Garmin Co-Founders Inducted into National Aviation Hall of Fame
On September 16, 2024, Garmin announced the induction of its co-founders, Dr. Min Kao and the late Gary Burrell, into the esteemed National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF). The induction ceremony took place at the 60th annual event held on September 14 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This honor recognizes individuals whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly impacted the world of aviation.
Cliff Pemble, Garmin President and CEO, remarked, "Thirty-five years ago, Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao founded Garmin with the firm belief that superior navigation and communication products could both enrich lives and save them. To honor their pioneering work and the foundation they built for Garmin’s highly regarded products, there is no greater tribute than their induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame."
Dr. Min Kao continues to serve as Garmin’s Executive Chairman of the Board, while the late Gary Burrell’s leadership and dedication to excellence remain integral to the company’s ethos. Under their guidance, Garmin developed a broad array of products and technologies that have advanced modern aviation safety and capabilities. These innovations encompass navigation, communications, flight controls, and sensor systems.
Noteworthy Garmin Aviation Innovations
- 1991: Garmin introduced its first aviation product, the GPS 100AVD, which became the first panel-mounted GPS navigator accessible to general aviation enthusiasts.
- 1994: The Garmin GPS 155 achieved FAA TSO-C129 Class A certification, becoming the world’s first certified GPS receiver for instrument approaches. This allowed pilots to navigate using instrument flight rules (IFR) from takeoff to landing without relying on ground-based navigation aids.
- 1998: Garmin launched the iconic GNS 430 and GNS 530 product family. These devices combined a panel-mounted GPS navigator with a color moving map and VHF navigation and communication, setting the industry standard for NAV/COM systems in cockpits.
- 2004: The G1000® integrated flight deck set a new standard for cockpit innovation, establishing Garmin as a leading provider of integrated flight decks across a diverse range of aircraft, from single-engine pistons to advanced business jets.
- 2010: Garmin introduced the Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) system, the first in a series of Autonomí safety features designed to help pilots avoid loss-of-control accidents.
- 2020: Garmin received the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for its Garmin Autoland, the world’s first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to control and land an aircraft without human intervention.
For more information about the National Aviation Hall of Fame and its enshrinement ceremony, visit www.nationalaviation.org.
Garmin’s products and services have revolutionized the field of aviation, becoming indispensable tools for pilots and aircraft operators worldwide. As a leading provider of solutions for general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carriers, Garmin views each day as an opportunity to innovate. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their receipt of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for Garmin Autoland, the world’s first certified autonomous system designed to control and land an aircraft during emergencies without human intervention.
For the latest updates, visit the Garmin Newsroom, connect with @garminaviation on social media, or follow the Garmin blog.
About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, with principal subsidiaries located in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Garmin and G1000 are registered trademarks, and ESP is a trademark of Garmin
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