Article updated on January 9, 2024
Garmin has announced imminent FAA certification of Garmin Autoland and Garmin Autothrottle to the retrofit market. It will begin with select G1000 NXi-equipped King Air 200 series aircraft, and soon after, select King Air 300 series aircraft.
“Bringing Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle to the Beechcraft King Air, and for the first time to the aftermarket, is a tremendous step toward transforming the general and business aviation fleet with safety-enhancing autonomous technologies," said Phil Staub, Garmin Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Aviation.
"The G1000 King Air retrofit program was launched in 2007, initially on the King Air C90, with now over 800 G1000 retrofits in the King Air fleet," said Staub. "We are pleased to provide these operators an upgrade path to Autoland and Autothrottle, demonstrating our deep commitment to developing and continually supporting G1000 and our customers that have trusted us with this investment in their aircraft.”
The certification will mark the first time Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle have been offered as a retrofit solution. According to Garmin, full Autothrottle integration with the G1000 NXi reduces crew workload in the cockpit by managing aircraft speed and power and provides engine protection against potential engine exceedances. In the event of an emergency where the crew can no longer perform their duties, Garmin Autoland can control and land the aircraft without human intervention.
Video preview of Garmin Autothrottle - Garmin
Requirements of Autothrottle include:
- G1000 NXi with Phase 2 hardware (GIA 64, GMA 1060, GWX 75)
- 80 hours labor
- "OEI-ESP" (One-Engine Inoperative ESP) included
- $44,995*
Garmin touted the host of features the Autothrottle provides including:
• Provides automatic control of the engine power levers from takeoff to landing
• Keeps power levers in the proper power setting, negating the threat of possible throttle rollback
• Power settings are based on manufacturer user-configurable climb, cruise, and descent schedules, including ITT limits
• Provides ITT and torque protection by reducing power when the system senses potential over-temperature or over-torque conditions
Finally, the Autothrottle will also activate automatically in the event of an aircraft overspeed or underspeed situation and takes into account flap and gear position, providing additional peace of mind for pilots operating the aircraft. If Autothrottle detects an engine failure, it automatically sets the power lever on the failed side to a fixed position and adjusts the operative throttle lever to maintain the selected airspeed reference.
Video preview of Garmin Autoland - Garmin
As for Garmin Autoland, the system determines the most optimal airport and runway, considering factors such as weather, fuel on board, runway surface and length, terrain, obstacles and more. In the event of an emergency, passengers can activate Autoland by the press of a button, located in the back of the center pedestal for easy access. Autoland can also activate automatically if the system determines it’s necessary.
Once activated, the system calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport, initiates an approach to the runway and automatically lands the aircraft. The system takes into consideration a breadth of information and criteria and will automatically communicate with air traffic control (ATC) throughout the entire event, advising controllers and pilots operating near the aircraft of its location and intentions.
Throughout an Autoland activation, the system provides simple visual and verbal communications in plain language, so passengers have the information and know what to expect. The flight displays show the aircraft’s location on a map alongside information such as the destination airport, estimated time enroute, distance to the destination airport and fuel remaining. Airspeed, altitude and aircraft heading are labeled in an easy-to-understand format and passengers also have the option to communicate with ATC by following instructions on the multi-function display.
Garmin Autoland - Garmin
At any time, a pilot can easily deactivate Autoland with a single press of the “AP” autopilot key on the autopilot mode controller, or the autopilot disconnect button on the yokes. The flight display shows a message that confirms Autoland has been deactivated and in the event of an accidental deactivation, the system shows passengers how to reactivate Autoland if needed.
During an Autoland activation, the Garmin Autothrottle system is used to automatically manage aircraft speed and engine power so the aircraft can climb, descend or maintain altitude as needed. If temperatures are conducive to ice accumulation, Autoland activates anti-ice and deice systems for the engines and control surfaces.
Garmin Autothrottle - Garmin
On approach to landing, the system initiates a controlled descent to the airport. If the aircraft needs additional time to descend or slow down during the approach, the Autoland system initiates a standard holding procedure. Once Autoland configures the landing gear and flaps, the aircraft begins its descent to the runway and lands. On the runway, automatic braking is applied while tracking the runway centerline to bring the aircraft to a complete stop. Engine shutdown is also automated so occupants can safely exit the aircraft.
Requirements of Autoland include:
- B200 King Air with G1000 NXi
- King Air 300/350 to be added in 2024
- Phase 2 hardware (GIA 64, GMA 1060, GW 75)
- Autothrottle
- 300 hours labor (80 for AT + 220 for EAL)
- Hydraulic Landing Gear
- Electric Gear King Air 200s to be added at a later time
- $77,990* List
- Excludes labor (Estimated 300 hours)
- "OEI-ESP" included with Autothrottle
- Add $75,000* if Phase 2 hardware is needed
Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle are planned to be available in the third quarter of 2023 for retrofit installations. These will be provided by the Garmin Authorized Dealer network for King Air 200 G1000 NXi installations. Planned availability for King Air 300 series aircraft will be in 2024.
More information about the new systems can be found at www.garmin.com/KingAir.
*All costs are specific to Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems.
Author: Scott Cooper
Info/Photos/Videos: Garmin Press Release/Garmin Website