garmin 296

For years I've turned by back on Garmin GPSs because they did not
provide terrain. Now it looks like the Garmin 296 provides that. I'm
considering selling my Skymap IIIc (which has terrain) and buying the
Garmin. The IIIc certainly has a bigger screen but the Garmin has the
partial panel turn coordinator and IAF vectors for approaches.
However, I was really, really surprised to see that Garmin is missing
Victor airways. I can't tell you how useful that has been while being
rapid fire assigned airways near L.A. or anywhere. Being able to just
put the course line on the airway line made flying airways simple.
Garmin says they don't have plans to fix this. Too bad, having airways
really would make it a better unit (and prevent frequent grabs for the
enroute chart). Its also great for VFR pilots who want to practice
steep turns and stalls but want to ensure they are the minimum 4 miles
from an airway.

-Robert

Robert, I have a IIIC and my friend purchased a 296 Purchased a week apart I
have had equal use I have tried both I like the IIIC better than the 296.


"Robert M. Gary" wrote in message
om...
For years I've turned by back on Garmin GPSs because they did not
provide terrain. Now it looks like the Garmin 296 provides that. I'm
considering selling my Skymap IIIc (which has terrain) and buying the
Garmin. The IIIc certainly has a bigger screen but the Garmin has the
partial panel turn coordinator and IAF vectors for approaches.
However, I was really, really surprised to see that Garmin is missing
Victor airways. I can't tell you how useful that has been while being
rapid fire assigned airways near L.A. or anywhere. Being able to just
put the course line on the airway line made flying airways simple.
Garmin says they don't have plans to fix this. Too bad, having airways
really would make it a better unit (and prevent frequent grabs for the
enroute chart). Its also great for VFR pilots who want to practice
steep turns and stalls but want to ensure they are the minimum 4 miles
from an airway.

-Robert