industry GARMIN SYNCS PLANE TO PILOT S T O R Y B Y D A V I D H U G H E S G 20 avionics news * july 2023 armin's PlaneSync system connects pilots to their aircraft from remote locations, including on the beach getting a suntan. It can also provide automatic database updates on avionics. Now a pilot can check a mobile phone or laptop to make sure the fixed-base operator has serviced the aircraft as requested before folding up the beach chair and heading for the airport. This takes some of the guesswork out of preparing to launch for a new destination. Pilots, of course, are still required to perform preflight checks when they get to the aircraft. The pilot can use the Garmin Pilot smartphone app or the D2 Mach 1 smartwatch to check the status of the aircraft and its systems remotely. Garmin introduced PlaneSync at the Aircraft Electronics Association's International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, in April. The PlaneSync system is expected to be available for retrofit in the third quarter of this year with the list price starting at $3,995 at authorized Garmin dealers. PlaneSync helps pilots avoid last-minute surprises when they arrive at the airport, for example, only to discover the aircraft hasn't