Training & Certification
Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle Retrofit Certified for King Air 350
FAA certifies Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle retrofit for Beechcraft King Air 350, enhancing safety and automation for existing aircraft fleets.
Introduction
The aviation industry is experiencing a pivotal shift with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of Garmin’s Autoland and Autothrottle systems for retrofit installation in select Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft equipped with the G1000 NXi flight deck. This milestone marks the first time these advanced autonomous safety technologies are available as retrofit solutions for twin-engine turboprop aircraft, expanding their reach beyond new aircraft deliveries to the vast existing fleet. The development not only enhances operational safety for one of the most widely used turboprop platforms but also underscores the growing momentum toward intelligent automation in general aviation.
Garmin’s certification signals a new era where Automation can intervene during critical flight scenarios, such as pilot incapacitation or engine failure, to prevent accidents and reduce pilot workload. As the retrofit and modernization market grows, the availability of such technologies offers operators a cost-effective way to upgrade safety and efficiency without the need for new aircraft acquisition. This article explores the historical evolution, technical capabilities, market implications, and future prospects of Garmin’s Autoland and Autothrottle retrofit certification for the King Air 350.
Historical Development of Autoland Technology
Autoland technology has its origins in the post-World War II era, when poor visibility at European airports necessitated the automation of landings to improve safety. The Blind Landing Experimental Unit, established in the mid-1940s in the United Kingdom, pioneered research that led to the first successful autoland systems. These early efforts demonstrated that autopilots could track Instrument Landing System (ILS) signals more accurately than human pilots, especially in low-visibility conditions. The principles established during this period, such as minimum visibility requirements and target safety levels, remain foundational to autoland system certification today.
Garmin began its journey into emergency autoland technology in 2001, launching a full-scale development program in 2010. The company invested heavily, with over 100 employees and significant financial resources dedicated to the project. Extensive flight testing, including hundreds of test landings across multiple aircraft types, culminated in the first commercial certification of Garmin Autoland on the Cirrus Vision Jet in 2020. This achievement was recognized with the 2020 Collier Trophy, awarded for the greatest achievement in American aeronautics or astronautics.
Since then, Garmin has expanded autoland capabilities to other platforms, including the Piper M600 and, more recently, the Beechcraft King Air series. The progression from single-engine to twin-engine aircraft certification required additional safety analysis to address the complexities of multi-engine operations. The King Air 350 certification represents the latest step in this evolution, bringing advanced automation to a broader segment of the general aviation market.
“The certification of Autoland and Autothrottle for retrofit installation on the King Air 350 is a transformative step in general aviation safety, offering unprecedented emergency response capabilities to existing aircraft operators.”
King Air 350 Aircraft Platform and Market Analysis
Platform Overview and Capabilities
The Beechcraft King Air 350 is a flagship twin-engine turboprop, renowned for its versatility, reliability, and performance. Introduced in 1990, the aircraft features a maximum takeoff weight of 15,000 pounds, a cruise speed of 320 knots, and a range of up to 1,800 nautical miles in standard configurations. Its spacious cabin, robust landing gear, and ability to operate from shorter or unimproved runways make it a preferred choice for corporate, government, and special mission operators worldwide.
The King Air 350’s popularity is reflected in its fleet size, nearly 800 units produced between 1990 and 2009, and its strong value retention in the pre-owned market. Operators appreciate its operational flexibility, lower operating costs compared to jets, and compatibility with advanced avionics upgrades like the Garmin G1000 NXi. This makes the King Air 350 an ideal candidate for retrofit solutions that enhance safety and automation.
Market data indicates that approximately 5% of the King Air 350 fleet is for sale at any given time, with asking prices ranging from $2.25 million to $6 million depending on age, usage, and equipment. The aircraft’s enduring appeal and broad operator base create a substantial addressable market for retrofit technologies like Autoland and Autothrottle.
Retrofit Market Dynamics and Economic Impact
The aircraft retrofit and modernization market is experiencing robust growth, driven by aging fleets and the high cost of new aircraft. The global aircraft refurbishing market was valued at over $24 billion in 2023 and is projected to surpass $39 billion by 2030. For Military-Aircraft, the global modernization and retrofit market is expected to grow from $62.6 billion in 2024 to $84.8 billion by 2033. North America leads this sector, benefiting from technological expertise and a large installed base of legacy aircraft.
For operators, retrofitting provides a cost-effective path to extend aircraft service life, improve safety, and comply with evolving regulatory and insurance requirements. Garmin’s integrated G1000 NXi platform streamlines the retrofit process, reducing installation costs and enabling the seamless addition of advanced features such as Autoland and Autothrottle. This approach not only lowers barriers to adoption but also creates opportunities for recurring revenue through software updates and maintenance contracts.
The economic benefits extend to job creation and skill development within the aviation maintenance and services sector. Authorized Garmin dealers and service centers are equipped to perform these complex installations, supporting local economies and fostering specialized technical expertise.
Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Milestones
Garmin’s leadership in the Avionics market is underpinned by its comprehensive product portfolio, vertical integration, and strong brand reputation. The company holds a dominant position in aviation GPS and marine navigation, with limited competition from other avionics manufacturers. Its commitment to research and development, evidenced by nearly $1 billion in annual R&D spending, enables continuous innovation in automation and safety technologies.
The certification of Autoland and Autothrottle for the King Air 350 follows a deliberate regulatory process involving extensive validation and safety analysis. The FAA approval builds upon earlier certifications for single-engine aircraft, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also certified these systems for retrofit on King Air 200 models. This dual recognition facilitates global market access and sets a precedent for future international certifications.
As the retrofit market expands, Garmin’s integrated approach positions it favorably against competitors who offer only component solutions. The ability to provide a complete avionics ecosystem, spanning navigation, automation, and safety, creates compelling value for operators seeking to modernize their fleets efficiently.
Technical Capabilities and Safety Implications
Autothrottle and Autoland Functionality
Garmin’s Autothrottle system automates engine power management throughout all phases of flight, from takeoff to landing. It maintains engine protection by preventing exceedances of temperature and torque limits and can automatically adjust throttle settings based on climb, cruise, and descent profiles. In emergency scenarios, such as engine failure, Autothrottle can instantly set the failed engine’s power lever and optimize the operative engine for safe flight, reducing pilot workload and minimizing the risk of incorrect responses.
The Autoland system is even more sophisticated, capable of autonomously navigating the aircraft to a safe landing in the event of pilot incapacitation or other emergencies. It evaluates multiple factors, including weather, fuel, runway suitability, and terrain, when selecting a diversion airport. Autoland also communicates with air traffic control and provides real-time updates to passengers, ensuring clarity and coordination during an emergency landing sequence.
Activation of Autoland can be initiated by pilots or passengers via a dedicated, guarded button, or automatically if the system detects a critical emergency. To prevent inadvertent activation, pilots can easily disengage the system using standard autopilot disconnect procedures.
“In the event of engine failure, Garmin’s Autothrottle system can automatically manage throttle settings to maintain safe airspeed and directional control, providing a critical safety net during high-stress situations.”
Accident Prevention and Safety Record
The King Air family has an impressive safety record, with more than 40 million flight hours and a lower accident rate than many comparable twin-engine aircraft. However, specific incidents highlight the potential for automation to prevent tragedies. For example, a 2019 King Air 350 crash following an engine failure and incorrect rudder input resulted in the loss of all 10 people aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board identified pilot error during a high-stress emergency as a key factor.
Automated systems like Autothrottle and Autoland are designed to address precisely these scenarios. By providing immediate, correct responses to engine failures and other emergencies, they reduce the likelihood of human error and ensure that critical procedures are executed without delay. Industry experts and accident investigators acknowledge that such technology could have prevented certain fatal Accidents by maintaining control and executing emergency landings autonomously.
The psychological challenges faced by pilots during emergencies, such as stress-induced impairment, underscore the value of automation as a safety backup. Consistent, reliable system performance provides an additional layer of protection for both pilots and passengers.
Training, Implementation, and Future Prospects
Successful adoption of advanced automation relies on comprehensive training for pilots and maintenance technicians. Garmin provides both ground and flight training to ensure crews understand normal and emergency operations, system limitations, and manual override procedures. Simulator-based training allows pilots to experience emergency scenarios and practice activating Autoland in a controlled environment.
Maintenance personnel also require specialized training to service and troubleshoot these complex systems. Garmin’s authorized service network supports ongoing training and ensures high standards of installation quality and system reliability. Operational integration includes updating standard operating procedures, checklists, and emergency protocols to incorporate new automation capabilities.
Looking ahead, the certification of Autoland and Autothrottle for retrofit installation is a stepping stone toward broader adoption of autonomous flight technologies. As artificial intelligence, sensor integration, and regulatory frameworks evolve, the industry is likely to see routine automation move from emergency backup to standard operation, further enhancing safety and efficiency across the general aviation fleet.
Conclusion
Garmin’s FAA certification of Autoland and Autothrottle for the King Air 350 is a landmark achievement in aviation safety and automation. By making these systems available as retrofit solutions, Garmin empowers operators to enhance the Safety of existing aircraft without the prohibitive costs of new acquisitions. The economic and operational benefits are significant, with the retrofit market poised for continued growth as operators seek to modernize aging fleets and comply with evolving safety standards.
This certification not only addresses critical safety challenges, such as emergency response and pilot incapacitation, but also sets the stage for the future evolution of autonomous flight. As technology matures and regulatory acceptance grows, systems like Autoland and Autothrottle are likely to become standard features, democratizing access to advanced safety and automation for operators worldwide.
FAQ
What is Garmin Autoland?
Garmin Autoland is an emergency automation system that can autonomously land an aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation or other critical situations. It selects a suitable airport, navigates to it, communicates with air traffic control, and lands the plane safely without pilot input.
What does the Autothrottle system do?
The Autothrottle system automatically manages engine power settings throughout all phases of flight, optimizing performance and protecting against engine exceedances. In emergencies, it can instantly adjust throttle settings to maintain safe flight profiles.
Which King Air 350 aircraft are eligible for the retrofit?
The retrofit is available for select Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck. Operators should consult with Garmin or authorized dealers for specific eligibility criteria.
How does Autoland improve safety?
Autoland provides an automated backup in emergencies, executing critical procedures such as diversion, approach, and landing autonomously. This reduces the risk of pilot error during high-stress situations and can prevent accidents caused by incapacitation or incorrect manual responses.
Has Autoland been certified outside the United States?
Yes, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified Autoland and Autothrottle for retrofit installation on King Air 200 aircraft equipped with G1000 NXi avionics, paving the way for broader international adoption.
Sources:
prnewswire.com,
Beechcraft
Photo Credit: Garmin
Training & Certification
CAE Adds Four Business Jet Simulators Across the Americas
CAE deploys four full-flight simulators in the Americas for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 amid talent shortage.
Canadian training provider CAE announced the deployment of four additional full-flight simulators across the Americas on October 20, 2026, expanding localized training capacity for high-demand business jets.
Revealed during the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the expansion targets a projected long-term shortage of aviation professionals. In a press release, the company stated the new hardware will support training for the Bombardier Global 6500, Embraer Praetor 600, Pilatus PC-24, and Cessna Citation CJ4.
Expanding localized training capacity
The addition of the four simulators is designed to align CAE’s global training network with growing customer and fleet demand. By placing training hardware closer to where operators require it, the company aims to reduce the need for flight crews to travel long distances for initial and recurrent training.
While the specific cities or training center locations for the four new simulators within the Americas region were not detailed in the October 20 announcement, the deployment fits into a broader strategy of regionalized training hubs.
Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of localized access for operators.
“These simulator deployments expand access to high-quality training on the aircraft our customers fly, where they need it, while delivering the quality and experience they expect from CAE. It’s about helping crews stay ready, perform at their best and fly safely.”
Addressing the aviation talent shortage
The business aviation sector is experiencing sustained growth, driving a long-term need for qualified personnel. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, the industry will require 102,000 new business aviation professionals worldwide by 2034.
That projection comprises 33,000 new business aviation pilots and 69,000 maintenance technicians. Prévost stated that as business aviation demand grows, the company is strengthening its global training network to meet the evolving needs of operators facing these workforce pressures.
CAE’s decade of business aviation growth
Over the past decade, CAE has nearly doubled its business aviation training capacity. The company’s global business aviation training network now includes more than 130 full-flight simulators.
To support this infrastructure, CAE employs approximately 1,000 instructors worldwide. Together, this network delivers more than 300,000 hours of training annually across both pilot and maintenance disciplines.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to deploy simulators for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 reflects the current delivery mix and utilization rates in the Americas. By distributing simulator capacity regionally rather than centralizing it, training providers are directly addressing operator concerns about crew downtime. In a tight labor market where 33,000 new business aviation pilots are needed over the next decade, minimizing the days crews spend traveling to training events becomes a competitive advantage for both the operators and the training providers they select.
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
Bombardier Opens Wichita Training Center in $50M Investment
Bombardier inaugurated its North American Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas, training 250 mechanics annually as part of a $50M site expansion.
Bombardier Inc. inaugurated its first dedicated in-house skills development facility for United States aircraft technicians on October 15, 2026, anchoring an approximately $50 million investment in its Wichita, Kansas, operations.
The North American Learning Center and an expanded wheel and tire shop are designed to address industry-wide skilled labor constraints by internalizing mechanic training and boosting component repair capacity. In a press release issued on October 15, the Canadian manufacturer stated the investment ensures a steady pipeline of qualified personnel to support its growing network of 10 American service centers.
Training infrastructure and capacity
The newly opened North American Learning Center represents a strategic shift for Bombardier in how it prepares its aftermarket workforce. The facility features a retired Bombardier Global 5000 fuselage mounted on jack stands. This setup allows students to practice maintenance procedures on an actual airframe without the risk of damaging a customer aircraft.
According to reporting by Aviation International News and the Wichita Business Journal, the center will host two-week training courses for cohorts of up to 40 students. Over the next 12 months, Bombardier expects approximately 250 newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics to pass through the curriculum.
The facility also incorporates dedicated back shops where trainees practice foundational aviation maintenance skills, including sheet metal fabrication, safety wire twisting, and digital manual navigation. Bombardier plans to expand the curriculum in the future to include advanced maintenance training and interior removal and installation courses.
Component repair expansion
Alongside the training center, the $50 million investment funded a significant modernization of the Wichita site’s wheel and tire shop. The upgraded facility is projected to double its throughput from 2,300 units last year to 5,000 units this year.
Once fully ramped up, the expanded shop will have the capacity to service 15,000 wheels and tires annually. This increased Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) capability is intended to directly support the company’s distributed service network across the country.
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the dual focus of the investment.
“Our approximately $50 million investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations,” Sislian said. “This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while position the site for continued growth.”
Transitioning the Air Capital footprint
The October 15, 2026, inauguration marks the latest phase in Bombardier’s repositioning of its Wichita footprint. Known historically as the “Air Capital of the World,” the city was the manufacturing home of the Learjet program for six decades.
Bombardier announced the end of Learjet production on February 11, 2021, to focus resources on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft families. The final Learjet 75 rolled off the Wichita assembly line on March 28, 2022.
Rather than drawing down its presence following the end of aircraft manufacturing at the site, Bombardier designated the one-million-square-foot facility as its United States headquarters on April 19, 2022. The location also became the base for the newly launched Bombardier Defense division, alongside an existing major service center and flight test center.
Today, Bombardier employs 1,500 people in Kansas out of a total United States workforce of 3,500. The company reports an annual supplier spend of $2.5 billion across the country.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who attended the inauguration alongside Lieutenant Governor David Toland, noted the state’s ongoing relationship with the manufacturer.
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” Kelly said.
AirPro News analysis
The aviation aftermarket is currently constrained by a severe shortage of skilled labor. By moving technician training in-house and simultaneously expanding component repair capacity, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Bombardier are acknowledging that physical hangar space is no longer the primary bottleneck to aftermarket growth. We view this $50 million investment as a defensive strategy to protect service revenue. If an OEM cannot guarantee a steady supply of qualified mechanics and overhauled components, its expanded service centers cannot operate at capacity. Internalizing the training pipeline reduces reliance on third-party technical schools and ensures new hires are immediately productive on specific airframes like the Global 5000.
Photo Credit: Bombardier Inc.
Training & Certification
FAA Approves First US G600 G700 Convertible Simulator
FAA certifies FlightSafety International’s Gulfstream G600/G700 convertible Level D simulator in Long Beach, CA.
The FAA has approved FlightSafety International’s new Gulfstream G600 and G700 convertible Level D Full-Flight Simulator, establishing the first dual-configuration training device for the aircraft types in the United States.
Announced in a company press release on October 1, 2026, the approval allows the training provider to serve operators of both the Gulfstream GVII and GVIII platforms from a single device at its Long Beach, California, facility. The certification addresses a growing domestic requirement for pilot training capacity as the G700 fleet expands.
Expanding domestic training capacity
The new simulator was engineered and manufactured at FlightSafety International’s facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, before installation at the Long Beach Learning Center. The convertible design allows the device to switch between G600 and G700 configurations, optimizing scheduling for type-rated pilots.
Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations at FlightSafety International, stated that the new convertible simulator reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative training solutions.
“By enabling multiple aircraft configurations within a single device, we are helping customers optimize training access while maintaining the highest standards of fidelity and safety,” Carter said.
The Long Beach approval follows a similar certification in Asia. In August 2026, the FAA certified the company’s other G600 and G700 convertible device in Singapore for G600 training, which currently serves regional operators.
Technical specifications and capabilities
The Long Beach device is certified as a Level D Full-Flight Simulator, the highest level of flight simulator qualification, requiring a comprehensive aerodynamic model and a full motion platform.
The simulator is equipped with the company’s proprietary VITAL 1150 image generator and a 42-inch electric motion base. The system supports advanced training requirements, specifically including steep approach operations for the G600.
Gulfstream fleet expansion and training demand
The introduction of the convertible simulator aligns with the operational growth of Gulfstream’s ultra-long-range business jet portfolio. The G600 entered service in August 2019, establishing a mature operator base requiring recurrent training.
Demand for G700 training is currently accelerating following the aircraft’s recent entry into service. The FAA granted type certification for the G700 on March 29, 2024, and Gulfstream commenced customer deliveries on April 23, 2024.
FlightSafety International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1996, is marking its 75th anniversary in 2026. The company provides training to aviation professionals from more than 170 countries and operates one of the largest global fleets of advanced flight simulators.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of convertible simulators as a necessary capital efficiency strategy for training providers managing the transition between aircraft generations. Because the G700 fleet is still in its early delivery phase, a dedicated G700 simulator might experience lower utilization rates in the near term. By combining GVII and GVIII configurations into a single Level D device, FlightSafety International can maintain high utilization through the established G600 market while simultaneously absorbing the growing wave of initial type-rating demand for the G700.
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International
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