Garmin has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency approval to offer its Autoland and Autothrottle systems as retrofit options for select G1000 NXi-equipped King Air 200 aircraft. This marks the first time these automated safety features have been available to European operators of the model.

Garmin Autothrottle integrates fully with the G1000 NXi, reducing crew workload by managing power settings from takeoff to landing. The system automatically adjusts power levers to optimise performance while preventing exceedances of temperature or torque limits. It also responds to overspeed or underspeed conditions and manages power in the event of an engine failure.

Autoland, designed for emergencies where crew members are unable to operate the aircraft, selects the optimal airport based on weather, fuel, terrain and other factors. Passengers can activate it via a dedicated button and the system autonomously flies, communicates with air traffic control and lands the aircraft.

Garmin has also introduced enhancements to its G1000 NXi upgrade for King Air, including improved Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) with a 3D airport view, better topographical clarity and enhanced obstacle depiction. Additional safety features include one-engine inoperative stability protection and Emergency Descent Mode for automatic pressurisation loss response.

Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle are now available for retrofit installation through Garmin’s authorised dealer network.