The all-Garmin avionics upgrade program for the CJ1 transforms the current fragmented avionics architecture into an integrated cockpit experience. Here’s a closer look at what’s included in the full retrofit solution:
Flight displays and navigation
The all-glass cockpit upgrade features two G600 TXi flight displays providing advanced primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) capabilities with a touchscreen interface. Primary flight data is displayed with a wide horizon view on Garmin synthetic vision technology (SVT™) for optimal awareness in IFR, marginal VFR or nighttime conditions. The PFD also offers a map view within the horizontal situation indicator (HSI) to show weather, traffic, airport diagrams and more without requiring a full MFD window. The CJ1 upgrade includes the GI 275 standby flight instrument on the pilot-side, with an option for an additional instrument on the copilot-side. GI 275 is available with Garmin SVT and seamlessly integrates with the primary flight displays to sync heading, altimeter, airspeed and altitude selections. A notable improvement with the upgrade is the availability of the pilot’s side PFD and each GI 275, while operating on the aircraft’s emergency electrical bus.
The system includes situational awareness features specific to the CJ1, such as Stabilized Approach monitoring and aural V-speed alerting during takeoff. Stabilized Approach monitoring provides an additional layer of protection. While on approach, the system monitors the aircraft to ensure it’s operated in a stabilized manner. Aural annunciations — such as “speed,” “course,” “glidepath” and “sink rate” — notify the pilot if the aircraft is exceeding predetermined speed, course or vertical descent rates.
The TXi Engine Indication System (EIS) will replace the legacy EIS solution and features a newly refined gauge layout and user interface.
GTN Xi navigators add next-generation GPS/NAV/COMM capabilities to this light jet, enabling coupled descent vertical navigation (VNAV) in combination with the GFC 600 autopilot and allowing pilots to create and execute holding patterns over a published or user-defined waypoint. Pilots can easily visualize the entire flight plan, including departures, arrivals, visual/instrument approaches and more on the navigators 6.9-inch display. For simplified IFR routings, GTN Xi allows pilots to view airway segments available from a waypoint as well as corresponding exit options. Additionally, the flight crew can wirelessly1 load flight plans and share traffic, weather and more from their compatible mobile device.
GFC 600 brings new autopilot capabilities
The GFC 600 digital autopilot delivers CJ1 pilots superior in-flight characteristics and new operational capabilities such as coupled VNAV descents and coupled go-around capability while executing a missed approach, allowing automation to assist during high workload procedures. Guidance from the GTN Xi allows the GFC 600 to seamlessly link the enroute, terminal and approach procedures, allowing continuous descents and smooth VNAV transitions through the instrument approach, simplifying the pilot’s workload in the terminal environment. The CJ1 solution also features Emergency Descent Mode (EDM). In the event of a loss of cabin pressurization, EDM can automatically descend the aircraft to a preset altitude without pilot intervention to help avert hypoxic situations. A color display and flight level change (FLC) mode round out new GFC 600 features on a modernized mode controller for this installation.
