Duncan Aviation recently installed a full Garmin avionics upgrade in a Citation CJ2 aircraft at its Denver, Colorado satellite. The Garmin STC used covers installation of dual 10.6-inch G600 TXi displays, dual GTN 750Xi navigators (if not already installed), a seven inch portrait TXi EIS display, the GFC 600 autopilot system, a GMA 350 Audio Panel, and GI 275 Standby instruments.

One of the biggest advantages of this installation is the addition of the GFC 600 autopilot. The autopilot provides coupled VNAV descents and fully coupled go-arounds, as well as Garmin's Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) which functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background by nudging the pilot to return the aircraft back to an appropriate flight attitude while manually flying the aircraft. The system has the ability to fly a wide range of precision, non-precision and GPS-guided approaches and holds and even build custom holds if necessary. The system also includes Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) in the event of loss of cabin pressurisation where the aircraft is capable of automatically descending to a preset altitude without pilot intervention to help avert hypoxic situations.

This customer chose to also instal the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar with auto mode that eliminates the requirement for pilots to manually adjust the radar, resulting in a comprehensive weather depiction with simplified operation. GWX 8000 also includes enhanced ground clutter suppression technology that applies advanced algorithms in conjunction with an onboard terrain database to eliminate non-weather returns from the display for a more consistent, more accurate view of weather at all altitudes and all ranges when in manual mode. The upgrade also has the option to add PlaneSync connected aircraft management system that automatically updates your avionics databases, logs flight/engine data and lets you remotely check fuel and systems status via the Garmin Pilot app.

“The installation went really well and it is the first of three CJ2s that will receive the upgrade in close succession,” says satellite manager Edduyn Pita. “We performed a similar installation earlier this year when we installed the G600 TXi in our company-owned PC-12, so we are developing installation efficiencies. That aircraft, in addition to receiving cutting-edge technology in the flight deck, also saw significant weight savings of over 160 pounds.”

“We are thrilled to have the Duncan Aviation team committed to installation excellence of this comprehensive Garmin avionics upgrade for the CJ2, PC-12 and many other airframes,” says Jim Alpiser, director of aviation aftermarket sales for Garmin. “Aircraft owners will be pleased with the incredible capabilities and value these avionics upgrades add to the airframe.”

With this first CJ2 installation completed, Duncan Aviation anticipates that future G600 TXi installations will be completed within eight weeks. To make the most of the required aircraft downtime, the Denver Satellite partnered with Straight Flight, another FAA Part 145 Repair Station at Centennial airport, to perform needed airframe inspections and maintenance during the flight deck upgrade.

CJ operators have shown significant interest in this flight deck upgrade. Anticipating this demand, several facilities in Duncan Aviation's satellite network are gearing up to complete these installations, including Austin, Denver, Houston, Sacramento, St Paul and Manassas. Some of these shops have developed relationships with quality, local airframe service providers to complete any necessary inspections and maintenance, ensuring that both the avionics and airframe technicians working on these aircraft are trained specifically for the CitationJet models.

“Duncan Aviation has an excellent relationship with Garmin, deep expertise in Garmin systems, and can rely on the engineering support and expertise available at our full-service MRO facilities as we complete these upgrades within our Satellite network,” says completions/modifications sales manager Nate Klenke.