Garmin Autoland Certified for Pilatus PC-12 PRO

The Pilatus PC-12 PRO has received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration for Garmin's Safety Autoland system. This approval integrates autonomous emergency-landing capability into a leading single-engine turboprop platform.

System capabilities and activation methods

The Safety Autoland system is designed to handle emergencies like pilot incapacitation. It assumes full aircraft control, communicates with air traffic control, and executes a safe landing. Activation can occur in two ways. The system can trigger automatically after detecting pilot inactivity. Alternatively, it can be manually engaged by a button press.

Upon activation, it informs occupants that automated landing mode is active. The system also transmits automated radio messages to air traffic control and nearby aircraft.

Autoland decision-making and flight execution

Once engaged, the system evaluates multiple factors to execute the landing. It analyzes weather, aircraft status, and navigation data. The system determines the best airport based on runway length, wind, weather, and remaining fuel. It then calculates a safe route, careful avoiding terrain and obstacles.

During the autonomous flight, it manages all critical systems. This includes operating flaps, landing gear, lighting, brakes, and de-icing equipment.

Integration with PC-12 PRO's Advanced Cockpit Environment

The Autoland system is standard equipment on the latest PC-12 PRO model. It integrates with the aircraft's Advanced Cockpit Environment, which is built around Garmin’s G3000 Prime avionics suite. Garmin identified the PC-12 PRO as the first certified aircraft with the G3000 Prime flight deck.

This cockpit features three main touchscreen displays and two smaller secondary screens. A cursor control device provides a physical alternative to touch inputs. The flight deck also uses control yokes derived from the PC-24 business jet. A key feature links crew alerts to electronic checklists, allowing pilots to open relevant procedures by touching an alert message.

Broader certification context and real-world use

Garmin's Autoland technology is not new, but its certification on the PC-12 PRO expands its reach. The system has been previously certified on several other aircraft types. It has also proven itself in a real-world scenario, performing an emergency landing on a King Air B200.

Retrofit installations are available for eligible Beechcraft King Air 200-series and King Air 350 aircraft. Additional installations have been announced for other models, including the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, the Beechcraft Denali, the Epic E1000 AX, and the HondaJet Echelon. Garmin has listed Autoland availability for the PC-12 PRO separately for 2026, indicating upcoming customer access to the certified system.