Garmin is set to enhance the Cessna Citation CJ2 with a new integrated avionics solution, pending Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC). This upgrade marks a significant shift from the original flight deck to a modernized system designed to lessen pilot workload and increase safety with advanced technological features.
The overhaul introduces Garmin’s top avionics, including TXi™ flight displays, GTN™ Xi navigators, and the GFC™ 600 digital autopilot, with additional upgrades available. “Garmin has decades of experience serving Citation aircraft and we are excited to bring a transformative Garmin cockpit experience to the CJ2, including fully coupled descent VNAV with the GFC 600, the GWX™ 8000 StormOptix weather radar and the PlaneSync connected aircraft management system,” stated Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing. He emphasized that the new system would focus on “reducing pilot workload and providing pilots of this high performance, single-pilot certified aircraft the safety benefits of automation found in today’s modern cockpits.”
The full retrofit transforms the fragmented avionics setup into a cohesive, all-Garmin cockpit experience tailored to the CJ2’s needs. The upgrade features a dual G600 TXi flight display system offering advanced primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) capabilities with a touchscreen interface. Enhanced visibility and situational awareness are provided through Garmin synthetic vision technology (SVT), which displays a broad horizon view.
Key improvements include the GI 275 standby flight instrument, enhanced situational awareness tools like Stabilized Approach monitoring, and aural V-speed alerting, which enhances operational safety by alerting pilots to critical flight parameters. The TXi Engine Indication System (EIS) replaces older systems and offers a refined interface with integrated performance metrics such as N1 reference bugs and integrated timers, assisting in managing engine performance.
The upgrade also includes next-generation GPS/NAV/COMM functionalities through the GTN Xi navigators, supporting complex flight operations like coupled descent VNAV and holding pattern execution over defined waypoints. The system enhances the flight planning interface and integrates seamlessly with mobile devices for streamlined route and data management.
Additional optional upgrades available to CJ2 operators include the GMA™ 35C audio panel, which introduces advanced audio processing features such as 3D audio and Bluetooth connectivity, and the GTX 345R transponder for ADS-B “Out” and “In” capabilities. Other enhancements like the GDL 69A SiriusXM datalink, GTS series traffic systems, and GSR 56 datalink further expand the aircraft’s communication and navigation capabilities.
This comprehensive avionics upgrade by Garmin not only promises to elevate the flying experience by integrating modern technology but also ensures a safer, more efficient operation tailored specifically to the needs of CJ2 operators.