Garmin has introduced Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP-X) technology for aircraft using Garmin’s G3X autopilot servos.
This electronic monitoring and stability augmentation system works to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition.
ESP-X functions independently of Garmin’s G3X autopilot system and works in the background to provide an extra envelope of protection to help avoid inadvertent flight attitudes and provide airspeed protection while the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft, Garmin officials explain.
Should the pilot become inattentive, Garmin ESP-X provides pilots with an added measure of protection and correction to enhance in-flight safety. When a pilot exceeds user-selected pitch, roll or airspeed limitations, Garmin ESP-X provides gentle nudges on the flight controls to lessen the aircraft’s pitch attitude or bank angle. The correcting force becomes stronger if the aircraft pitch, bank or airspeed exceedance grows further away from the preset limits.
As the pilot takes corrective action to reduce the abnormal flight attitude or airspeed, the influence of Garmin ESP-X eventually fades and turns off when the aircraft returns to its normal flight envelope.
Conversely, should the pilot become incapacitated and the system detects it has been activated for more than 15 seconds, the autopilot engages with the flight director in Level Mode, bringing the aircraft to level flight until the pilot commands otherwise.
In addition to flight control corrections, pilots are also provided visual cues on the displays of G3X and G3X Touch indicating ESP-X is engaged. Yellow chevrons provide visual pitch guidance and configurable roll limit indicators indicate where ESP-X engages to provide bank guidance.
Garmin ESP-X also offers high and low airspeed protection. In a high airspeed situation, Garmin ESP-X engages the Garmin G3X autopilot servos to apply back pressure to increase the aircraft’s pitch attitude. Built-in parameters further prevent the aircraft from exceeding G-limit load factors as the pitch attitude increases. In low airspeed situations, Garmin ESP-X engages to provide a gentle pitch-down force to reduce the possibility of stalling the aircraft. When the aircraft is operating within 200 feet of the ground, Garmin ESP-X automatically disables.
Utilizing Garmin’s G3X autopilot servos, Garmin ESP-X continuously monitors attitude and airspeed while the pilot hand flies the aircraft to provide pre-determined correcting inputs should they be needed. Pitch, roll and airspeed envelope protection parameters are customizable on the displays of G3X and G3X Touch, so pilots can select what limitations best suit their individual flying habits. For flight training or aerobatics, Garmin ESP-X can easily be inhibited within the automatic flight control system (AFCS) menu of G3X and G3X Touch or by installing an optional dedicated switch in the panel.
Garmin ESP-X is available as a software update at no cost for customers with G3X and G3X Touch flight display systems with Garmin’s integrated autopilot.
And such cost-effective, reliable, modern avionics are not permitted to replace the1950’s equipment in certified aircraft because…
YUP! I tried to ask the Administrator at AirVenture 2014’s “Meet the Boss” forum when we could expect the Congressionally mandated FAR Part 23 re-write … to include the institution of a ‘new’ category of Special Airworthiness called “Primary non-Commercial.” This is already written in draft format. It would allow a standard category small airplane to be relicensed as a special category airplane and allow installation of these sorts of things. He got a ‘deer in the headlight’ look on his face and Jack Pelton had to rescue him.
The PNC category would – essentially – turn a certificated airplane into an E-AB like machine. What a novel idea. Put a G3X touch in my C172 … imagine !! We can’t afford new Cessnas and we can’t upgrade old Cessnas. What the hay is wrong with those people who are ‘here to help?’
The FAA purports to be in the business of safety but then stands in the way of such improvements.
Those guys need to be fired … ALL of ’em. And, an FAA Administrator should NEVER be chosen for political purposes or favors. He should be an experienced and educated aviator /ombudsman for all of us. Sadly, not the case.