Garmin has delivered the 1,000th G1000 integrated flight deck retrofit for King Air aircraft, a programme it describes as the most successful flight deck retrofit in aviation history. By replacing ageing avionics with a fully integrated flight deck, the upgrade helps operators extend the useful service of the King Air while gaining advanced capabilities and improved reliability.

The 1,000th aircraft, a C-12 Huron, was upgraded by Stevens Aerospace and Defense with G1000 NXi and Garmin Autothrottle and delivered on 6 October.

Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president aviation sales, marketing, programmes and support, says: “Reaching 1,000 King Air retrofits is a testament to the enduring value of this programme and the trust customers place in Garmin and our authorised dealer network.”

Garmin received the first supplemental type certificate for a King Air G1000 retrofit in November 2007, followed by the January 2017 certification of G1000 NXi. The programme has since expanded across multiple King Air variants, including the C90A/B, 200, B200, 300 and 350 series and C-12 variants, with foreign certification validations supporting upgrades around the world.

The retrofit replaces legacy avionics with large-screen displays and safety-enhancing features. G1000 NXi adds Synthetic Vision Technology, including a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi airport environment, Emergency Descent Mode as standard in the event of a loss of pressurisation and one engine inoperative ESP, which adjusts pitch and roll limits while the pilot performs single engine procedures.

For eligible aircraft, Garmin Autothrottle manages engine power from take-off through landing, protecting against interstage turbine temperature and torque exceedances and adjusting power following an engine failure. Garmin Autoland can take control if the crew is no longer able to perform their duties, selecting a suitable airport, communicating with air traffic control, landing the aircraft and shutting down the engines without human intervention.

Wolf adds: “From the original G1000 installation to today’s G1000 NXi platform with advanced capabilities such as Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland, we have continued to expand the programme to serve King Air operators and missions around the world.”

Later this year, Garmin expects to certify Autothrottle and Autoland for King Air aircraft with increased gross weight STCs up to 16,500lb.