Columbia STCs Garmin Touchscreens in Citation 500

Missouri-based Columbia Avionics and Aircraft Services has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval to install Garmin G700 TXi touchscreen displays in Cessna Citation 500-series jets equipped with Honeywell’s SPZ-500 autopilot.

According to Columbia, the G700 TXi’s recent Part 25 software release enables interfacing with existing TCAS II, thanks to the TXi’s integral altitude alerter system, as well as the option to install Garmin’s GTS 8000 TCAS II. “This is another element to make sure we can provide upgrade options to customers overseas that require TCAS II,” said Columbia Avionics president Lance Fox.

The Columbia STC, which can include dual G700 TXi displays with synthetic vision, offers the option to add other Garmin avionics, including dual GTN 750 navcoms, GTX 3000 transponders, dual GRS 70 AHRSs, GDC 7400 air data computers with RVSM, and GWX 75 weather radar, as well as a Mid-Continent MD-302 Standby Attitude Module and Shadin AIS-380 fuel flow system. With the GTN 750s, weight savings of up to 230 pounds is possible.

Columbia Avionics is planning to add STC approvals from Transport Canada, EASA, Mexico’s DGAC, and Brazil’s ANAC. Others will be added based on customer requests.

“With the rising cost of the aging Honeywell EFIS in the Citation and the upcoming ADS-B mandate,” Fox said, “this came at an ideal time for the operators who haven't pulled the trigger yet.”