Fast Company, a business magazine that focuses on innovation in technology, leadership and design, has chosen Garmin’s Autoland as a finalist in its 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards.
Introduced in October 2019, Autoland is designed to land a general aviation aircraft when the pilot cannot.
Among some 3,000 entries — the largest number the award program has ever received to date — Garmin Autoland was chosen as a finalist in the Transportation category and selected as an honorable mention in the all-encompassing Best World Changing Idea Award in North America.
“We are truly honored and proud to be selected by Fast Company and their editors, along with a list of venerable judges, for our commitment to innovate within the aviation industry,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director of aviation. “This recognition is representative of the hard work and dedication of the entire Garmin team, who challenged conventional ideas that led to the development of the world’s first Autoland system in general aviation aircraft. Congrats to everyone at Garmin who contributed to one of the most significant achievements in aviation history.”
In the event of an emergency, Autoland is capable of completely taking control of the aircraft and landing at the nearest, most suitable airport without human intervention. Elements taken into consideration when identifying the most suitable airport include a wide range of performance, operational and environmental factors, according to Garmin officials.
Throughout an Autoland activation, the system provides simple visual and verbal communications in plain language so passengers in the aircraft know what to expect. The system automatically communicates with air traffic control (ATC), advising controllers and pilots operating near the aircraft of its location and its intentions.
On approach to land, the system initiates a controlled descent to the airport. Once in landing configuration, the aircraft begins its descent to the runway. On the runway, automatic braking is applied while tracking the runway centerline to bring the aircraft to a full stop. Engine shutdown is also automated so occupants can safely exit the aircraft.
Autoland will soon be available with the G3000 integrated flight deck on the Piper M600, Cirrus Vision Jet, and the Daher TBM 940, pending FAA certification.
During my 70 years of flying everything from Cubs and gliders to Pitts and 747s the most brainless thing I ever witnessed was manufacturers trying to make gadgets with no cross-control capability, electrical of all things, approach and land aircraft, There’s nothing the FAA can’t screw-up if someone will just point to it!