OLATHE, Kan. – Garmin International, continually recognized as the leading manufacturer of GPS and communication equipment for the aviation industry, has once again raised the bar on avionics technology. Garmin has unveiled the NavTalk Pilot, the first portable GPS/cellular telephone for AirCell airborne applications.

"Garmin is thrilled to offer the general aviation community an AirCell cellular phone that will perform even while you are in an airborne environment," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "This will undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable and welcome flying companion to pilots everywhere."

Through an alliance with AirCell, Inc., a Colorado-based company that provides personal air-to-ground wireless communications to the general aviation market, Garmin has developed a combination cell phone/GPS that can be used both airborne and on the ground. AirCell's patented cellular frequency technologies have opened the door for a phone that can operate in the air without interfering with conventional ground-based cell sites. With the NavTalk Pilot, you can place and receive phone call through the AirCell system while flying. Best of all, the NavTalk Pilot will work both in and out of the plane, thus eliminating the need to use two separate cell phones.

This latest innovation combines the cell phone features of the Garmin NavTalk with the mapping data of the popular GPS III Pilot. Together, this handheld GPS/airborne cell phone will assist with the navigation and communication needs of the single engine or small twin engine aircraft pilot who typically flies below 200 knots.