The GPSMAP 696’s bright 7" diagonal high-definition sunlight-readable display makes detailed mapping easy to see day or night — you can even view an entire approach plate on the large-format display. For easy operation, the bezel around the screen includes soft keys and a joystick control. And the internal GPS provides position updates five times per second (5 Hz), allowing the 696 to present flight data smoothly and continuously.

No Chart? No Problem.

With the addition of IFR map mode, Garmin FliteCharts^® and ChartView^™, the GPSMAP 696 provides key functions of a Class 1/Class 2 electronic flight bag (EFB), reducing the use of paper charts in the cockpit. When in IFR map mode, the 696 can display victor airways, jet routes, minimum enroute altitudes and leg distance, much like what’s found on traditional enroute charts. With geo-referenced FliteCharts, you can quickly find and view all U.S. AeroNav Services, standard terminal arrival routes (STARs), approach charts and airport diagrams. For pilots who prefer Jeppesen charts and diagrams, Garmin also offers ChartView. The ChartView service utilizes Jeppesen’s extensive library to provide global geo-referenced charting capabilities (Chartview activation instructions).

Add Weather and Radio

The optional GXM 42 smart antenna gives you access to high-resolution weather and audio entertainment right in the cockpit (XM subscription required). XM WX^™ Satellite Weather includes next generation radar (NEXRAD), aviation routine weather reports (METARs), terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), lightning, winds aloft and more for the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the 696 can receive PIREPs, turbulence forecast and icing forecast information. The weather data can be laid directly over the unit’s navigation and topographic map databases. With 170+ channels of digital music, news and programming through your aircraft headset or cabin audio system, you’ll stay informed and entertained.

Enhance Situational Awareness

The GPSMAP 696 features a high-resolution terrain page showing hazards relative to your altitude and a vertical profile of terrain along your route of flight. It comes with a built-in Jeppesen database, and an Americas, Atlantic or Pacific terrain database. It also includes an obstacles database for the U.S., Canada or Europe. Using this information, the 696 displays your flight route over contour terrain mapping. With information from the terrain and obstacles databases, the 696 monitors your current position in relation to surrounding terrain to provide alerts. To help keep pilots aware of special airspace activity, over 683 parachute drop zones are detailed in the Americas navigation database. You can even customize your own minimum clearance levels to receive terrain cautions. The 696 also comes with a realistic “view from space” satellite imagery basemap.

Like other portable Garmin devices, the 696 includes the following enhanced aviation databases:

• Garmin SafeTaxi^®
  Provides detailed taxiway diagrams and position information for many U.S. or European airports. Preloaded on the unit, this information helps you navigate unfamiliar airports with confidence and shows your aircraft’s exact position on the field.
   
• AOPA Airport Directory
  Offers detailed information for more than 5,300 U.S. airports, along with the names and phone numbers of thousands of FBOs. Easily look up taxi services, plan an overnight, and choose fuel stops, plus find ground transportation, lodging, restaurants, local attractions and more.
   
• Private Airports and Heliports
  Provides data on private airports and heliports throughout U.S. and Europe, and materially expands your list of navigation and emergency "nearest" options.

Receive Altitude-Sensitive Alerts

When in the air, Garmin’s new Smart Airspace^™ feature makes it easier than ever to identify what airspace lies ahead. Smart Airspace automatically highlights airspace close to your current altitude and de-emphasizes airspace away from the current altitude, which gives you increased situational awareness.