The GPS 400 combines the Garmin GPS design with a full-color moving map for the best in situational awareness in this GPS-only unit. The map features a built-in all-land database that shows cities, highways, railroads, rivers, lakes, and coastlines, in addition to a Jeppesen database in bright colors. Thanks to a high-contrast color display, the information can be easily read from wide viewing angles even in direct sunlight.

It is a WAAS-upgradeable IFR GPS with color moving map in one multipurpose unit. A huge Jeppesen database (that can be updated with a front-loading data card) contains all airports, VORs, NDBs, Intersections, FSS, Approach, DPs/STARs, and SUA information. Like the GNC 420, the GPS 400 is also TSO C129a-certified for non-precision approaches.

The GPS 400 has plenty of growth potential, as there are upgrade paths for WAAS compatibility, and Terrain awareness. Pilots will enjoy the GPS 400 as an MFD, especially when it is coupled with traffic, lightning detection, and weather interfaces like Ryan TCAD, TIS from the Garmin GTX 330 Mode S transponder, or Goodrich SKYWATCH™, STORMSCOPE® WX 500. For the latest in graphical and textual weather information, the GNS 530 can connect to XM Satellite Radio's XM WX Weather Service via the GDL 69 datalink receiver. With the FDE prediction program, the GNS 530 may be used for oceanic or remote operations.