Garmin International Inc. on Jan. 12 announced that its Smart Glide technology, a safety tool that helps pilots in loss of engine power emergencies by automating tasks to reduce pilot workload, is now available as a free software update for the G3X Touch and G5 electronic flight instrument in certified aircraft equipped with a GTN Xi series navigator.

Smart Glide compatibility can be added to a G3X Touch or G5 through the Garmin Authorized Dealer network (installation fees may apply).

Smart Glide joins Collier Trophy winning Garmin Autoland as a part of the company’s family of autonomous flight technologies. Through compatible avionics, such as GTN Xi series navigators paired with a compatible Garmin flight display, Smart Glide provides assistance to the pilot – in the event of the loss of engine power in a single-engine aircraft – by recommending a suitable airport estimated to be within glide range, as well as providing information to the pilot and optimizing select avionics settings.

When paired with a compatible Garmin autopilot, Smart Glide can automatically engage the autopilot and pitch for the aircraft’s best glide speed, explains Garmin, while simultaneously navigating the aircraft within the vicinity of the selected airport so the pilot can execute an approach and landing.