Textron Aviation offers all-Garmin retrofit for original CitationJet

Textron Aviation has announced that owners and operators of the original CitationJet can now install an all-Garmin avionics retrofit, available for serial numbers 525-0001 through 0359 following FAA supplemental type certification (STC), according to Flying Magazine.

The retrofit replaces fragmented legacy systems and is designed to reduce pilot workload and add safety-enhancing technologies. It can be completed through Textron Aviation's service network and gives owners access to cockpit technology available on the CJ1 and CJ2 variants.

The avionics suite

The all-glass cockpit features two G600 TXi flight displays with touchscreen interfaces providing advanced multi-function and primary flight display capabilities. The system includes Garmin synthetic vision technology, which displays primary flight data for improved awareness in instrument flight rules, marginal VFR, and nighttime conditions. The synthetic vision can show a map view with weather, traffic, and airport diagrams without requiring a dedicated MFD window.

The retrofit adds a GI 275 standby flight instrument on the pilot side, with the option for a second instrument on the copilot side. Both instruments integrate with the primary flight displays to sync heading, altimeter, airspeed, and altitude selections.

The flight deck also upgrades to a TXi engine indication system (EIS) with integrated timers and N1 reference bugs computed automatically. The avionics package includes GTN 750Xi touchscreen FMS/NAV/COMM flight navigators with 6.9-inch displays that enable simplified IFR routings, as well as a GFC 600 digital autopilot.

Safety and automation features

The system provides stabilized approach monitoring, aural V-speed alerting during takeoff, and situational awareness features specific to the CitationJet. FAA Data Comm capability will allow flight crews to communicate with air traffic control via text-based communications and receive departure clearances at over 60 airports, as well as en route clearances and frequency changes while flying above 16,000 feet in the United States.

The combination of the GTN 750Xi and digital autopilot enables coupled descent vertical navigation (VNAV), allowing pilots to create and execute holding patterns. The GFC 600 autopilot uses automation to assist with high-workload procedures such as coupled go-around during a missed approach.

The retrofit includes an Emergency Descent Mode that automatically descends the aircraft to a preset altitude without pilot intervention when loss of cabin pressurization is detected.