June 30, 2025 | Olathe, KS — Garmin is once again expanding the boundaries of avionics innovation. The company has announced that its FAA Data Comm solution is now available to a significantly wider audience—more than 25 additional makes and models have been added to the FAA Data Comm participation list.
Originally limited to Garmin’s integrated flight decks, FAA Data Comm is now compatible with the GTN™ 750Xi series through integration with the GDR 66 VHF data link (VDL) Mode 2 transceiver. Pilots who pair this setup with TXi™ flight displays will gain even more functionality, including enhanced push-to-load capabilities, streamlined communications, and improved cockpit coordination.
What is FAA Data Comm?
FAA Data Comm (or CPDLC) allows for digital, text-based communications between pilots and air traffic control (ATC), significantly reducing verbal misunderstandings and radio congestion. Instead of copying or remembering clearances or frequency changes over busy frequencies, pilots receive and load instructions directly into their avionics.
This means faster, safer, and more accurate communication—especially during high-traffic periods like departure or in busy airspace.
Expanded Capabilities for More Aircraft
This latest update brings FAA Data Comm to a broader retrofit market. With thousands of GTN 750Xi navigators already installed in aircraft across the country, Garmin’s move opens the door for many pilots to upgrade their current setup without a full avionics overhaul.
“FAA Data Comm has quickly become a useful way for pilots and flight crews to communicate with air traffic control,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s Vice President of Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs & Support. “Many more aircraft owners will now be able to easily upgrade their aircraft to receive this capability, further demonstrating Garmin’s commitment to enhancing the existing product and installation base.”
Departure and Enroute Benefits
Over 60 U.S. airports are currently equipped with Controller Pilot Datalink Communications Departure Clearance (CPDLC-DCL). With FAA Data Comm enabled, the GTN 750Xi can automatically load:
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Departure clearances
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Assigned routes
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Frequencies
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Transponder codes
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Altitudes
All directly into the avionics, reducing pilot workload and minimizing the chance of read-back or input errors.
In cruise, enroute Data Comm functions are available throughout the U.S. above 16,000 feet MSL. Pilots can receive changes to routing, frequencies, altitudes, and more—right from ATC to their cockpit, without ever picking up the mic.
Pilots can also initiate requests for direct-to fixes, route changes due to weather, or altitude modifications, directly from their GTN 750Xi.
Enhanced Cockpit Integration with TXi Displays
When paired with TXi flight displays, the system can do even more. Features like baro settings, altitude “bugs,” and other prompts are pushed automatically and sync across multiple displays—ideal for two-crew operations. This creates a seamless and coordinated cockpit environment, allowing both pilots to stay on the same page with minimal effort.
Looking Ahead for King Air
While King Air is not yet on the approved list for this retrofit capability, the expanding adoption of FAA Data Comm across more platforms is a strong indicator of where general aviation is headed.
Garmin’s continued innovation—and commitment to supporting existing avionics—means King Air operators may soon have a powerful new tool for smarter, safer, and more efficient communication from takeoff to touchdown.