Duncan Aviation has announced that owner/operators of CJ1 aircraft can now upgrade their flight deck to the all-Garmin integrated avionics solution.
This integrated solution includes the Garmin dual 10.6-inch or 12-inch G600 G600 TXi flight displays, dual GTN 750Xi navigators (if not already installed), a 7-inch portrait TXi EIS display, GFC 600 autopilot, a GMA 350 audio panel, and GI 275 standby instruments.
The CJ1 was recently added to the Garmin AML Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) covering the installation package, which also approves the same package for the Cessna Citation CJ2.
The experienced teams at the Duncan Aviation Satellite in St. Paul, Minnesota, have installed the all-Garmin modernization upgrade in Pilatus PC-12s, and the Satellite in Denver, Colorado, has installed this powerful flight deck in numerous aircraft including CJ2s, King Air 90/200s, and two of the company’s own aircraft: a Cessna Citation Excel 560XLS and a Pilatus PC-12.
Duncan Aviation’s Corporate Jet Captain Michael Kussatz believes there are major advantages to this flight deck.
Captain Kussatz says: “One is the GFC 600 digital autopilot offers coupled with Garmin GTN Xi. They offer Vertical Navigation (VNAV) descents, fully coupled go-arounds, and Garmin’s Electronic Stability Protection (ESP), which works in the background to nudge the aircraft back to a safe altitude during manual flight (hand flying).
“It can fly a range of approaches and holds, build custom holds, and includes Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) to automatically descend in the event of cabin depressurization.”
Another feature of this system that Captain Kussatz feels enhances the safety of everyone in the aircraft is the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar with auto mode, which is also covered in the STC installation package.
“The auto mode allows hands-free operation, and the enhanced ground clutter suppression provides a clearer weather picture. You can also add the PlaneSync connected aircraft management system, which automates database updates, logs flight/engine data, and allows remote states checks via the Garmin Pilot app.”
Duncan Aviation’s Sales Manager of Completions/Modifications Nate Klenke is similarly impressed with the outstanding situational awareness that this Garmin upgrade offers.
“It tracks weather, traffic, and position with precision. Its capable autopilot performs flawlessly under high workload while safeguarding the aircraft in manual flight,” says Klenke.
“With our close relationship with Garmin and the expertise of our Satellite and MRO teams, we’re able to deliver these upgrades efficiently and reliably.”