Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle for King Air 200

First Retrofit Certification of Garmin Autoland

Garmin is pleased to announce their revolutionary Autoland and Autothrottle capability is nearing imminent STC approval on select G1000® NXi-equipped King Air 200 series aircraft, with future certification for the King Air 300 series expected in 2024. This certification marks the first time Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle have been offeredas a retrofit solution, as well as the first certification with G1000 NXi. Full Autothrottle integration with the G1000 NXireduces crew workload in the cockpit by managing aircraft speed and power and provides engine protection againstpotential 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.

Garmin Autothrottle

Garmin Autothrottle provides extensive safety-enhancing features andgreatly reduces the workload in the busy King Air cockpit. Autothrottleis fully integrated with the G1000 NXi system and provides automaticcontrol of the engine power levers from takeoff to landing. Autothrottlekeeps power levers in the proper power setting, negating the threat ofa possible throttle rollback. Power settings are based on manufactureror user-configurable climb, cruise, and descent schedules, includingITT limits. Additionally, Garmin Autothrottle provides ITT and torqueprotection by reducing power when the system senses potentialovertemperature or overtorque conditions.

Once activated, the system calculates a flight path to the most suitableairport, initiates an approach to the runway and automatically lands the aircraft. The system takes intoconsideration 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 plainlanguage, so passengers have the information and know what to expect. The flight displays show the aircraft’slocation on a map alongside information such as the destination airport, estimated time enroute, distance to thedestination airport and fuel remaining. Airspeed, altitude and aircraft heading are labeled in an easy-to-understandformat and passengers also have the option to communicate with ATC by following instructions on the multi-function display.

At any time, a pilot can easily deactivate Autoland with a single press of the “AP” autopilot key on the autopilotmode controller, or the autopilot disconnect button on the yokes. The flight display shows a message that confirmsAutoland has been deactivated and in the event of an accidental deactivation, the system shows passengers howto reactivate Autoland if needed.

During an Autoland activation, the Garmin Autothrottle system is used to automatically manage aircraft speed andengine power so the aircraft can climb, descend or maintain altitude as needed. If temperatures are conducive toice accumulation, Autoland activates anti-ice and deice systems for the engines and control surfaces. Onapproach to landing, the system initiates a controlled descent to the airport. If the aircraft needs additional time todescend or slow down during the approach, the Autoland system initiates a standard holding procedure. OnceAutoland configures the landing gear and flaps, the aircraft begins its descent to the runway and lands. On therunway, 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.

New G1000 Nxi Features

With the latest G1000 NXi upgrades, King Air owners can take advantage of additional features. Synthetic VisionTechnology (SVT™) has been upgraded to now include a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi ® airport environmentto aid situational awareness while taxiing. SVT also displays 3D building footprints including hangars, terminalsand towers, taxiways, aprons, signs and other markings to help reduce runway incursions by providing guidancewhile taxiing at airports contained in the SafeTaxi database. These SVT updates also increase topographicalclarity, sharpened water and terrain boundaries, improved obstacle and powerlines display, enhanced runway andairport sign depiction and more.

Additionally, Garmin’s recently announced PlaneSync™ connected aircraft management system 2 will simplify thelives of King Air 3 owners and operators by automating database updates, providing real-time remote aircraftstatus 4 and automatically transmitting flight log and engine data to the cloud after landing 5. The system alsoincludes Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) as a standard feature that is enabled automatically, in the event of aloss in aircraft pressurization.

Adding on to Garmin’s revolutionary electronic stability and protection (ESP™) technology, one engine inoperativeESP assists the pilot in maintaining control in the event of a single engine failure. ESP pitch and roll limits willadjust to prevent excessive pitch or bank angles while the pilot performs single engine procedures.

Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle for select King Air 200 configurations are expected to be available in the thirdquarter of 2023. Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle are expected to be available for additional King Air 200and King Air 300 series aircraft in 2024. Similar to other Garmin Integrated Flight Deck installations, this installationwill be available to approved G1000 NXi installers.