Garmin said yesterday a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) makes many operators of King Air series aircraft – King Air 200/250/300/350 – eligible to upgrade their aircraft cockpits to an updated version of the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck.
One feature, a Bluetooth-enabled audio panel for the G1000 NXi, offers an expanded feature set alongside innovative sound quality. Garmin says the new audio panel is a slide-in replacement requiring minor wiring modifications. It includes a 3D audio processing reflecting how people naturally process sound and conversation, differentiating audio sources by their unique locations or seat positions. For example, sound from comm 1 will come from the left, whereas sound from comm 2 will sound as though it’s coming from the right. Pilots can listen to a demonstration here by using a pair of stereo headphones.
Advanced auto squelch automatically adapts to the cockpit’s noise level and allows for natural conversation through headsets and includes a six-place stereo intercom and support for up to three stereo music inputs. Split-comm mode allows the pilot and co-pilot to broadcast independently on two separate frequencies and contains dedicated pilot and co-pilot music and intercom volume control knobs. Additionally, a built-in digital clearance recorder can record up to 60 seconds of selected comm radio transmissions so pilots can easily play back difficult clearances. Pilots can also connect a smartphone or tablet to the audio panel via Bluetooth to easily make or receive phone calls, stream audio entertainment or wirelessly connect to select Garmin HD action cameras.
Also included in this upgrade is a split-screen view on the MFD, offering a simultaneous view of maps, charts, checklists, flight plans and more on a single screen. Pilots can view decoded Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF’s) on the primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function displays (MFD).
Garmin’s GWX 75 weather radar, also compatible with the G1000 NXi-equipped King Air, offers exceptional range and a new, enhanced color palette featuring four-times more color contouring than traditional weather radars. The Doppler-based, solid-state GWX 75 offers a range of 320 nautical miles, horizontal scan angles of up to 120 degrees and, to focus on an area of interest, pilot-adjustable sector scanning. Optional features such as Doppler-enabled turbulence detection and ground clutter suppression are also available with the GWX 75.
Garmin Authorized Dealers are ready to provide upgrade pricing information.
