New-production Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX turboprops will have enhanced standard and optional capabilities added into their Garmin G1000 NXi next-generation integrated flight decks, Textron Aviation announced Thursday. Standard enhancements will include dual audio panels with 3D audio capability that Textron Aviation said improves situational awareness for flight crews.
Among the optional enhancements are Garmin’s Enhanced Automatic Flight Control System, with automated features such as electronic stability and protection, underspeed protection, emergency descent mode, and coupled go-around. Another option with the enhanced Caravan flight deck is Garmin’s GSR 56 Iridium Satellite Data Transceiver Link that has near worldwide access to downlink weather services as well as provides satellite voice communication and text messaging.
Textron Aviation senior vice president of sales and marketing Rob Scholl said the flight deck enhancements build on the Caravan’s performance, payload, and dispatch reliability. “Elevating the capabilities of the aircraft with advanced avionics ensures our customers have access to the latest technology needed to succeed as pilots and operators,” Scholl said.
The enhancements will be offered beginning with model year 2019 Caravans and Grand Caravan EXs.