More than 2,000 aircraft are now equipped with Garmin’s lifesaving ‘autoland’ feature

Garmin’s autonomous emergency landing technology is now available on more than 15 aircraft models, including business jets, turboprops and piston-engine aircraft.

More than 2,500 aircraft worldwide are currently equipped with Garmin’s emergency Autoland system, which can take control and land an aircraft if its pilot becomes incapacitated.

Garmin announced the milestone on 14 October, six years after the technology was first certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Surpassing 2,500 Autoland-equipped aircraft reflects the incredible adoption of a technology designed to provide pilots and passengers with added confidence when it matters most,” said Phil Straub, Garmin’s executive vice president and managing director of aviation.

“From the first certification in 2020 to the expansion in the general aviation market and now into twin-engine jets, Garmin Autoland continues to demonstrate certified, real-world capability across a growing range of aircraft and flight decks.”

Which aircraft can use Garmin Autoland?

Garmin Autoland was first certified in May 2020 on the Piper M600 SLS. It has since been approved for aircraft manufactured by Cirrus, Daher, Honda Aircraft, Pilatus, Epic, and others.

Aircraft currently certified for Garmin Autoland

Four aircraft models received Autoland certification during 2026: the HondaJet Elite II, Embraer Phenom 300EV, Pilatus PC-12 PRO and Epic E1000 AX.

The HondaJet and Phenom approvals extended the technology into twin-engine business jets.

Garmin expects further certifications in 2027 for the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3 and CJ4 Gen3, along with the Beechcraft Denali.

Autoland works with specific Garmin G1000 NXi, G3000, and G3000 PRIME flight decks. Availability depends on the aircraft model, installed equipment, and certification. Not every aircraft fitted with these avionics has Autoland.

Garmin is also extending Autoland to existing aircraft through retrofit installations. Its certification for select Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft allows operators to add the technology without buying a new plane. Nearly 250 aircraft have received the technology through upgrades after delivery.

How does Garmin Autoland work?

Unlike conventional autopilot systems, which assist pilots in controlling an aircraft, Garmin Autoland can manage an emergency landing without human intervention.

Occupants can activate the system by pressing a dedicated button. On appropriately equipped aircraft, it can also activate automatically if the pilot becomes unresponsive.

Once activated, Autoland:

• Selects an airport: Evaluates nearby airports using runway length, fuel reserves, terrain, weather, and distance to identify a suitable landing location.
• Plans a safe route: Calculates a flight path that avoids terrain, obstacles and adverse weather.
• Contacts air traffic control: Broadcasts automated emergency messages identifying the aircraft’s intentions while providing instructions and reassurance to passengers.
• Controls the aircraft: Manages navigation, altitude, airspeed and engine power. Depending on the installation, it also operates the landing gear, flaps, and other systems.
• Completes the landing: Flies the approach, touches down, applies the brakes and stops the aircraft. It can also shut down the engines.

The system is designed for emergencies, particularly pilot incapacitation, not for routine landings. It differs from the automatic landing systems used on commercial airliners, which generally require pilot supervision and specific airport equipment.

Autoland completes real-world emergency landing

Garmin Autoland demonstrated its capabilities during an emergency involving a Beechcraft King Air B200 on 20 December 2025. The aircraft had departed Aspen, Colorado, when a cabin pressurisation problem developed. Autoland took control and guided it to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, where it landed safely. Although both pilots remained conscious, they allowed Autoland to complete the landing.