The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has chosen the Garmin Autoland as the recipient of the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy.
The Collier Trophy is awarded annually for “… the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.”
In the event of an emergency, such as a pilot incapacitation, a passenger can activate Garmin Autoland to autonomously land the aircraft with the press of a dedicated button. Autoland can also initiate automatically if the system detects no pilot interaction. Once activated, the system calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport, while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, initiates a stabilized approach to the runway and lands the aircraft – without pilot or passenger intervention.
In 2020, three aircraft received Type Certification with Garmin Autoland: The Piper M600 SLS, TBM 940, and Cirrus Aircraft’s Vision Jet.
“Autoland began as a simple exploration to develop automation technology for general aviation aircraft,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO. “This exploration resulted in the first automated system that can safely fly and land an aircraft in an emergency without human intervention. It is a tremendous honor for Autoland to be recognized as one of the greatest achievements in aviation history. We owe this accomplishment to the many Garmin associates who dedicated themselves to creating this game-changing aviation safety technology.”
“The Garmin Autoland system marks a significant improvement in civil aviation,” affirmed NAA Chairman Jim Albaugh. “It’s ability to take over an airplane with a disabled pilot and land it safely will save many lives in the future. It’s a remarkable technical achievement and clearly merits the Collier Trophy.”