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Advisory messages show up on the MFD instructing the passengers of what’s going on and what to do.
and cruise ITT limits if desired by easily entering them on the proper MFD display screen.
Keep in mind that none of this is possible without the G1000 NXi system. Similar to ESP – Electronic Stability and Protection – that is an extra-cost option for the G1000 NXi installation, both Autothrottle and Autoland are optional, extra-cost additions. My gut feeling is that very few if any future King Air G1000 NXi installations will not include these options.
ESP is very worthwhile and cool in and of itself. If a pilot exceeds 45-degrees of bank angle while hand- flying, the aileron servo will automatically start nudging the control wheel in the proper direction to reduce the bank angle. In a short time, if the pilot has not gotten the hint and leveled the wings some, then the autopilot will be automatically engage in Level mode. That should get his/her attention! In a one-engine-inoperative (OEI) situation, a bank of more than 10 degrees into the “dead” engine will also eventually trigger Level mode.
ESP also allows for coupled go-arounds. When the GA button on the left power lever is hit, the autopilot remains engaged and follows the flight director as the power levers automatically advance to takeoff power limits. Prop levers, flap handle and gear handle are still manually operated by the pilot as desired. Hitting the NAV button will cause the missed approach track to be followed.
Overspeed and underspeed protection exists. With the ability to control both pitch and power you’d have to really work hard to go faster than Vne or slower than Vs. It can be disabled for stall training sessions. There’s Vmca protection also.
Want to guess how many pages are in the Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS) that covers the G1000 NXi installation and all of its great options? A mere 210 pages! Pilots, it’s time to budget the necessary time to study and know what you are now operating. It’s not your grandpa’s King Air anymore.
Pricing? In addition to the installation of the G1000NXi system, the additional cost for autothrottles is about $45,000 and for Autoland is $33,000. This does not include the avionics shop labor. Very ballpark estimates of shop hours are 80 for AT and 200 for AL.
As an old-timer raised on round-dial “steam gauges,” I am not an expert in operating and fully understanding the “glass panels” that are now so commonplace. I can fumble through, but it ain’t pretty. Considering that young, new pilots very likely received a lot of their training in a Garmin G1000-equipped 172, their step up to a King Air with a Garmin panel will be easy!
If it’s not obvious by now, I like what Garmin is bringing to the King Air table ... I like it a lot! I wonder how long it will be before a human pilot will become an extra-cost option? KA
King Air expert Tom Clements has been flying and instructing in King Airs for over 50 years and is the author of “The King Air Book” and “The King Air Book II.” He is a Gold Seal CFI and has over 23,000 total hours with more than 15,000 in King Airs. For information on ordering his books, contact Tom direct at twcaz@msn.com. Tom is actively mentoring the instructors at King Air Academy in Phoenix.
10 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2023