Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle Receive EASA Certification for Retrofit Installations in Select Beechcraft King Air Aircraft
Garmin has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA certification for the retrofit installation of Garmin Autoland and Garmin Autothrottle in select G1000 NXi-equipped King Air 200 series aircraft. This certification represents the first twin-engine approval for Garmin Autoland in Europe and introduces these automation features to European operators as a retrofit solution. The King Air 200 series, introduced more than five decades ago, now has the option to integrate full Autothrottle capabilities, which reduce crew workload by managing speed and power while protecting against engine exceedances. In emergencies where the crew is unable to operate the aircraft, Garmin Autoland can assume control and complete a landing without pilot intervention.
Garmin Autothrottle
Garmin Autothrottle, now available as a retrofit option for the King Air, provides automated engine power control from takeoff to landing. Fully integrated with the G1000 NXi system, it adjusts power levers according to manufacturer or user-defined climb, cruise, and descent schedules while applying limits to prevent excessive temperatures or torque levels. The system can automatically reduce power to prevent overtemperature or overtorque conditions and will adjust throttle settings if an overspeed or underspeed situation is detected.
In the event of an engine failure, Autothrottle automatically positions the power lever of the affected engine while adjusting the operative throttle lever to maintain the selected airspeed. It also takes flap and gear positions into account, providing an additional layer of control for pilots managing complex flight conditions.
Source Garmin.com
Garmin Autoland
Garmin Autoland enhances operational safety by determining the most suitable airport and runway in the event of an emergency. The system evaluates multiple factors, including weather conditions, fuel levels, terrain, obstacles, and runway suitability. Passengers can activate Autoland manually by pressing a dedicated button, or the system will engage automatically when necessary.
Once activated, Autoland calculates an approach, communicates with air traffic control ATC, and navigates the aircraft through landing. Throughout the process, the system provides passengers with visual and verbal updates, including estimated time en route, remaining fuel, and aircraft position. The flight display presents clear, easy-to-read data, and passengers can follow on-screen instructions to communicate with ATC if needed.
Pilots can deactivate Autoland at any time by pressing the autopilot key or the autopilot disconnect button on the yoke. If the system is unintentionally disengaged, prompts on the flight display guide passengers on how to reactivate it.
During Autoland activation, Autothrottle adjusts speed and power to facilitate climbs, descents, or level flight as required. If icing conditions are detected, the system automatically activates de-icing measures. Before landing, Autoland configures the landing gear and flaps, executes a controlled descent, and, if necessary, initiates a holding pattern to allow for additional descent time. On touchdown, the system applies automatic braking while maintaining centerline alignment before shutting down the engines to ensure a safe aircraft exit.
New G1000 NXi Features
The latest G1000 NXi updates introduce additional capabilities for King Air operators. Synthetic Vision Technology SVT now includes a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi airport environment to improve situational awareness during taxiing. SVT also displays 3D representations of buildings, taxiways, signage, and other airport infrastructure to assist in navigating controlled surfaces. Enhancements include improved topographical clarity, sharper terrain and water boundaries, refined obstacle and powerline depictions, and clearer runway markings.
A new one-engine inoperative stability and protection system expands Garmin’s electronic stability and protection ESP technology. This function helps pilots maintain control during single-engine operations by adjusting pitch and roll limits to prevent excessive bank angles. Emergency Descent Mode EDM is also included as a standard feature, automatically activating in response to cabin depressurization.
Take Out
Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle are now available for retrofit installation through Garmin’s Authorized Dealer network for King Air 200 aircraft equipped with the G1000 NXi system.