Garmin International has made expanded engine monitoring capability available for select Pilatus PC-12/45 and PC-12/47 aircraft with the addition of the TXi Engine Indication System (EIS) display. This upgrade offers PC-12 owners and operators a fully modernised, complete Garmin cockpit retrofit solution that includes the GFC 600 autopilot, G600 TXi primary flight display, GTN Xi navigators, GTX ADS-B transponders and GWX weather radar and more.

Additionally, Garmin has received FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for the GFC 600 autopilot in the PC-12/47.

For PC-12 owners and operators, the TXi EIS can be installed as part of a complete package that includes G600 TXi 10.6” flight display(s), GTN Xi series navigators, GFC 600 autopilot and a GI 275 electronic flight instrument configured as a standby flight instrument. With this installation, the system offers new operational capabilities and features including autopilot-coupled VNAV descents, fully coupled missed approaches, and Smart Glide safety technology, which can automatically engage the autopilot and pitch for the aircraft's best glide speed while simultaneously navigating the aircraft within the vicinity of the selected airport so the pilot can execute an approach and landing in the event of an engine failure. Further, the installation of this package also removes legacy avionics and wiring, aiding in weight savings. Other optional upgrades include an audio panel, ADS-B transponder, Iridium datalink, weather radar, datalink SiriusXM weather and Garmin Connext connectivity via the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway.

With TXi EIS, PC-12 owners and operators can now replace ageing and costly to replace EIS gauges with a variety of modernised displays. The upgrade allows pilots to more clearly read and analyse critical engine, fuel and electrical parameters while simplifying the cockpit. PC-12 owners and operators can continue to benefit from the auto-start, automatic ignition and fuel balancing functionality previously supported by the original EIS system. When using multiple TXi displays, pilots can also benefit from display backup capability to help prevent the loss of PFD or EIS information during a single-display failure.

All TXi EIS gauge indications display real-time turbine engine information using distinct colours, bands and radials to clearly depict normal operating ranges as well as limitations, so pilots can more easily interpret engine data at-a-glance. Select turboprop gauges can be configured to change their markings based on pressure altitude, outside air temperature or smart sequence, with configuration taking place during installation so pilots can more easily operate the engine within its limitations during changing flight conditions.

Utilising gauge limit timers, TXi EIS helps pilots maintain the engine within its allowed limits to avoid engine exceedances and, as a result, costly maintenance procedures. The pilot can review the exceedance and share it with maintenance professionals for post-flight analysis.

To assist with tracking maintenance activities, controlling operating costs and analysing overall engine health, built-in engine data logging is included, to be automatically stored on an SD card in the display. When the TXi EIS display is paired with the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway, information is wirelessly transferred and stored within the Garmin Pilot app and automatically uploaded to the flyGarmin website. Engine and flight cycles are also recorded to help identify aircraft systems that depend on those limits.

Pilots can more precisely monitor fuel calculations with the integrated fuel computer. After making a fuel stop, pilots can enter the fuel data by selecting 'full fuel' or by adding a specified amount. When airborne, the system monitors fuel flow and GPS information to estimate fuel range, endurance and how much fuel is expected to be available at the destination airport.

The GFC 600 digital autopilot is also now certified for select PC-12/47 aircraft. Incorporating solid state attitude with robust self-monitoring capabilities, it provides superior autopilot performance, greater reliability and tremendous safety tools.