Textron Aviation is using the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-in & Expo at Lakeland, Florida, to debut the updated Garmin G1000 NXi next-generation integrated flight deck in the piston-powered Beechcraft Baron G58, Beechcraft Bonanza G36, Cessna Turbo Stationair HD and Cessna Skylane.
The avionics upgrade is also available on the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and Cessna Citation M2 light jet, which will be highlighted but not exhibited at the show.
Chris Crow, VP Piston Sales, explained: “We launched the upgrade earlier in the year to enhance the G1000 NXi’s already powerful satellite-based navigation capabilities, digital flight management tools, and its graphical display technologies.”
New equipment added to the avionics suite includes the latest Garmin GMA 1360 audio panel, offering enhanced audio capabilities and Bluetooth audio link for pairing portable electronic devices to the flight deck.
The GFC 700 digital autopilot with Enhanced Automatic Flight Control System (E-AFCS) is also new and installed as standard on production-line Skylane, Turbo Stationair HD, Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 aircraft – is it optional on the classic Cessna Skyhawk piston single.
E-AFCS brings a range of automated features, among them Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) with auto-level functionality, Underspeed Protection (USP) and Coupled Go-Around, designed to help pilots maintain an optimal flight envelope, while enhancing their all-important situational awareness.
New-production Baron G58 piston twins also feature Garmin’s GWX 75 Doppler weather radar, generating onboard weather data and enabling customisation of the weather picture on individual cockpit displays. Used in conjunction with optional turbulence detection and ground suppression technology, the radar eases navigation around poor weather.
Optionally available across the Cessna and Beechcraft piston lines, and on the Grand Caravan EX, Garmin’s GSR 56 Iridium satellite receiver is also new.
It provides a downlink for weather services, and provides pilots with voice call and text messaging options via a customisable Garmin subscription service.