Textron Aviation service centers will be able to install the Garmin G5000 avionics suite upgrade in Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2 twinjets after the FAA issues a supplemental type certificate for the modification in the first half of next year. The G5000 package is already available for Excel and XLS models and, with this new offering, owners of later models of the twinjet will have the option of replacing their Collins Pro Line 21 avionics with the Garmin suite.
Pilots can set up the G5000 suite’s three landscape-oriented displays with split screens. The crew controls the avionics via two touchscreen controllers mounted in the center console. Included in the upgrade is Garmin’s digital automatic flight control system with emergency descent mode and underspeed protection, which enables fully coupled go-arounds.
The upgrade also features georeferenced Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams, which show features on airports in the database such as hangars, terminals, towers, taxiways, and other signs. Additionally, pilots can take advantage of the G5000’s PBN/RNP 0.3 capability and fly LPV/APV approaches, which provides access to lower approach minimums.
“Garmin’s G5000 integrated flight deck is already a popular modification for Cessna Citation Excel and XLS customers because it offers unmatched situational awareness, lower cost of operation, and an improved in-flight experience,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of customer support Brian Rohloff.