Garmin Service Alert Cautions Pilots about Descent Below MDA | Aviation International News

Garmin Alert Cautions Pilots about Descent Below MDA

Advisory glide paths do not provide obstacle or terrain clearance assurance

Garmin Service Alert — © Garmin

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

March 16, 2026

Garmin issued a service alert on Thursday that reminds pilots to follow instrument approach procedure minimum descent altitude (MDA) limits when flying an approach with advisory vertical guidance. These approaches are identified by a “+V” indication on primary flight displays.

While the alert doesn’t mention the February 13 crash of an Epic E1000 on approach to Colorado’s Steamboat Springs Airport (KSBS), this accident raised questions about the importance of not following the advisory glide path below the MDA unless the required runway environment is in view.

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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