This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.

Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft

Garmin has announced that its GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude monitoring device, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. Previously available only for the experimental market, this certification allows the installation of the device in over 500 models of Class I and Class II certified aircraft.

The approval marks a significant shift in the accessibility of radar altimetry for general aviation pilots. According to the company, the GHA 15 is available immediately at a price of $2,695. This pricing strategy positions the device as a cost-effective alternative to traditional radar altimeters, which have historically been priced significantly higher and reserved for business jets or commercial airliners.

Bringing Radar Altimetry to General Aviation

The GHA 15 is designed to provide pilots with precise Height Above Ground Level (AGL) readings during the critical final phases of flight. While standard barometric altimeters rely on air pressure and can be subject to calibration errors or terrain variations, the GHA 15 uses radio frequency technology to measure the actual distance between the aircraft and the ground.

Garmin states that the device is capable of providing AGL data from 500 feet down to the surface. The system integrates with the Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument to display altitude data and generate audible callouts directly to the pilot’s headset. These callouts, such as “50 feet,” “20 feet,” and “10 feet”, are user-configurable and intended to assist pilots in judging flare height and landing timing.

“The GHA 15 provides a cost-effective solution that helps reduce pilot workload and provides confidence during the approach and landing phases of flight.”

, Garmin Press Release

Technical Specifications and Accuracy

The unit is a compact, all-in-one module that mounts to the underside of the aircraft fuselage. Weighing less than one pound (approximately 0.45 kg), the device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, minimizing the structural impact of installation. According to the technical details released by Garmin, the GHA 15 offers the following accuracy levels:

• 3 to 100 feet AGL: +/- 1.5 feet
• 100 to 500 feet AGL: +/- 2%

Installation and Compatibility

The FAA STC covers a broad range of single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft (Class I and Class II). This includes popular general aviation airframes such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20 series. To function, the GHA 15 must be interfaced with a Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument. For experimental aircraft, the device remains compatible with the G3X Touch flight display.

AirPro News Analysis: The Democratization of Safety Tech

The certification of the GHA 15 represents a notable development in the “democratization” of avionics safety features. Historically, radar altimeters (such as the Garmin GRA 55) have cost upwards of $7,000, placing them out of reach for the average private pilot. By offering a certified “Height Advisor” for under $3,000, Garmin is effectively bridging the gap between recreational flying and professional-grade situational awareness.

We believe this technology will be particularly valuable in three specific scenarios:

• Night Landings: The “black hole” effect can make visual depth perception difficult at night. Audio callouts provide an objective reference for the ground.
• Backcountry Operations: In uneven terrain, barometric altimeters may not accurately reflect the distance to the ground. Radar-based data offers a safety net for off-airport landings.
• Water Landings: For amphibious aircraft, judging height over “glassy water” is notoriously hazardous. Precise AGL readings can prevent spatial disorientation during touchdown.

It is important to note the distinction Garmin makes by labeling this product a “Height Advisor” rather than a TSO-certified radar altimeter. While it provides similar functionality, it is intended for advisory purposes and does not replace the higher-end equipment required for complex instrument approaches like CAT II or CAT III landings.

Sources

Sources: Garmin

This article is based on an official press release from the Senate Appropriations Committee and legislative summaries of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act.

Congress Passes $102.9 Billion “Back-to-Basics” Transport and Housing Bill, Ending Partial Shutdown

Following a brief partial government shutdown that spanned from January 31 to February 3, 2026, Congress has approved and President Trump has signed the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act. The legislation, which provides $102.9 billion in total discretionary funding, marks a significant pivot toward stabilizing core Commercial-Aircraft infrastructure while enacting targeted cuts to specific rail initiatives.

According to the official summary released by the Senate Appropriations Committee, the bill allocates $77.3 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and $25.1 billion in discretionary budget authority to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Lawmakers framed the legislation as a “back-to-basics” measure designed to address immediate Safety concerns in the national airspace and protect essential housing vouchers.

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the dual focus of the bill in a statement following its passage:

“It is critical that we make significant investments to modernize our air traffic control systems… We must also ensure that a greater supply of safe, affordable housing is available to communities throughout the country.”

, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

Aviation Safety and Infrastructure Overhaul

The Department of Transportation’s portion of the budget heavily prioritizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which receives $22.2 billion. This funding level reflects a consensus among lawmakers that the national airspace system requires urgent modernization following recent operational strains.

Modernizing Air Traffic Control

A central component of the FAA funding is a $4 billion allocation specifically for “Facilities and Equipment.” This investment is aimed at upgrading aging air traffic control (ATC) systems that have been prone to outages. Furthermore, to address chronic staffing shortages that have plagued the industry, the bill funds the hiring and training of 2,500 new air traffic controllers.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) reportedly endorsed the measure, describing the staffing surge as a “critical lifeline” for maintaining safety standards. Additionally, the bill provides $4 billion in Grants-in-Aid for Airports to support physical infrastructure improvements.

High-Speed Rail Funding Rescinded

In a move described by Republican leadership as an effort to protect taxpayers from waste, the bill permanently rescinds approximately $929 million in unobligated federal funds originally designated for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. This rescission aligns with the administration’s focus on “America First” infrastructure projects, such as the $350 million allocated for bridge repair and $200 million for commercial truck parking projects under the Federal Highway Administration.

Housing Stability and Community Development

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a $7 billion increase over FY 2025 levels, bringing its total to $77.3 billion. The primary goal of this funding is to maintain existing rental assistance programs and prevent a wave of evictions.

Protecting Rental Assistance

The legislation directs significant resources toward Section 8 rental assistance:

• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: Funded at $38.4 billion, an increase of approximately $2.4 billion, ensuring the renewal of vouchers for current tenants.
• Project-Based Rental Assistance: Allocated $18.5 billion to preserve affordable housing units.

While these measures were welcomed by housing advocates, the bill maintains “flat funding” for other key programs. The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) remain at $3.3 billion, and HOME Investment Partnerships are held at $1.25 billion. Industry groups, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), have noted that without inflation adjustments, the purchasing power of these programs effectively decreases, potentially slowing the development of new affordable housing supply.

AirPro News Analysis

The passage of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act signals a clear legislative priority: stabilization over expansion. By decoupling this bill from the contentious Department of Homeland Security debates that triggered the shutdown, Congress has acknowledged that the U.S. aviation system is too fragile to be used as a bargaining chip.

For the Airlines industry, the funding for 2,500 new controllers is a victory, but it is a long-term fix; training these controllers will take years. In the immediate term, the $4 billion for equipment modernization is the more critical figure, as it addresses the technical failures that have caused ground stops and delays. Conversely, the rescission of California High-Speed Rail funds suggests that federal support for large-scale, state-specific rail projects will face high scrutiny under the current administration, with preference given to freight efficiency (truck parking) and bridge safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the bill signed into law?
The bill was signed by President Trump on February 3, 2026, effectively ending the partial government shutdown.

Does the bill cut housing benefits?
The bill increases funding for rental assistance vouchers to keep up with costs but flat-funds development grants like CDBG and HOME, which advocates argue is an effective cut due to inflation.

What is the impact on Amtrak?
Amtrak receives $2.4 billion in total, split between the National Network ($1.6 billion) and the Northeast Corridor ($850 million).

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, Congress.gov

This article summarizes reporting by The Times of India and Saurabh Sinha.

Air India Grounds Dreamliner Following Fuel Control Switch Defect

Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners after a pilot reported a potential mechanical defect involving the aircraft’s fuel control switch. The incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, following the arrival of flight AI132 in Bengaluru from London Heathrow.

According to reporting by The Times of India, the aircraft, registered as VT-ANX, was withdrawn from service immediately upon landing. The crew identified an issue where the fuel control switch for the left engine reportedly failed to remain locked in the “RUN” position, slipping instead toward “CUTOFF.” This specific mechanism is critical for maintaining fuel flow to the engines during operation.

Incident Details and Immediate Grounding

Flight AI132, carrying over 250 passengers, landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) at approximately 11:54 AM IST. The Times of India reports that the defect was noted by the crew either during post-flight procedures or while preparing the jet for its subsequent leg. Consequently, the airline has notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and engaged Boeing to assist with a priority investigation.

In a statement regarding the incident, an Air India spokesperson confirmed the grounding:

“We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM [Boeing] to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis.”

Boeing has also acknowledged the situation, stating they are in contact with the airline to support the review process.

Context: Parallels to Previous Safety Events

This mechanical report has drawn significant industry attention due to its similarity to a fatal accident involving the same airline and aircraft type less than a year ago. As detailed in safety reports surrounding the June 12, 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI171 (VT-ANB) in Ahmedabad, preliminary investigations implicated the fuel control switches in that disaster.

In the 2025 incident, investigators found that the switches for both engines moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” shortly after takeoff, leading to a total loss of thrust. The recurrence of a similar “RUN to CUTOFF” slip on VT-ANX, an aircraft delivered to Air India in January 2014, raises questions regarding the locking mechanisms on the 787 fleet’s throttle quadrant.

AirPro News Analysis

The grounding of VT-ANX represents a critical moment for Air India and Boeing. While the safe conclusion of flight AI132 is a relief, the reported failure mode mimics the exact technical flaw suspected in the tragic loss of AI171. We anticipate that regulators will face immense pressure to determine if this is a systemic wear-and-tear issue affecting aging Dreamliners or a fundamental design vulnerability in the switch’s detent mechanism.

Until the DGCA and Boeing release their findings on VT-ANX, scrutiny on the maintenance protocols for these switches will likely intensify across operators of the 787-8 variant.

Sources: The Times of India