Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Garmin has expanded FliteCharts and SafeTaxi databases to include Mexico and Bahamas coverage. Pilots can purchase the databases for installed avionics or to display on the Garmin Pilot app. In the app, the U.S. Premium subscription includes Bahamas charts, and Latin America Premium subscribers get Mexico charts.
FliteCharts are georeferenced terminal procedures charts, and SafeTaxi charts, also georeferenced, show the aircraft’s location on the airport relative to airport hotspots, runways, taxiways, FBOs, and buildings. Users can view hold short lines overlaid on the airport diagram as well.
Garmin recommends buying the Bahamas and Mexico databases in the Americas OnePak or North American device bundle, but the North America (FliteCharts) and Americas (SafeTaxi) databases are also available standalone. The new databases were released with the May 2026 cycle.
Other recent features in Garmin Pilot include the ability to add <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-04-09/garmin-adds-airport-fbo-rating-tool-its-pilot-efb">comments</a> on airports and FBOs and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-24/garmin-adds-graphical-notams-overlay-smartcharts">graphical notam</a> depictions on SmartCharts.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Garmin Adds Mexico and Bahamas to FliteCharts and SafeTaxi Database

Charts available for avionics or EFB app

FliteCharts are geo-referenced terminal procedures charts. SafeTaxi charts show aircraft location relative to hotspots, runways, taxiways, FBOs, and buildings.

Garmin Adds Mexico, Bahamas To FliteCharts, SafeTaxi 

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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New release adds missed approach climb gradient table and climb gradient values on departure procedures

Garmin Expands SmartCharts Reach to Canada and Mexico

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

In this article

Garmin

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