Textron Aviation spotlights upgraded avionics at Sun 'N Fun 2019

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is debuting several of its leading piston aircraft with the recently updated Garmin G1000 NXi avionics next-generation integrated flight deck at this year’s Sun ‘N Fun International Fly-in & Expo in Lakeland, Fla. The four piston aircraft on display are the Beechcraft Baron G58, Beechcraft Bonanza G36, Cessna Turbo Stationair HD and Cessna Skylane. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX, also equipped with the upgraded avionics, and the Cessna Citation M2 light jet have been added to this year’s portfolio of products highlighted at the show.

“Textron Aviation’s diverse lineup of Beechcraft and Cessna piston and turboprop aircraft continue to be recognized throughout the industry as the most advanced products in their respective categories, and we look forward to showcasing many of them for the first time since they have been even further enhanced with the latest update to our standard Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “We launched this upgrade earlier in the year to enhance the G1000 NXi’s already powerful satellite-based navigation capabilities, digital flight management tools, and its graphical display technologies.”

New equipment to the avionics suite includes the latest Garmin GMA 1360 audio panel with enhanced audio capabilities and Bluetooth audio link to pair portable electronic devices to the flight deck.

Other equipment includes the GFC 700 Autopilot with Enhanced Automatic Flight Control System (E-AFCS), now standard on new production Skylane, Turbo Stationair HD, Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 pistons, and optional on the Cessna Skyhawk. With E-AFCS, pilots benefit from a lineup of automated features designed to help maintain an optimal flight envelope, while enhancing situational awareness. The added features include Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) with auto-level functionality, Underspeed Protection (USP) and Coupled Go-Around.

Factory-new Baron G58 aircraft are also equipped with Garmin’s new GWX 75 Doppler weather radar, which provides pilots with onboard weather information and allows operators to customize the weather picture on each individual display in the cockpit. When used with optional turbulence detection and ground suppression technology, the radar enables Baron pilots to more easily navigate around challenging weather.

Other optional features for all Cessna and Beechcraft pistons as well as the Grand Caravan EX include Garmin GSR 56 Iridium satellite receiver, which provides near worldwide access to downlink weather services and allows pilots to make voice calls and send text messages. A subscription service is available through Garmin and can be customized based on need.

Top Hawk Program

This is the fifth year Textron Aviation has supported the next generation of pilots through the Top Hawk program. The company began delivery of the custom-branded Skyhawk 172 aircraft to this year’s selected Top Hawk universities at the beginning of February. The 2019 Top Hawk participants are Ohio University, Oklahoma State University, Texas Southern University, and Utah Valley University. These universities use their custom Top Hawk aircraft for training future pilots, recruitment events and promotional activities throughout the year. Sponsored by Garmin and Bose, the Textron Aviation Top Hawk program leads the way for collegiate aviation programs to continue training and inspiring future pilots. Universities can learn more about the program and how to apply to become a future Top Hawk partner, by visiting www.txtav.com/en/top-hawk.

Images:

Beechcraft Baron G58

Beechcraft Bonanza G36

Cessna Turbo Stationair HD

Cessna Skylane

Cessna Grand Caravan EX

Cessna Citation M2

2019 Top Hawk Universities