Duncan Aviation recently installed a full Garmin® avionics upgrade in a Citation CJ2 aircraft at our Satellite in Denver, Colorado. The Garmin STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) that was used covers installation of dual 10.6-inch G600 TXi displays, dual GTN™ 750Xi navigators (if not already installed), a 7-inch portrait TXi EIS display, the GFC™ 600 autopilot system, a GMA™ 350 Audio Panel, and GI 275 Standby instruments.
One of the biggest advantages of this installation is the addition of the GFC 600 autopilot, which provides VNAV descents, fully coupled go-arounds, and Garmin’s Electronic Stability and Protection system, which allows for an extra safety margin when manually flying the airplane. The system has the ability to fly a wide range of precision, non-precision, and GPS-guided approaches and holds, and even builds custom holds if necessary. The system also includes EDM (Emergency Descent Mode) in the event of loss of cabin pressure where the airplane is capable of automatically descending the aircraft without pilot intervention if the pilot becomes incapacitated.
This customer chose to also install the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar with auto scan that includes enhanced ground clutter suppression technology that applies advanced algorithms in conjunction with an onboard terrain database to eliminate nonweather returns from the display for a more consistent, more accurate view of weather at all altitudes and all ranges when in manual mode. The upgrade also has the option to add PlaneSync connected aircraft management system that automatically updates your avionics databases, logs flight/ engine data, and lets you remotely check fuel and systems status via the Garmin Pilot app.
First of Three
“The installation went really well, and it is the first of three CJ2s that will receive the upgrade in close succession,” says Edduyn Pita, Denver Satellite Manager. “We performed a similar installation earlier this year when we installed the G600 TXi in our company- owned PC-12, so we are developing installation efficiencies. That aircraft, in addition to receiving cutting-edge technology in the flight deck also saw significant weight savings of over 160 pounds.”
With this first CJ2 installation completed, Edduyn anticipates that future G600 TXi installations will be completed within eight weeks. To make the most of the required aircraft downtime, the Denver Satellite has partnered with Straight Flight, another FAA Part 145 Repair Station at Centennial Airport, to perform needed airframe inspections and maintenance during the flight deck upgrade.
Support at Several Satellites
CJ operators have shown significant interest in this flight deck upgrade. Anticipating this demand, several facilities in Duncan Aviation’s Satellite network are gearing up to complete these installations, including Austin and Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Manassas, Virginia. Some of these shops have developed relationships with quality, local airframe service providers to complete any necessary inspections and maintenance, ensuring that both the avionics and airframe technicians working on these aircraft are trained specifically for the CitationJet models.
“Duncan Aviation has an excellent relationship with Garmin, deep expertise in Garmin systems, and can rely on the engineering support and expertise available at our full-service MRO facilities as we complete these upgrades within our Satellite network,” says Nate Klenke, Duncan Aviation’s Completions/ Modifications Sales Manager.