Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle Now Available for European Operators as a Retrofit Solution in Select King Air Aircraft
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency recently approved Garmin to offer its Autoland and Autothrottle to the retrofit market, starting with select G1000 NXi-equipped King Air 200 series aircraft.
This certification marks the first time Garmin Autoland and Garmin Autothrottle have been offered to European owners and operators as a retrofit solution. Full autothrottle integration with the G1000 NXi reduces crew workload in the cockpit by managing aircraft speed and power and provides engine protection against potential 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. See Garmin.com/ALuse for system requirements and limitations.
Garmin Autothrottle
Garmin’s Autothrottle, offered as a retrofit solution in the King Air, provides extensive safety-enhancing features and can greatly reduce workload in the busy King Air cockpit. Autothrottle is fully integrated with the G1000 NXi system and provides automatic control of the engine power levers from takeoff to landing. Autothrottle keeps power levers in the proper power setting, minimizing the threat of a possible throttle rollback. Power settings are based on manufacturer or user-configurable climb, cruise and descent schedules, including ITT limits. Additionally, Garmin Autothrottle provides ITT and torque protection by reducing power when the system senses potential overtemperature or overtorque conditions.
Autothrottle will also activate automatically in the event of an aircraft overspeed or underspeed situation and considers flap and gear position, providing additional peace of mind for pilots operating the aircraft. If Autothrottle detects an engine failure, it automatically sets the power lever on the failed side to a fixed position and adjusts the operative throttle lever to maintain the selected airspeed reference.
Garmin Autoland
The Garmin Autoland system determines the most optimal airport and runway, considering factors such as weather, fuel on board, runway surface and length, terrain, obstacles and more. In the event of an emergency, passengers can activate Autoland with the press of a button, located in the back of the center pedestal for easy access. Autoland will activate automatically when the system determines it is necessary.
Once activated, the system calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport, initiates an approach to the runway and automatically lands the aircraft. The system takes into consideration a breadth of information and criteria. It will automatically communicate with air traffic control throughout the 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 plain language so passengers have the information and know what to expect. The flight displays show the aircraft’s location on a map alongside information such as the destination airport, estimated time en route, distance to the destination airport and fuel remaining. Airspeed, altitude and aircraft heading are labeled in an easy-to-understand format, and passengers can 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 autopilot mode controller or the autopilot disconnect button on the yokes. The flight display shows a message that confirms Autoland has been deactivated and in the event of an accidental deactivation, the system shows passengers how to reactivate Autoland if needed.
During an Autoland activation, the Garmin Autothrottle system automatically manages aircraft speed and engine power so the aircraft can climb, descend or maintain altitude as needed. If temperatures are conducive to ice accumulation, Autoland activates anti-ice and deice systems for the engines and control surfaces. On approach to landing, the system initiates a controlled descent to the airport. If the aircraft needs additional time to descend or slow down during the approach, the Autoland system initiates a standard holding procedure. Once Autoland configures the landing gear and flaps, the aircraft begins its descent to the runway and lands. On the runway, 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 Vision Technology has been upgraded to include a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi airport environment to aid situational awareness while taxiing. SVT also displays 3D building footprints, including hangars, terminals and towers, taxiways, aprons, signs and other markings to help reduce runway incursions by providing guidance while taxiing at airports contained in the SafeTaxi database. These SVT updates also increase topographical clarity, sharpened water and terrain boundaries, improved obstacle and powerlines display, enhanced runway and airport sign depiction and more.
Adding on to Garmin’s electronic stability and protection technology, one engine inoperative ESP assists the pilot in maintaining control in the event of a single engine failure. ESP pitch and roll limits will adjust to prevent excessive pitch or bank angles while the pilot performs single-engine procedures. The system also includes emergency descent mode as a standard feature that is enabled automatically in the event of a loss in aircraft pressurization.
Autoland and Autothrottle are now available for retrofit installations through the approved Garmin authorized dealer network for King Air 200 G1000 NXi installations. To learn more about the G1000 NXi upgrade and Autothrottle, visit Garmin.com/kingair. Find more about Autoland at garmin.com/autonomi.
Textron Aviation Expands Service Capabilities in Australia
Textron Aviation is expanding its service footprint in Australia for King Airs as well as other Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker aircraft. The company has started work on a larger and modernized Melbourne Service Center and expects it to be fully functional in early 2026.
The new facility at Essendon Fields Airport will double the space of the current facility for servicing aircraft, aiding in faster scheduling with minimal downtime for customers seeking scheduled maintenance, modifications and aircraft-on-ground support. Essendon Fields Airport has been serving the southeastern region of Australia since 1921, making it one of the world’s oldest operating airports.
Textron Aviation operates 11 North American service centers, nine international service centers and more than 60 mobile service units. 2025 marks five years since Textron Aviation established original equipment manufacturer support in Australia. In addition to Melbourne, the company provides customer support across the continent with operations in Perth at Jandakot Airport and Gold Coast at Gold Coast Airport. Find details at txtav.com/service.
European Distribution Center Is Textron Aviation’s Second Largest
In a decade of providing parts support to Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Textron Aviation’s European Distribution Center in Düsseldorf, Germany, has grown into the company’s second-largest parts distribution center, fulfilling more than 50 percent of all European parts orders.
“Since opening, our European Distribution Center has doubled in size, added a customer support parts and warranty team and quadrupled inventory value to continue providing unrivaled support in region,” said Brad White, senior vice president, Global Parts Distribution. “Most recently, EUDC has increased stock keeping units (SKUs) by 40 percent, supporting less downtime for our customers and bolstering our commitment to provide the most robust services in the industry.”
The 21,500 square feet (2,000m2) EUDC facility supports more than 20,000 SKUs available for same-day shipment. With a global network of seven parts distribution centers and 17 stockrooms, Textron Aviation Parts offers more than 150,000 unique part numbers in stock and one of the industry’s latest cutoff times for shipping, with 99.99 percent same-day shipping on in-stock parts. Learn more at parts.txtav.com.
Textron Aviation Celebrates 10 Years at Interiors Manufacturing Facility
Textron Aviation recently marked the 10-year anniversary of its Interiors Manufacturing Facility in Wichita, Kansas. In 2015, the company acquired and rebranded the IMF facility. In 2024, the facility’s footprint expanded to 16,000 square feet, allowing Textron Aviation to support the rising demand for custom interiors in King Airs and nearly every aircraft delivery.
The IMF campus is a state-of-the-art facility for aircraft interiors manufacturing. From side and overhead paneling and upholstery stitching to the cabinetry throughout the cabin, operators and artisans use advanced technology to create and personalize each interior furnishing.
“For the past decade, the team at IMF has consistently demonstrated their expertise in designing luxurious and customized interiors for Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. Get additional information at txtav.com.