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Garmin Autoland/Autothrottle: Enhancing Safety While Reducing Workload

Company now offers this functionality for the iconic King Air if you happen to own one that meets specific parameters.

A King Air 200 graces an airport runway at sunset. [Shutterstock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Garmin's Autoland and Autothrottle systems are being integrated into legacy aircraft, like the King Air 200/B200, through the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) process.
  • The Autothrottle reduces pilot workload, improves fuel efficiency, and enhances safety by providing engine protection and managing flight parameters across all phases.
  • Autoland acts as an emergency safety feature for scenarios such as pilot incapacitation, enabling the aircraft to autonomously select and execute a safe landing, manage ATC communication, and inform passengers.
  • Installation requires a significant avionics upgrade to the Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck, along with specific aircraft model and engine prerequisites, involving a complex maintenance and testing process.
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As new technology emerges that increases the capability and safety of new aircraft, the same or similar functionality finds its way into the legacy fleet via the supplemental type certificate (STC) process.

Upgrading aircraft, especially avionics and automation, enables owners to reinvest in an aircraft that may already be fully depreciated rather than purchasing new or late-model aircraft for significantly more money—if you can afford the downtime.

Richard Scarbrough

Richard is a US Navy Veteran, A&P Mechanic, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. His experience ranges from general and corporate aviation to helicopters, business jets, and commercial airliners. Former owner of a 145 repair station, he currently has an aerospace product management role and is a member of the T-C-Alliance. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @RScarCo.

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