Garmin Adds Features to King Air Flight Deck

Beechcraft King Air models 200 through 350 equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck can now be upgraded with new features and optional hardware under a supplemental type certificate recently issued to Garmin. Many of the new features are a free upgrade, available from Garmin dealers and include a split-screen view on the multifunction display and decoded TAFs on both the multifunction and primary flight displays.

Owners and operators of G1000 NXi-equipped King Airs can purchase a new Bluetooth-enabled audio panel, which is a slide-in replacement for earlier models (or an option for new G1000 NXi installations). Features of the new audio panel include “home theater-like music effects” such as selectable bass boost levels and equalizer effects. The audio panel includes auto-squelch, a six-place stereo intercom, and up to three music inputs. Two pilots can use split-comm mode so each can independently transmit and receive using two separate frequencies. Recording complex clearances is made easier with a built-in digital clearance recorder, which stores up to 60 seconds of audio.

The audio panel also incorporates Garmin’s 3D audio, which spatially separates incoming audio on stereo headsets. The Bluetooth connectivity allows connection of a smartphone or tablet for phone calls, streaming audio, or controlling certain Garmin action cameras.

Garmin’s GWX 75 Doppler-based, solid-state radar is compatible with the latest King Air G1000 NXi upgrade.