Garmin has received FAA supplemental type certification for installation of the G5000 integrated flight deck in Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2. The G5000 suite replaces the original Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics in the XLS+ and XLS Gen2. G5000 is also certified in earlier XL/XLS models, and the eligible fleet for the upgrade is more than 1,000 jets.
In addition to three large landscape displays with split-screen capability, the G5000 upgrade includes two touchscreen controllers and dual GI 275 standby instruments. Garmin’s automatic flight control system includes emergency descent mode and underspeed protection, which enables fully coupled go-arounds. G5000 avionics are PBN/RNP 0.3 certified, according to Garmin, “enabling LPV/APV approach capability.”
Garmin has upgraded its synthetic vision technology with optional taxi 3D exocentric view, and airports in its SafeTaxi database display 3D building footprints, taxiways, aprons, signs, and other markings to enhance situational awareness on the ground. The option includes taxiway routing, which allows pilots to enter taxi routes using the touchscreen controller and receive guidance on 2D maps or 3D synthetic vision depictions, according to Garmin. “It also displays the remaining runway distance information on the [primary flight display] during the takeoff roll and landing rollout.”
Garmin’s GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar is optional with the G5000 upgrade. The radar’s auto mode enables 3D volumetric scanning, which automatically scans a volume of the sky and detects hail and lightning. Predictive wind shear warning is also available.
To help prevent runway incursions, Garmin’s runway occupancy awareness (ROA) technology is enabled by the G5000’s ADS-B In feature, which is also optional. ROA “alerts the crew of potential runway incursions with nearby airborne aircraft, aircraft on the ground, and ground vehicles,” according to Garmin.
The G5000 upgrade supports controller-pilot data link communications with FANS 1/A and ACARS capability, including Link 2000+ and FAA DataComm for departure clearance and en route datalink services. Garmin’s PlaneSync connected aircraft management system is an available option that allows flight crew to update databases automatically, view airplane status remotely, and upload maintenance information to the cloud.