For generations, Cessna aircraft have been developed around a practical idea: provide customers with capable, reliable aircraft for their missions. Today, that approach is helping shape the next generation of the Citation CJ4.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is progressing toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification with new technologies designed to make flying more intuitive while providing additional support for pilots and passengers. One of those technologies is Garmin Emergency Autoland, which Textron Aviation expects will make the CJ4 Gen3 the first light jet in the market to offer the capability upon certification.
Textron Aviation flight test pilots recently put the system through a test flight.
Flight test pilots Corey Eckhart and James Bearman intentionally initiated the Garmin Emergency Autoland sequence during recent Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 flight tests, allowing engineers and pilots to observe how the system successfully engaged navigation, communications and landing procedures. Testing of the technology comes as the CJ4 Gen3 advances toward FAA certification.
Flight test pilot Corey Eckhart said, “One of the most impressive aspects of the flight was how seamlessly the system operated within the overall flight deck environment. Watching an autonomous system take control of the aeroplane and safely guide it to a landing in an emergency is remarkable. As a pilot, confidence comes from seeing technology perform exactly as intended, and this test reinforced how Emergency Autoland can provide an additional layer of assurance for both pilots and passengers.”
Garmin Emergency Autoland is designed to provide an automated emergency landing capability for pilots and passengers. Once activated, the system guides the aircraft to a suitable landing site and brings it to a complete stop.
Integrating New Technology
The CJ4 Gen3 development programme brings together Textron Aviation employees working across aircraft design, engineering, systems integration and flight testing to turn new technologies into capabilities for pilots and passengers.
For the CJ4 Gen3, Garmin Emergency Autoland is part of a broader evolution of the flight deck. The aircraft also introduces Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, designed to provide pilots with intuitive control, simplify workload and enhance situational awareness. Together, those capabilities build on the Citation family’s existing productivity and performance while bringing new technology into the cockpit.
Flight Testing and Development
Technology is what passengers and pilots ultimately experience, while its development depends on the teams behind the programme. Flight testing gives Textron Aviation teams an opportunity to see aircraft systems working together in real-world conditions as development progresses. Pilots such as Eckhart and Bearman are part of the broader team helping move the CJ4 Gen3 toward certification and, ultimately, into customers' hands.
Their work forms part of Textron Aviation’s development of the CJ4 Gen3. More information on the Citation CJ4 Gen3 is available at https://cessna.txtav.com/en/citation/cj4-gen3.
