Garmin announced an enhanced retrofit solution for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft with the addition of TXi EIS and the GFC™ 600 autopilot. This solution offers safety features not previously available for these aircraft!
EIS integration completes Garmin’s fully modernized cockpit retrofit for PC-12 owners and operators.
Leading Edge has partnered with Martin Aviation, an Authorized Pilatus Service Center, and can couple your next aircraft maintenance with this avionics installation out of John Wayne Airport, KSNA.
This upgrade offers PC-12 owners and operators a fully modernized, complete Garmin cockpit retrofit solution that includes the GFC™ 600 autopilot, G600 TXi primary flight display, GTN™ Xi navigators, GTX™ ADS-B transponders and GWX™ weather radar.
For Pilatus PC-12 owners and operators, the TXi EIS can be installed as part of a complete package that includes G600 TXi 10.6” flight display(s), GTN Xi Series navigators, GFC 600 autopilot and a GI 275 electronic flight instrument configured as a standby flight instrument. With this installation, the system offers new operational capabilities and features including autopilot-coupled VNAV descents, fully coupled missed approaches, and Smart Glide™ safety technology, which can automatically engage the autopilot and pitch for the aircraft’s best glide speed while simultaneously navigating the aircraft within the vicinity of the selected airport so the pilot can execute an approach and landing. Further, the installation of this package also removes legacy avionics and wiring, aiding in weight savings. Other optional upgrades include an audio panel, ADS-B transponder, Iridium datalink, weather radar, datalink SiriusXM weather, and Garmin Connext® connectivity via the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway.
With the addition of our state-of-the-art EIS integration, we’re excited to meet customer demand by offering a complete retrofit cockpit solution for PC-12 owners and operators that includes a modern display system with flight control and safety features not previously available for these aircraft. The TXi EIS enhancement will give owners and operators a path to replace their original EIS systems and adds functionality such as dynamic gauge limits, limit timers and data logging that combine to assist in reducing pilot workload, improving engine efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. This is an incredible system for legacy PC-12 owners.”
Enhancements and capabilities with TXi EIS
PC-12 owners and operators can now replace aging EIS gauges with a modernized display and view EIS information on a 10.6-inch TXi flight display which can accommodate primary flight display (PFD) information; a multifunction display (MFD) with a vertical EIS strip; or on a 7-inch TXi flight display in portrait mode, which serves as a dedicated EIS display. With this upgrade, pilots will be able to more clearly read and analyze critical engine, fuel and electrical parameters while simplifying the cockpit. PC-12 owners and operators can continue to benefit from the auto-start, automatic ignition and fuel balancing functionality previously supported by the original EIS system, among other existing functions like dynamic gauge limits and more. When using multiple TXi displays, pilots can also benefit from display backup capability to help prevent the loss of PFD or EIS information during a single-display failure.
Dynamic gauge limits and indications
All TXi EIS gauge indications display real-time turbine engine information using distinct colors, bands and radials to clearly depict normal operating ranges as well as limitations so pilots can more easily interpret engine data at-a-glance. Select turboprop gauges such as engine torque, prop RPM (NP), gas generator RPM (NG), and engine temperature (ITT) can be configured to change their markings based on pressure altitude, outside air temperature, smart sequence and more. These dynamic indications are configured during installation so pilots can more easily operate the engine within its limitations during changing flight conditions. Additional standard gauges include oil pressure and temperature, as well as fuel flow, fuel quantity and electrical system status.
Limit timers and exceedance recordings
Utilizing gauge limit timers, TXi EIS helps pilots maintain the engine within its allowed limits to avoid engine exceedances and as a result, costly maintenance procedures. For example, once a preconfigured limit is reached, a countdown timer is displayed alongside the engine gauge. This timer is an indication to the pilot that they need to mitigate the exceedance. If the time-based limit is exceeded, the timer and gauge begin to flash and the pilot receives a notification that an exceedance has been recorded. Simultaneously, the TXi EIS system automatically logs a variety of information, including the parameter that was exceeded, duration, highest value that was recorded, time, date and more. The pilot can then review the exceedance and share it with maintenance professionals for post-flight analysis.
Wireless flight data logging
To assist with tracking maintenance activities, controlling operating costs and analyzing overall engine health, built-in engine data logging is included with TXi EIS. Aircraft performance, engine data and any exceedances that are recorded during a flight are automatically stored on an SD card (sold separately) in the display. When the TXi EIS display is paired with the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway, information is wirelessly transferred and stored within the Garmin Pilot™ app and automatically uploaded to the flyGarmin® website. Engine and flight cycles are also recorded to help identify aircraft systems that depend on those limits, such as pressurization systems and other life-limited parts.
Add precision to fuel planning
Pilots can more precisely monitor fuel calculations with TXi EIS, which includes an integrated fuel computer. After making a fuel stop, pilots can enter the fuel data within TXi EIS by selecting “full fuel” or by adding a specified amount in pounds, gallons, liters or kilograms. When airborne, the system monitors fuel flow and GPS information to estimate fuel range, endurance and how much fuel is expected to be available at the destination airport.
Certification of the TXi EIS for select Pilatus PC-12/45 and PC-12/47 aircraft with Pratt & Whitney PT6-67B and PT6-67P engine support is expected to be available in the first half of 20221. Additionally, the GFC 600 has been certified for select PC-12/45 aircraft, with certification for select PC-12/47 aircraft expected in the coming months. The TXi series also comes with a two-year limited warranty, which is supported by Garmin’s award-winning aviation support team.
Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, email media.relations@garmin.com, or follow us
"I have been doing business with Leading Edge Avionics for over 20 years with many upgrades and repairs to several aircraft I have owned. They are by far the best for avionics installs, troubleshooting, and service."
David Schlosser
Aircraft Owner/Pilot
