Garmin just announced G1000 NXi, a faster, modernized successor avionics suite to the G1000 integrated flight deck that made its debut in 2004. The avionics maker’s receipt of an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) clears the way to begin installing NXi systems in the King Air 200 next month, with approval for the King Air 300/350 models expected within a few weeks. Textron also announced today that the G1000 NXi is now available for the entire piston-engine line of new aircraft, including the Cessna 172, 182, T206 and the Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and the G58 Baron. Retrofits aren’t available for Textron’s piston aircraft at this time, according to the manufacturer.
The G1000 NXi system can be installed with minimal aircraft downtime and disruption of the panel because the displays preserve the same footprint and connectors as the original G1000. The system is also expected to shave about 250 pounds from the empty weight of a typical King Air.
The G1000 NXi supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the displays that now initialize within seconds after start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies and flight plan data. The NXi displays offer contemporary animations, modernized design for improved readability and new LED back-lighting for increased display brightness and clarity, reduced power consumption and improved dimming performance.
Garmin’s Connext wireless connectivity can optionally transfer aviation databases from the Garmin Pilot app on a mobile device to the G1000 NXi, as well as support two-way flight plan transfer, the sharing of traffic, weather, GPS information and backup attitude data with compatible mobile devices running Garmin Pilot or ForeFlight mobile. The D2 Bravo and D2 Bravo Titanium aviator watches also sync with the Garmin Pilot app to ensure flight plan data matches throughout the cockpit.
NXi-equipped aircraft can also fly visual approaches based on a 3-degree glideslope from the runway threshold while coupled to the autopilot, with Garmin approach options like “via vectors” or “intercept final from a straight in” similar to those found on an instrument approach procedure. The new NXi system supports geographical map overlays within the HSI of the primary flight display (PFD), as well as animated Nexrad graphics, FIS-B weather, weather radar, SafeTaxi airport diagrams, traffic and terrain information.
Garmin’s optional SurfaceWatch runway monitoring provides visual and aural cues to help prevent pilots from taking off or landing on a taxiway, on a runway that is too short, or on the wrong runway based on performance data entered during preflight. Visual and audible runway distance remaining annunciations provide aural callouts beginning at 5,000 feet through 500 feet. G1000 NXi-equipped aircraft will also comply with both FAA and EASA Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) requirements.
Look for a full pilot report on G1000 NXi in the February issue of Flying.
