Garmin Expands Certified Aircraft Capabilities with the GHA 15 Height Advisor
Garmin ,a global leader in aviation technology and innovative flight solutions, has announced the availability of its latest advancement in aircraft safety and situational awareness: the GHA 15 Height Advisor. Previously approved exclusively for experimental aircraft, the GHA 15 is now certified for installation in more than 500 class I and II certified aircraft under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). This expansion opens up a new level of precision height measurement and safety capabilities to a broader segment of general aviation pilots.
The GHA 15 is a compact, lightweight height advisor that provides accurate height above ground level (AGL) information using advanced radar technology. By sending radio waves toward the ground and measuring the time it takes for them to return, the GHA 15 calculates the aircraft’s precise altitude above terrain. This measurement is continuously processed hundreds of times per second, with sophisticated digital filtering applied to ensure stable readings—even when flying over water, mountainous terrain, or other challenging environments.
For certified aircraft, the GHA 15 integrates seamlessly with Garmin’s GI 275 electronic flight instrument, displaying accurate AGL information directly on the instrument. Pilots can view real-time height readings at altitudes up to 500 feet AGL, providing a critical reference for landings, low-level flight, and operations in areas where barometric altimeter settings may be limited or unreliable. This capability is particularly valuable for pilots engaged in backcountry flying, where terrain can be unpredictable and traditional altitude references may be insufficient.
Beyond visual displays, the GHA 15 enhances situational awareness through AGL audio callouts. Using readings from the GHA 15, the GI 275 can provide configurable verbal altitude alerts, allowing pilots to keep their eyes focused outside the cockpit while still receiving crucial height information. These callouts begin at 300 feet AGL and continue at user-defined intervals down to as low as 1 foot AGL. Pilots can configure both the starting and stopping altitudes of these callouts to match their operational needs.
Garmin’s GHA 15 is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. The system is a single compact module that integrates all electronics into one unit, attaching directly to the bottom of the aircraft. Slightly larger than a deck of cards and weighing less than one pound, the GHA 15 requires minimal space and modification for installation, making it a practical upgrade for a wide range of aircraft.
With the GHA 15, Garmin continues its commitment to innovation and pilot safety. The device is available now for certified aircraft at a suggested retail price of $2,695, providing general aviation operators with an accessible, high-precision solution for height awareness. Additional information about the GHA 15, including installation details and specifications, is available at Garmin.com/GHA15.
Garmin’s reputation for transforming aviation operations is built on decades of innovation. The company has consistently developed solutions that enhance flight safety, operational efficiency, and overall situational awareness for pilots and aircraft operators around the world. Among its notable achievements is the Garmin Autoland system, a certified autonomous system that can safely land an aircraft in an emergency without human intervention—a milestone that earned Garmin the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy.
With the GHA 15, Garmin is once again providing pilots with technology that combines precision, reliability, and user-friendly design, ensuring that general aviation operators can navigate complex terrain with confidence and safety. Whether for recreational flying, backcountry exploration, or professional aviation operations, the GHA 15 represents a significant advancement in aircraft safety and situational awareness technology.
