When it comes to flying, as pilots we use a variety of weather resources for planning a flight whether it’s a long distance cross-country or a local, touch-n-go lesson. With the introduction of XM and FIS-B, (Flight Information Service – Broadcast) weather receivers such as the GXM 40, GDL 39, or GDL 88, obtaining weather data in-flight is even more affordable, accessible, and easy to use!

Beyond the hardware, how we interpret each weather product is an essential piece in determining our “go” or “no-go” decision. With over 120 US METAR abbreviations, it’s no wonder some of us look at a report from time-to-time in bewilderment.

Luckily, our Garmin products will often decipher many of these weather products for us in the event we’re stumped! Check out one portion of a METAR I saw while using Garmin Pilot this week in Shreveport (KSHV):

OCNL  LTGICCG  ALQDS  TS  ALQDS  MOV  SE 

The remarks section of this METAR was indicating more than just a thunderstorm in the area, but also detailing that lightning in the area was within the clouds and also cloud-to-ground, in all quadrants of the area. Lastly, it indicates the thunderstorm was moving southeast at that time.

Check out the screenshot of my aera 796 from this morning while using XM. The airfield (KHUM) is technically reporting VFR conditions but given the amount of lightning in the area and the notation of “TSRA” in the METAR, its clear there’s a well-developed thunderstorm near the field. 

It’s been awhile since many parts of the country have seen these Spring-like notations embedded in a METAR. Whatever your weather product of choice might be, it’s important to brush up on the seasonal abbreviations such as “GR” (hail), “FC” (funnel cloud), or “TCU” (tower cumulus – not the college!) because for as long as we are all pilots, we will always be flying in weather!

Source: Garmin
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Lucy’s Logbook: A good look at bad weather

With Memorial Day Weekend fast approaching, our Garmin Marine Survey Crews have descended upon Lake Havasu.  On the Arizona and California border, our Survey Crew is out scanning and collecting the best and most detailed data possible for this beautiful lake.  

Our crews are working hard to compile this information before the lake and surrounding areas are packed with visitors for the holiday weekend.  

Make sure to keep your eyes out for our Garmin Survey Crews this summer – they will be, or already have been, at a lake near you!

Source: Garmin
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Survey Crews on Havasu

“We’re pleased to extend our
partnership with MINI to provide an integrated,
next-generation portable navigation device for MINI vehicles around the globe,”
said Matt Munn, Garmin managing director automotive OEM. “This new device makes
it easier than ever to follow directions with Garmin’s new Real Directions and
Active Lane Guidance features. It also integrates seamlessly with the interior
of any MINI.”

Learn more here.

Source: Garmin
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Upgrade Your MINI with an Integrated Garmin Navigator

There are different ways to mount your nüvi in the car, ranging from the included windshield mount to accessories, such as our Dashboard Mount or the Portable Friction Mount. Just recently, we also started offering a very unique magnetic mount with our new high-end nüvi 3597LMTHD. This new mount makes it convenient to attach the device and keep it charged. Just hold the device close and it automatically snaps in. 

Adding to our portfolio of mounting options, we just recently released a new Air Vent Mount, which is available as an accessory for $19.99 and compatible with nearly all nüvis¹. The Air Vent Mount easily attaches to the cradle/unit bracket and securely holds your nüvi to your vehicle’s air vent. It provides another option to view your nüvi while conveniently keeping it within arm’s reach. 

¹Not compatible with 7" models.

Source: Garmin
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Garmin Air Vent Mount Provides a New Way to View Your nüvi

Source: Garmin
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Medical Professor Walks Across Kansas for Stroke Research

Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 3597LMTHD The Garmin nüvi 3597LMTHD is the top-of-the-line model in Garmin’s 2013 nuvi series, updating last year’s 3590LMT. Dubbed a “Prestige” model, the 3597LMTHD offers a new magnetic mounting system,  super-thin design, 5″ capacitive touchscreen, ad-free lifetime HD traffic, as well as all the new features found in the 2013 Advanced series models. read more The post Garmin nuvi 3597LMTHD review appeared first on GPS Tracklog .

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Garmin nuvi 3597LMTHD review