The GNC-300XL is a very good non-WAAS GPS/COMM Transceiver. The Garmin GNC-300XL is capable of IFR operation for both en route and approach navigation, including published non-precision approaches, SIDs, and STARs from the database. The GNC-300XL provides all the features you would expect in an IFR approach capable GPS, including a comprehensive database. Garmin added the wonderfully sharp display from the GPS-155XL to the sophisticated GPS/COMM synergy of the GNC-300. This display pays dividends on both text and the moving map graphics. Please be sure to view the Garmin GNC-300XL Brochure Picture below, since words do not do this display justice. The COMM side of the GNC-300XL features:

• 760 COMM channels
• 5 watts nominal transmission power
• Pushbutton flip-flop between active and standby frequencies
• Emergency channel select - Based on current position, the GNC-300XL will show you the 2 nearest FSS and their frequencies
• Automatic squelch control
• Stuck mike transmission timeout
• Audio leveling

The IFR GPS side of the GNC-300XL features:

• Very sharp LCD display - This display measures 240 pixels wide by 80 pixels high. This resolution is good enough to allow curved lines to appear smooth, and the text to be razor sharp. A wide viewing angle makes it clearly visible from either front seat. The brightness of this display is controlled automatically to match lighting conditions, and information can be displayed as either yellow on black or black on yellow. This display can be set up to show a moving map, navigation information, and a built-in electronic CDI.

• Moving Map graphics - The very high definition moving map shows your aircraft's position relative to surrounding waypoints, navaids, SUA, runways, and other database items. The map has 14 map scales from .5 to 300 NM, and an autozoom feature can be used to keep both your present position and destination on the map. This moving map may be oriented with ground track up, course (desired track) up, or north up. Even with the map displayed, you are still shown the distance to current waypoint, ground speed, bearing, desired track, and ETE. Map decluttering is available by item or scale, to prevent information overload.

• Ease of use - The GNC-300XL is designed to minimize keystrokes in operation, and operate with a clear, consistent user interface. This GPS provides very sophisticated navigation features, but common functions are readily available. For example, the Direct-To key lets you instantly set course to any waypoint you select.

• Pilot-focused design - The GNC-300XL is packed with features designed to make a pilot's job easier. The planning function helps determine trip length, fuel requirements, and vertical navigation (VNAV) profiles. The computer performs true airspeed, density altitude, winds aloft, and sunrise /sunset calculations. The pilot may store up to 20 reversible flight plans of 30 legs each. Up to 1000 pilot defined waypoints may be added to the database, and there is a 40 character comments field for up to 250 of these waypoints. There are 9 user-definable checklists of up to 30 items each. Finally, alarms remind the pilot of arrival, proximity, countdown timers, and SUA penetration in 10 minutes, 2NM, and inside SUA.

• Peace of mind - An Nearest function quickly displays the 9 nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, and user-defined waypoints. Even better, the pilot may set airport search criteria based on runway length. The GNC-300XL will also provide you with the 2 nearest FSS and ARTCC frequencies, based on your current position.

• Datacard database - The Jeppesen database includes information for airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, COMM frequencies, runways, FSS/ARTCC, MSA, SUA, approaches, and SIDs/Stars. The database card is front loading, which makes it much easier to keep the data up-to-date.

• Compatibility - The Garmin GNC-300XL may be interfaced with an HSI, CDI, Autopilot, Blind Encoder, Fuel Sensor, and Fuel/Air Data Computer. A nice feature is the ability to select a course to or from a waypoint via an external mechanical and EFIS HSI.

• TSO'd

The GNC-300XL provides non-precision guidance, without vertical information. Unless this GPS shares an Indicator which provides Glideslope, it is typically paired with a non-Glideslope Indicator: 

• King KI-202 GPS/VOR/LOC Indicator
• Garmin GI-102A GPS/VOR/LOC Indicator
• Collins IND-350A GPS/VOR/LOC Indicator (later model with more durable metal case)
• Collins IND-350 GPS/VOR/LOC Indicator (not recommended)

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