Garmin GTS 800 TAS Active Traffic System Review
Introduction
The Garmin GTS 800 TAS (Traffic Advisory System) is a top-tier active traffic monitoring solution designed to increase pilot situational awareness and improve safety in the cockpit. Known for its reliability and advanced features, the GTS 800 TAS offers a comprehensive solution for aircraft operating in a range of airspace environments. It is particularly useful in regions with limited ADS-B ground station coverage, the system actively interrogates other transponders to ensure pilots receive accurate traffic data, regardless of ground infrastructure. While the GTS 800 is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it comes with a steep price tag, which can be a significant consideration for budget-conscious aviators.
Features
The GTS 800 TAS is packed with impressive features that aim to enhance flight safety and make traffic monitoring straightforward for pilots:
• Active Traffic Interrogation: One of the most valuable features of the GTS 800 TAS is its ability to actively interrogate other transponders (air-to-air) in real-time. This is especially critical in areas with limited ADS-B ground station coverage, such as parts of Wyoming. By directly interrogating nearby aircraft, the GTS 800 provides real-time traffic updates without relying solely on ground-based ADS-B services.
• Extended Range and Detailed Target Data: The system offers up to a 40 nautical mile (NM) range, providing detailed information on aircraft within this radius. It delivers precise horizontal and vertical data about surrounding aircraft, allowing pilots to make well-informed decisions in complex or crowded airspaces.
• TIS-A and TIS-B Integration: The GTS 800 leverages Garmin’s Traffic Information Service (TIS-A and TIS-B), pulling traffic data from ATC services where available. This service supplements the active interrogation, giving pilots an extra layer of traffic awareness for more comprehensive monitoring in supported regions.
• ADS-B Compatibility: Designed for modern aviation needs, the GTS 800 TAS is ADS-B In and Out compatible. It will integrate ADS-B In data from a Garmin GTX 345 Transponder. I could not test this as I have a GTX330Es. This compatibility ensures the system remains viable and compliant with today’s air traffic systems and regulatory requirements, providing greater flexibility and peace of mind for pilots who prioritize long-term functionality.
• Intuitive Visual and Audible Alerts: Integrating with Garmin’s GTN750 GPS, G1000, G2000, G3000, or G5000 displays (and compatible third-party systems), the GTS 800 TAS provides intuitive visual alerts directly on the multifunction display. Audible alerts further enhance awareness, making sure pilots are aware of nearby traffic without needing to constantly monitor the display.
Pros
The Garmin GTS 800 TAS offers several benefits that make it a strong contender for enhancing aircraft safety:
• Exceptional Situational Awareness: By actively interrogating nearby transponders and integrating data from TIS-A and TIS-B services, the GTS 800 ensures pilots are aware of potential traffic conflicts. This is especially valuable in low-coverage areas, where reliance on ADS-B alone may not provide sufficient traffic data.
• Future-Proof with ADS-B Compliance: As an ADS-B In and Out compatible system, the GTS 800 meets today’s regulatory standards and is well-equipped for future air traffic management changes. This makes it a wise long-term investment for operators seeking to remain compliant and safe AND normally fly in airspace not well serviced by ground stations.
• User-Friendly Integration: The GTS 800 TAS integrates seamlessly with Garmin avionics, particularly the GTN750, G1000, G2000, G3000, and G5000 systems, as well as compatible third-party displays. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for pilots already using Garmin products, providing streamlined operations and simplified monitoring.
• Advanced Detection Range: With a 40 NM range, the GTS 800 offers impressive coverage, giving pilots a comprehensive view of their surroundings. The vertical and horizontal positioning of detected aircraft helps pilots make decisions with confidence, even in dense air traffic environments.
• Enhanced Awareness in Low-Coverage Regions: The GTS 800 TAS’s active interrogation feature is invaluable for pilots flying in remote or mountainous areas like Wyoming, where ADS-B ground stations are few and far between. The active traffic interrogation ensures that even in these settings, pilots have access to real-time traffic information.
Cons
While the Garmin GTS 800 TAS offers numerous advantages, there are some noteworthy downsides that potential buyers should consider:
• High Cost: The GTS 800 TAS comes with a steep price tag, often exceeding $10,000, plus installation fees. For smaller operators or pilots on a budget, this may be prohibitive. The benefits are clear, but for those who don’t require extensive traffic advisory functionality, the GTS 800 might be overkill. Given the high cost, this system is best suited for those who operate in crowded airspaces or need the assurance of maximum situational awareness.
• Limited Compatibility with Non-Garmin Displays: While it integrates well with Garmin avionics, compatibility with third-party systems is limited, which could restrict its appeal for pilots using non-Garmin setups. Obviously I cannot test because I do not have non-Garmin displays but read literature to assess this point.
• Complex Installation Process: Installation of the GTS 800 can be complex and may require significant downtime, depending on the aircraft and existing avionics. The system needs professional installation, which can add a substantial cost to the already high purchase price.
Conclusion
The Garmin GTS 800 TAS Active Traffic System is a cutting-edge solution that brings an impressive level of traffic awareness to the cockpit. By combining ADS-B compatibility with active air-to-air interrogation capabilities, it’s a reliable choice for enhancing flight safety, particularly in areas with limited ADS-B ground station coverage. The system’s seamless integration with Garmin displays and robust features make it a valuable tool for operators and pilots who prioritize comprehensive situational awareness.
However, the high price tag (exceeding $10,000 plus installation) is an important factor. Note that this was a bonus surprise for me when I purchases 4JS in 2021 (this box was unmentioned in purchase docs).While the GTS 800’s capabilities are substantial, it may be more than what some pilots need. For those with less frequent traffic monitoring requirements, or who can manage with basic ADS-B In and Out, the GTS 800 could be seen as an overinvestment. That said, for pilots who value the added peace of mind, particularly when flying in low-coverage regions, the Garmin GTS 800 TAS is an excellent choice for safety and awareness in the skies. If you are like me and likely will never see remote areas, stick with either a GTX345 and show traffic on GTN750, or simple go with my setup GDL52 and Garmin Pilot.