Great visual presentation that increases S/A exponentially, especially with the large screen. Much better information more quickly available than on the EFB and ND in the aircraft I fly at work. Very easy to switch between modes and information once you get used to the controls and keys. The manuals are well written and easy to follow. Garmin tech support is very helpful in resolving download issues.

Mostly price, especially if you plan on keeping the charts and nav data current.

An outstanding tool for the GA pilot. Take time to learn how to use it before flying to minimize "heads down" time. Practicing while flying as a passenger is a good idea.

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Used the 696 today for a 200 mile X-country and it's definitely everything its cracked up to be. I live in San Diego and there is so much busy airspace here I don't know how people NOT from here get around, it's tricky to say the least. Great product works awesome

OK so obviously the 696 is expensive but so is flying so if you can't afford it, maybe tennis is more suited for your lifestyle. The only beef I have is the tiny screws that come with the Ram Mount Kit. You actually have to use a screwdriver to attach the mount to the GPS instead of screws with plastic knobs on them. Which means you have to use a screwdriver to remove the ram mount in order to place the GPS in the carrying case. That's the last thing I want to do after a long trip or in the dark, loose one (piece) and your screwed, literally. A quick trip to your local hardware store can fix this issue.

Makes flying safer and even more enjoyable. Buy one

A "cheap" way to display weather, and almost like having all the paper charts in one handy device (nationwide). Very customizable as to what you want displayed on the screen. The included Yoke mount is very versatile (unless you own a pre-1984 Bonanza - then you need a different mount).
This also helps me with a major missing feature on the GNS430/530: Victor Airways. The 696 shows the airways.
Overall satisfied with the GPS.

The price to keep this thing fully updated with charts, obstacles, terrain, nav data, XM weather service etc. is ridiculous. Not much different than if you are updating a Garmin 430/530 already, but I don't think you get a multi-GPS discount from Garmin. Unlike the GNS430/530, you cannot load a DP or STAR into a flight plan - don't understand why they left this feature out. You can load the chart itself for a DP/STAR, but this is not convenient to flip back and forth while flying.

I had four main objectives for this device and it meets them to a "T":
1. Display of XM weather without having to buy the ridiculously priced Garmin GDL-69 antenna + installation.
2. Display of Victor Airways on a moving map.
3. Crossfill of Flight Plan and Navigation data from my GNS530. (Works quite well actually!).
4. Since small FBOs are getting out (forced) of the chart business, I needed to have charts readily available. Also intend to stop lugging around a huge case of charts!

Garmin is as usual, very good. 696 performs just as advertised.

Is still too pricey, coupled with expensive updates.

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Used it a couple of times and WOW. Using it as back-up to an steam guage C-182/G. Looked at several units including the Bendix/King AV8OR ACE. The Garmin is a true aviation unit. No ground navigation--who cares. I can buy a descent ground unit for less than $ 250.

Initial cost and cost of the database updates. I am still trying to figure out what i can get by with and what I want to make sure is up to date.

Overall a true joy to use with confidence that it won't fail on you.

Outstanding product!! Low learning curve, easy setup.
Highly recommended.

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This is a tremendous addition to any aircraft equipment. Easy to use functions, good screen resolution, and extensive information at your disposal.

This is also a great system back up since unit has a battery which would function in a total power failure to provide pilot with basic flight data.

Yoke mount is bulky and problematic. Do not plan to use yoke mount and you will not be disappointed. Start looking for an alternative mount location or docketing station in panel.

Add docking station information to materials in Sporty's catalog.

Big display and easy to use. Currently mounted in an EC120 and it is handling all the vibration and visibility issues with no problem. Great visuals. I have tried the Bendix King and the Air Gator this unit is the most compact for connections and easiest to use and read.

Can't think of any

Nothing but the best from Garmin, another winner.

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Price!

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just great

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Large display. Easy to read and provides multiple

The unit is pricey compared to earlier models, but is in a different league in terms of the display. Operates with same logic as some of the panel mounted Garmin units, not the same as with the 396 & 496. So, it requires learning a new system. Some of the features are somewhat hidden and hard to get to, for example viewing the approach plates for approaches not being used. Unit is large and heavy. The 696 is less intuitive to learn. Keeping the unit's databases up-to-date is very expensive -- around $1100 per year, the approach plates being the most expensive. Loading the approach plates over the internet is a laborious and sometimes frustrating exercise in computer periodic failures. There must be a better way! Still trying to get the XM radio to function properly.

Garmin should provide a see through screen cover such as is available for the iPhone, that would avoid leaving annoying fingerprints on the display glass.

Great capabilities and I have found it extremely beneficial for cross country flights. The screen intensity allows use in all phases of flight.

Yoke mount is difficult to position for optimum viewing but can be done. Having a selection of mounts would be better in the initial product purchase.

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The Garmin 696 with XM Weather sure makes flying fun! Know what you’re getting into before you get into it... My take on it is- If you're flying a 10+ year old airplane, the portable Garmin 696 has better technology, more reliable components and a much higher degree of accuracy than any instrument mounted in the panel.

The Garmin 696 is expensive. The XM Weather/Radio subscription is expensive. The Chart subscription is expensive. Everything you want the Garmin 696 for is an additional ala carte” reoccurring expense.

I think Garmin should provide a couple purchase options-
Option #1: Pay for the unit and 3-year subscription up front and save!
Option #2: Sign a 3-year subscription contract and spread the cost of the Garmin 696 throughout the contract term.
As a first time buyer, I wouldn’t feel as if Garmin didn’t disclose the cost of ownership on purpose because in all actuality, the Garmin 696 is worthless without the subscriptions and ongoing updates…

Bill B. Private Fixed-Wing & Rotorcraft

BIG screen, very easy to use when you are familiar with other Garmin GPS units. WX info and AOPA airport info (equivilent of AFD) are extremely useful. Safe taxi is great for airport diagram overlay. IFR and VFR enroute charts are very useful, This GPS is loaded with features that save you from having to carry tons of paperwork with you. Super bright and crystal clear display. this unit puts an incredible amount of aviation information in the pilots hands for super easy retrieval.

BIG Screen, (A Pro and a Con). Very bulky for use in small aircraft, but included yoke mount makes it o.k. Down-side is Ram yoke mount bracket does not allow you to detatch the unit from your yoke without having to take a sizeable and awkward chunk of the mount with you as it is screwed to the back of the unit. A lower profile quick release is badly needed especially if you fly several different aircraft types regularly. A unit of this size would be better suited for a kneeboard application.
It needs a screen protector film, (available, but not included) as the screen is highly susceptable to fingerprint staining.
It should have an included carry case like some of the smaller units, especially if you are taking all the cords and external antennae with you.
Biggest con is the price... $3200.00 is very expensive for a hand held. You also can expect to pay a minimumof $1100.00 for a year worth of downloadable updates if you want the most current and accurate use of all the features of the unit. for this price it would be nice to have a tablet feature. safe taxi and/or airport diagrams would really benefit from being able to note taxi instructions at bigger airports. the best feature it really could use is a VFR sectional/TAC as the base for the moving map. this would not be too difficult to accomplish at the price.

Overall a very good but super expensive for a handheld unit. Garmin would much better justify the cost with better excessories(mounts), carry case, screen protector, as well as at least the first year of all required updates included in the purchase price. A Left-hand configuration(joystick and buttons on the left)would also be awesome if made available. this would greatly improve ergonomics for right hand stick and helicopter flyers.

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Garmin user interface is straightforward and consistent, relatively easy to use.

Excellent feature mix, everything you need.

Potential lifesaver as backup nav device in the cockpit.

A little big, but workable.

Garmin website is not easy to use or navigate; they need to get their product designers to work on the website, it is not that good.

I bought this as a backup device and for the XM weather. It is a very sophisticated and useful piece. I feel confident i could easily navigate and fly entirely by using it only if need be.