I recently updated the system software in all the Garmin avionics in the panel of the Beechcraft A36. To confirm that all the units were working as expected, I flew under VFR to Hoquiam, WA (KHQM) on the Washington coast, and I flew a coupled ILS approach to runway 24.

Hoquiam is a great airport for practicing both IFR and VFR procedures. It has a full complement of instrument approaches, and it’s rarely busy, so you can practice unusual operations, such as simulated engine-out landings, to its long runway.

I monitored the frequency for Seattle Center in this area as I flew the ILS, beginning at the initial approach fix at ULESS. The Garmin GTN 750Xi provided lateral guidance throughout the approach, tracking the heading leg from ULESS to join the final approach course, and I used the VNAV feature of the Garmin GFC 600 autopilot to smoothly meet each crossing altitude outside the final approach, NEYDI.

As you’ll see, all of the systems worked well, providing precise guidance to a smooth touchdown.