming to Plane & Pilot in 2015.