Dave Hirschman

Garmin’s high-end D2 Mach 2 Pro is the first aviation smartwatch that doubles as essential survival gear. The Mach2 Pro contains a built-in satellite messenger that can provide GPS position information, as well as details about the wearer’s status, to Garmin’s emergency coordination center at the touch of a few buttons. I’ve owned various Garmin watches for the past five years, and the D2 Mach 2 Pro is a quantum leap in price, capability, and battery life. First of all, price.

And that’s why Rock Springs, Wyoming, a town of about 25,000 people in the southwest corner of the state, shows up so regularly in my pilot logbook. Whenever I’m ferrying a light GA airplane across the country, a fuel stop there is frequently warranted—and it’s often memorable because of the extreme weather. I’ve landed at Rock Springs (elevation: 6,388 feet) in the bitter cold and blowing snow when bringing an Aviat Husky from the factory in Afton, Wyoming, in winter.

Multiple engines, new forms of propulsion, computerized controls, and exotic materials. These changes and many more are allowed under the revolutionary but blandly named “Modernization of Special Airworthiness and Certification” (MOSAIC) rule adopted by the FAA in 2025. The Van’s Aircraft RV–12 is a popular light sport aircraft under the current rules. Rules going into effect in July will expand newer technologies to larger, faster aircraft.