Popular Science has recognized the Garmin Autoland with a 2020 Best of What’s New Award in the Aerospace category.
Autoland is part of the Garmin Autonomi family of autonomous safety-enhancing technologies for aircraft. The world’s first system of its kind for general aviation aircraft, Autoland has the ability to land an aircraft in an emergency should the pilot suddenly become incapacitated or unable to fly.
After reviewing thousands of products in search of the year’s top 100 innovations, Popular Science unveiled the best breakthrough products and technologies that represent significant advancements and “solve an unsolvable problem” in early December 2020.
“We are truly humbled and proud to be selected by Popular Science with this honor for our revolutionary Autoland autonomous flight technology,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director, aviation. “This recognition highlights our commitment to innovate in the aviation industry. It’s a testament to the entire Garmin team, whose dedication to continuously drive our pioneering vision led to the development of the world’s first Autoland system for general aviation aircraft and changed the way we look at aviation safety.”
“The Best of What’s New Awards showcase the year’s greatest feats of human ingenuity,” said Popular Science Editor-in-Chief Corinne Iozzio. “Even in a year like 2020, innovation has helped us glimpse a future that’s safer, smarter, and more enjoyable than we might have thought possible.”
In the event of an emergency, such as pilot incapacitation, Autoland is capable of completely taking control of the aircraft, avoiding weather and terrain, and landing at the nearest, most suitable airport. Elements taken into consideration when identifying the most suitable airport include a wide range of performance, operational and environmental factors. Throughout an Autoland activation, the system provides simple visual and verbal communications in plain language so passengers know what to expect. Further, the system will automatically communicate 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.
The first certified Autoland system for general aviation aircraft, Garmin Autoland has received FAA certification in the Piper M600, the Daher TBM 940, and the Cirrus Vision Jet as part of the G3000 integrated flight deck. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval was also recently granted to the TBM 940. By the end of 2020, Garmin expects more than 100 fielded aircraft to feature Autoland.