Flight Safety Information - September 09 2025 No. 180 In This Issue : Accident: Westjet B738 at Sint Maarten on Sep 7th 2025, main gear collapse on landing : Incident: Hong Kong Express A320 at Hong Kong on Sep 8th 2025, temporary runway excursion on landing : Incident: British Airways B789 at Sydney on Sep 8th 2025, fuel smells in cockpit : Incident: UPS B748 at Cologne on Sep 7th 2025, suspected tyre damage : Incident: Lufthansa A343 at Frankfurt on Sep 4th 2025, rejected takeoff due to bird strike : Incident: SAS AT72 near Stockholm on Sep 7th 2025, smell of smoke in cabin : FAA has not made any decision on Boeing 737 MAX production cap : What is EMAS? System helped stop jet that overran runway in Boca Raton : Jet Declares Emergency and Makes Safe Landing at Waco Airport Due to Unexplained Smoke Odor in Cabin and Cockpit : CL604 Pilots Had 75 Seconds between Engine Warnings and Crash : Pilot declares mayday as plane makes hard landing at Caribbean airport : FAA administrator calls out ‘obsolescence’ in air traffic control technology : FAA fines firms after cargo aircraft battery fires : Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle certified for King Air 300/350 : Calendar of Event Accident: Westjet B738 at Sint Maarten on Sep 7th 2025, main gear collapse on landing A Westjet Boeing 737-800, registration C-GWSR performing flight WS-2276 from Toronto,ON (Canada) to Sint Maarten (Sint Maarten) with 164 people on board, landed on Sint Maarten's runway 10 at 13:28L (17:28Z) when the right main gear collapsed. The crew managed to keep the aircraft on the runway and brought it to a standstill on the runway on nose gear, left main gear and right engine case. The aircraft was evacuated via slides. There are no injuries being reported. The return flight WS-2277 was cancelled. The airport reported an incident involving a Westjet Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 164 souls on board. The airport is relieved to report there were no injuries though 3 individuals were taken for medical evaluation. The aircraft sustained damage to the right hand wing. The airline reported: "WestJet flight 2276, operating from Toronto, experienced a hard landing upon arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) at 17:29 UTC today." The passengers were evacuated via slides, there are no reported injuries. On Sep 8th 2025 the Canadian TSB reported they are investigating the accident and have dispatched an investigation team to Sint Maarten. https://avherald.com/h?article=52ca435b&opt=0 Incident: Hong Kong Express A320 at Hong Kong on Sep 8th 2025, temporary runway excursion on landing A Hong Kong Express Airbus A320-200, registration B-LCI performing flight UO-235 from Beijing to Hong Kong (China), landed on Hong Kong's runway 07L at 10:34L (02:34Z) but veered right off the runway exiting the runway edge at about 100 knots over ground and returning onto the runway at about 60 knots. The aircraft subsequently vacated the runway normally and taxied to the apron. Hong Kong's AAIA opened an investigation into the occurrence rated a serious incident, suspected deviation. The aircraft is still on the ground in Hong Kong about 14 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52cac78a&opt=0 Incident: British Airways B789 at Sydney on Sep 8th 2025, fuel smells in cockpit A British Airways Boeing 787-9, registration G-ZBKL performing flight BA-16 from Sydney,NS (Australia) to Singapore (Singapore), was climbing through FL220 out of Sydney when the crew donned their oxygen masks, declared Mayday report fuel smells in the cockpit and decided to return to Sydney. The aircraft landed safely on runway 34L about 50 minutes after departure and stopped on the runway. After landing one of the pilots removed his mask after landing, the aircraft vacated the runway about 5 minutes after landing and taxied to the apron. Passengers reported the crew announced fuel smells in the cockpit as reason for the return to Sydney. The airline reported a technical issue, the aircraft returned as a precaution. https://avherald.com/h?article=52cac471&opt=0 Incident: UPS B748 at Cologne on Sep 7th 2025, suspected tyre damage A UPS United Parcel Service Boeing 747-8 freighter, registration N622UP performing flight 5X-11 from Dubai Al Maktoum (United Arab Emirates) to Cologne (Germany), was on approach to Cologne when the crew advised ATC about a possible tyre damage. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 13L. Emergency services reported seeing no tyre damage. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 15 hours before returning to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=52cab8d7&opt=0 IIncident: Lufthansa A343 at Frankfurt on Sep 4th 2025, rejected takeoff due to bird strike A Lufthansa Airbus A340-300, registration D-AIGP performing flight LH-432 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA), was accelerating for takeoff from 25C when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 135 knots over ground) after bird was ingested by the outboard left hand engine (CFM56). The aircraft slowed safely, stopped on the runway for inspection by emergency services and returned to the apron. The rotation was cancelled. The aircraft returned to service about 48 hours later. https://avherald.com/h?article=52cab6ec&opt=0 Incident: SAS AT72 near Stockholm on Sep 7th 2025, smell of smoke in cabin A SAS Scandinavian Airlines Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration SE-MKC performing flight SK-4222 from Stockholm (Sweden) to Vaasa (Finland) with 33 people on board, was climbing through 13,000 feet out of Stockholm's Arlanda Airport when the crew reported smell of smoke in the cabin and decided to return to Stockholm, where the aircraft landed safely on runway 19L about 30 minutes after departure. The rotation was cancelled. The aircraft returned to service about 16 hours later. https://avherald.com/h?article=52cab3d3&opt=0 FAA has not made any decision on Boeing 737 MAX production cap WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said on Monday the agency had not made any decision on whether to lift the 38 planes per month 737 MAX production cap in place since early 2024, or on how it oversees Boeing production. "Progress is being made. It may not be as fast perhaps as Boeing would like but it is as fast as we can reasonably move through the process," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters after an event in Washington. The FAA imposed the unprecedented production cap shortly after a January 2024 mid-air emergency involving a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 missing four key bolts. Since then, the FAA has maintained enhanced in-person oversight of Boeing production. Bedford said he was encouraged by Boeing's improvements but was waiting for data to answer key questions. "This is going to be a bottom-up process - front-line FAA team that's really on them to make the recommendation of whether they feel like we've reached some of the milestones that would warrant any kind of change," Bedford said. "None of those recommendations have come up yet. That tells me the work is still ongoing." Bedford said last month the FAA would do scenario-based planning, known as tabletop exercises, with Boeing before granting approval. Boeing declined to comment, but referred to comments from CEO Kelly Ortberg in July. "We expect to be in a position to request approval from the FAA in the coming months to increase to 42 aircraft per month," Ortberg said at the time, adding its key performance indicators continued to progress steadily. Separately, Bedford said at an event that the agency was being "stretched thin" as it pursues a massive $12.5 billion overhaul of the U.S. air traffic control system, oversight of Boeing as well as new rules on drones and supersonic airplanes and modernizing airplane certification. Bedford said the FAA needed significant reform and to address an air traffic system that was "failing every day in small things" like broken circuits and telecom lines. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/faa-not-made-decision-boeing-191125678.html What is EMAS? System helped stop jet that overran runway in Boca Raton Four people were on board the private aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 300, when it was caught on video coming to an abrupt stop after it overshot the runway on Wednesday. Video shows the moments that an airplane that overran the runway at Boca Raton Airport was safely stopped by a special system last week. Four people were on board the private aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 300, when it was caught on video coming to an abrupt stop after it overshot the runway on Wednesday. According to the FlightAware tracking website, the jet landed at the airport at 5:10 p.m. after a four-hour flight from Las Vegas. The images show the plane landing, sliding and then suddenly throwing up a cloud of debris as it stops before a busy road. No one was injured. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the airport's Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) was deployed, helping the aircraft stop. Heavy storms bring flash flooding, travel disruptions across South Florida “EMAS is a bed of lightweight, crushable material installed at the end of a runway to slow down aircraft that overshoot, undershoot, or veer off the runway,” officials said in a news release announcing the system’s success. Four people were on board the private aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 300, when it was caught on video coming to an abrupt stop after it overshot the runway on Sept. 3, 2025. The FAA said it had also been deployed that very day in Chicago, Illinois, when a Gulfstream G150 with two people on board overran the runway at Chicago Executive Airport. No serious injuries were reported there, either. “[Wednesday’s] incidents in Chicago and Boca Raton clearly demonstrate the lifesaving value of EMAS technology,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “These two systems did exactly what they’re designed to do—stop aircraft safely when they go off the runway. This technology is making a real difference in preventing serious accidents.” The FAA said there are currently 122 EMAS systems implemented at 70 U.S. airports. Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is one of the airports with EMAS technology, where at least one aircraft has been safely stopped after overrunning the runway. Seven crew and passengers landed safely in that incident at an undisclosed date, the FAA said. https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/video-jet-overrunning-runway-boca-raton-airport/3688162/ Jet Declares Emergency and Makes Safe Landing at Waco Airport Due to Unexplained Smoke Odor in Cabin and Cockpit A regional airliner diverted to Waco Regional Airport under declared emergency conditions following the detection of smoke odor in the both passenger cabin and flight deck. The flight crew executed the requisite checklist upon recognition of the anomaly, notifying air traffic control and obtaining priority for immediate descent and landing. Visual inspection after touchdown revealed no open flame, yet the origin of the smoke odor has yet to be ascertained; an incident investigation has been initiated to identify the source. Prompt and coordinated efforts by the flight crew, ground emergency services, and airport personnel facilitated the orderly evacuation of all occupants, and no injuries or complications were reported. On Monday morning, a commercial jet made an emergency landing at Waco Regional Airport in Texas after an alarming odor of smoke was detected in both the cockpit and cabin. The incident, which prompted the crew to declare an emergency, occurred as the aircraft was inbound, and authorities quickly responded to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The situation unfolded when the flight crew noticed a strong smell of smoke during the flight. Recognizing the potential danger, the crew immediately followed emergency protocols, declaring an emergency to the control tower. In response, air traffic controllers swiftly guided the jet to Waco Regional Airport, where emergency response teams were on standby. The aircraft made a safe landing, and emergency personnel were present to assist with the deplaning of all passengers and crew members. No injuries were reported, and there were no indications of fire on the plane. All passengers safely exited the aircraft without any additional issues. Authorities remained vigilant throughout the entire process, ensuring that all necessary precautions were taken. Upon landing, fire crews conducted an initial inspection of the plane, but no obvious signs of fire were found. The origin of the smoke smell could not be identified, leading to a continued investigation to uncover its source. Although no flames or hazardous conditions were discovered, the possibility of technical malfunction or other factors causing the smoke was not ruled out. The aircraft was subsequently handed over to the maintenance team at Texas Aero for a more thorough investigation. While the cause of the smoke odor is still under review, the swift and effective actions taken by the flight crew and ground staff ensured that the situation did not escalate. Throughout the incident, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew was the foremost concern, with all procedures being carefully adhered to. Waco Regional Airport, known for its efficient operations and commitment to passenger safety, has experienced numerous successful emergency landings in the past. The airport’s infrastructure and response protocols have allowed it to handle a variety of in-flight emergencies, from mechanical failures to medical situations, with professionalism and speed. On this occasion, the airport’s readiness to respond played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth resolution to the incident. This emergency landing serves as a reminder of the essential role of flight crews, air traffic controllers, and airport emergency personnel in safeguarding passengers’ lives. The aviation industry, despite its rigorous safety standards and procedures, is not immune to unforeseen circumstances, and it is in these moments that the training, preparedness, and quick thinking of all involved come into play. Despite the tension surrounding the incident, the situation was handled efficiently and with minimal disruption. The passengers were promptly informed and supported, and the crew members followed safety protocols to the letter. Emergency responders at the airport acted swiftly, ensuring that the aircraft was thoroughly inspected and that any potential risks were swiftly addressed. In light of the event, Waco Regional Airport and the airlines involved will likely continue to monitor and review safety procedures, ensuring that lessons are learned and applied to future operations. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid response in the aviation sector, particularly when unexpected challenges arise during flights. As of now, the investigation into the source of the smoke odor remains ongoing. The aircraft will undergo a detailed examination by aviation experts, who will seek to identify any technical issues or environmental factors that may have contributed to the presence of smoke. Until the investigation is concluded, the aircraft remains grounded for further inspection. While this particular incident was resolved without any major issues, it is a testament to the diligence and professionalism of the aviation industry that such situations are managed with utmost care. The coordinated efforts between the flight crew, air traffic control, and emergency personnel ensured that what could have been a critical situation was handled smoothly, reaffirming the safety of air travel. This emergency landing also emphasizes the importance of modern aviation systems, which are designed to detect and prevent potential hazards before they can pose significant threats. With advanced technologies and safety protocols in place, the likelihood of a disaster occurring due to a single issue, such as a smoke odor, is significantly reduced. Waco Regional Airport’s role in this incident was vital in providing a safe environment for the aircraft to land and for the investigation to begin. The airport’s facilities were equipped to manage the emergency efficiently, and the response teams acted promptly to ensure that all safety measures were followed. For travelers passing through Waco, this incident serves as a reminder that airports and airlines work tirelessly to ensure the highest levels of safety, even in unexpected situations. Whether it’s a routine flight or an emergency situation, passengers can rest assured that the aviation professionals overseeing their journey are prepared to act decisively and protect their well-being. As investigations continue, travelers are advised to stay informed about updates from the airline involved. Meanwhile, Waco Regional Airport remains committed to maintaining its reputation as a secure and reliable hub for air travel in central Texas, continuing to prioritize passenger safety and operational excellence. A commercial aircraft reported an in-flight emergency and executed an uneventful landing at Waco Regional Airport after an unexplained smell resembling smoke was detected in both the passenger cabin and cockpit. Standard emergency procedural measures were quickly initiated. Investigators are currently assessing the competent cause of the odor, but an interior inspection has revealed no indications of combustion. This emergency landing highlights the unwavering commitment and attentiveness of the aviation industry in safeguarding passengers. With a strong focus on safety, air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation worldwide, largely due to the dedicated professionals who manage and address incidents like this behind the scenes. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/jet-declares-emergency-and-makes-safe-landing-at-waco-airport-due-to-unexplained-smoke-odor-in-cabin-and-cockpit/#google_vignette CL604 Pilots Had 75 Seconds between Engine Warnings and Crash With both engines out, crew landed twinjet on I-75 South in Florida Gulf Coast city Accident Hop-A-Jet pilots Edward Murphy and Ian Hofmann had just 75 seconds between the first indication of trouble with their Bombardier Challenger 604’s GE Aviation CF34-3B engines and crash landing the twinjet on I-75 in Naples, Florida, on Feb, 9, 2024, according to a trove of documents released late on Friday by the NTSB. The first of three master caution warnings—left engine oil pressure—was recorded at 15:09:33 EST, followed by the same warning for the right engine one second later, and an engine warning six seconds later. It took the crew an additional 20 seconds, at 15:10:05, to realize both engines stopped producing power while the airplane was at about 1,000 feet msl and 122 knots on a shallow intercept angle for the final approach course to Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF). The crew then transmitted to tower, “…lost both engines…emergency…making an emergency landing.” The tower controller acknowledged the call and cleared the airplane to land. While at about 900 feet and 115 knots, the crew replied, “We are cleared to land but we are not going to make the runway…ah…we have lost both engines.” The twinjet touched down on the southbound lane of I-75 at approximately 15:10:47, when aircraft ADS-B data also ceased. According to a 17-second dashcam video submitted to the NTSB, the airplane initially was in a shallow left turn and then leveled its wings before touchdown, aligned with traffic. It then showed the left main landing gear touching down first in the center of the three lanes and then the right gear touching down in the right lane. Video then shows the airplane continuing through the right-side emergency lane and into the grass shoulder area before hitting a concrete sound barrier. Then the video showed the Challenger obscured by dust, fire, smoke, and debris until the recording ended. Murphy and Hofman perished in the accident, but the cabin attendant and two passengers escaped with minor injuries. One person on the ground also suffered minor injuries. The air charter—operated under Part 135 by Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Hop-A-Jet—originated at Ohio State University Airport (KOSU) in Columbus, Ohio, and was a supplemental lift flight for NetJets. According to interviews with other Hop-A-Jet pilots, Murphy—the accident captain—was recounted as a meticulous planner, with checklist discipline described as “it was just like you're in the flight simulator in CAE with the proper callouts and everything.” First officer Hofmann was portrayed as “a very calm individual” who “was there to participate and be involved and to learn and to be an active member of the crew.” https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-09-08/cl604-pilots-had-75-seconds-between-engine-warnings-and Pilot declares mayday as plane makes hard landing at Caribbean airport Pilot declares mayday as plane makes hard landing in Caribbean Dramatic moments after a WestJet flight made a hard landing on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. A plane flying from Toronto with 164 people onboard appeared to bounce after landing at the Caribbean Island airport of Sint Maarten and skidding down the runway. WestJet flight 2276's landing gear reportedly collapsed while landing. "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday; WestJet 2276 will be evacuating," the pilot said according to audio from liveatc.net There was no fire on the Boeing 737-800, but emergency crews sprayed foam around the plane as a precaution after the rough landing. Authorities say, three people were taken for medical evaluation out of an abundance of caution. "I told my colleague, like 'damn, what the hell just happened?' It was a very rough, it was a very heavy and rough landing," Joe Herrara said. The airport is known worldwide for its dramatic, low-altitude approaches over the beach that borders the runway. Hours after the landing, Sint Maarten government officials said most passengers left the airport with vouchers for hotel, transportation, and food. The airport was set to reopen at noon on Monday today. https://abc7.com/post/westjet-flight-2276-pilot-declares-mayday-plane-makes-hard-landing-caribbean-island-airport-sint-maarten-toronto/17770801/ FAA administrator calls out ‘obsolescence’ in air traffic control technology While the National Airspace System currently iterates on a decade-long cycle, akin to Boeing and Airbus, those updates need to be more like iPad, FAA’s Bryan Bedford said. Bryan Bedford, the new administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, emphasized the need to modernize aging air traffic control technology in some of his first public remarks since his swearing in, saying the country’s current system is “failing every day.” In comments during a fireside chat before the Commercial Drone Alliance on Monday, Bedford said the failures include circuits breaking, lines getting cut up, copper wire spraying, and switches that no longer work and can’t be manufactured. “There’s just all this obsolescence built into the system, and it feels like we finally have a consensus across users, government, other interested parties, and certainly the American public that want to see it fixed,” Bedford said. Bedford’s comments come just a few days after the FAA officially began its search to hire an integrator to modernize its antiquated air traffic control system. Issues within that important system have been the focus of congressional hearings and watchdog reports. At a House Transportation Committee hearing earlier this year, for example, witnesses noted that the agency was still using floppy disks in some instances. During the fireside chat moderated by Lisa Ellman, CDA’s chief executive, Bedford said the National Airspace System (NAS) is a “critical resource for the country.” It contributes roughly 5% to 6% of the country’s gross domestic product via commercial airlines, cargo, launch vehicles and others, he said. “And yet, it is an analog creature,” Bedford said. While he noted that the FAA produces data that’s then used by industry to make “wonderful” tools, the agency has room for improvements. “The FAA and the NAS iterate about on the same cycle that Boeing and Airbus iterate. We iterate on about a decade-long cycle, and we need to move to more of an iPad iteration,” Bedford said. “We need to move more on sort of an annual speed of modernization.” To achieve that, the agency has to become digital, though he said that the process is “easier said than done.” When making the move from roughly 4,500 analog facilities to fewer all digital facilities, the agency has to be mindful not to break anything in the critical system. “That’s why we decided to hire an integrator to help us look at parts of stress within the system that we can accelerate smartly, and other places where we need to be a little bit more thoughtful and want the support of the third party just making sure we get it right,” Bedford said. Responses to the agency’s solicitation for an integrator are due Sept. 21. Before his nomination by President Donald Trump to be FAA administrator, Bedford was CEO of Republic Airways and spent his career in the aviation sector. He was confirmed mostly along party lines in July. The beginning of Bedford’s tenure at the FAA comes at a point of increased scrutiny of air traffic. A January mid-air collision of an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington that killed 67 people prompted concerns about airplane safety. While Trump immediately placed blame on the FAA and its air traffic control system, a National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the crash is still ongoing. In addition to comments on system modernization, Bedford also addressed a recent FAA proposed rule to create a regulatory framework for the use of drones for things like package delivery, aerial surveying, recreation and flight testing. That anticipated proposed rule, which has been years in the making, was the primary topic of the CDA event. Comments on the proposal are open until Oct. 6. Bedford described the current draft as “an amalgamation” of a lengthy process. While the drone industry has “moved past where this rule is,” he said the administration wants to “get a marker in the ground” and “start moving.” As a result, the current process for the proposed rule is the result of “breaking some glass internally” and running some of the agency’s normal rulemaking processes in parallel, he said. “So instead of seeing a seamless rule, you see a sort of schizophrenic rule that includes a rulemaking on security as well as a rulemaking on commerce,” Bedford said. Addressing the audience, he said the FAA needs industry to comment, and that there wouldn’t be an extension for responses. Bedford added: “Perfect is the enemy of the good. Let’s try to get a good rule out, and let’s get it out quickly. And then we can iterate from there.” White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios also spoke at the event and addressed the drone rule, calling it “critical to unleashing this technology.” Kratsios pointed to the cumbersome process of waivers the drone industry has had to navigate to operate, and said the proposed regulation is “finally an opportunity” to set up a process in regulation. “This can unlock so many things, from pipeline inspections, to delivery, to health-related use cases,” he said. But more important, he said, is that the administration gets the rule right. “We don’t want to ever be in a scenario where we have to rewrite it or amend it or do it again. So what we do today is so important,” Kratsios said. https://fedscoop.com/faa-administrator-calls-out-aging-air-traffic-control-tech/ FAA fines firms after cargo aircraft battery fires The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed fines against three companies after lithium-ion batteries they shipped by air caught fire, highlighting the persistent risks such cargo poses to aviation safety. The regulator said on 5 September that Virginia-based Mobilesentrix and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution were among those penalised for violating hazardous materials regulations. Mobilesentrix, a wholesale supplier of mobile phone parts, is accused of repeatedly sending undeclared and improperly packaged batteries via FedEx in late 2023. The FAA said one shipment ignited during transit, though it did not specify when. The agency has proposed a $170,000 (£131,000) fine, with the company requesting discussions to contest the case. In a separate incident, batteries shipped by LG Energy Solution to Los Angeles in January 2024 caught fire at FedEx’s sorting facility in Irvine, California. The FAA reported the shipment emitted “heat, smoke, ember and flames”, with some cells left charred and melted. Global air cargo safety concerns Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics but present well-documented hazards if damaged, poorly packaged or improperly handled. Thermal runaway incidents can trigger intense fires that are difficult to extinguish on board aircraft. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have introduced increasingly strict rules in recent years, including packaging standards, labelling requirements and limits on bulk battery shipments. Some airlines have banned standalone battery consignments entirely. Despite these measures, regulators warn that undeclared or mislabelled shipments continue to pose a significant threat. Industry experts say e-commerce growth, particularly the surge in cross-border small parcels, has made enforcement more complex. The FAA said the latest cases underscore the importance of compliance, adding that it will continue to take enforcement action where companies fail to meet international safety standards. https://caasint.com/faa-fines-firms-after-cargo-aircraft-battery-fires/ Garmin Autoland and Autothrottle certified for King Air 300/350 Garmin has gained FAA approval for retrofit installations of its Autoland and Autothrottle systems into certain Beechcraft King Air turboprops equipped with the G1000 NXi avionics suite. The move brings the company’s autonomous safety technology to the workhorse twin-turboprop segment, expanding availability from smaller piston and turbine aircraft. The certification includes Autoland and Autothrottle for select King Air 350 models, while Autothrottle is approved immediately for certain King Air 300s, with Autoland certification for that series expected later. The King Air 350 is now the largest aircraft approved to use Autoland, which has been certified in 10 other aircraft types to date. The development marks a major step in Garmin’s strategy to scale its Autonomi suite of safety technologies into more complex and higher-weight categories. “Nearly 1,000 King Air operators now enjoy the capabilities that the G1000 upgrade has provided them. This announcement adds a direct pathway to Autothrottle and Autoland equipage for many of those aircraft,” said Carl Wolf, Vice President Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs & Support at Garmin. “It’s just the beginning.” Autothrottle gives the King Air automated power management from takeoff to landing. The system adjusts throttle settings according to climb, cruise, and descent profiles, and includes built-in protections against engine overtemperature and overtorque. It can also engage automatically to prevent overspeed or underspeed conditions, and in the event of an engine failure it configures the power levers to stabilize the aircraft’s performance and prevent loss of control. For crews flying in busy airspace, Autothrottle takes over a critical task, reducing workload while maintaining efficiency and engine health. Autoland, meanwhile, is designed to take complete control of the aircraft and land it in the event the crew cannot continue. Once activated, either by an emergency button or automatically, the system selects the most suitable runway based on weather, runway length, fuel, and terrain. It then communicates directly with air traffic control, flies an approach, lands, applies brakes, and shuts down the engines. The technology is aimed at adding redundancy to two-pilot operations and providing a safety net for single-pilot flights, particularly in medical emergencies. During an activation, the system presents clear messages on cockpit displays so that passengers understand what is happening. Information such as destination airport, estimated time enroute, and distance remaining is shown in plain language. Audio announcements explain each step, reducing confusion and offering reassurance. Passengers can also use prompts on the displays to communicate with controllers if needed. In addition to Autoland and Autothrottle, Garmin is rolling out updates to the G1000 NXi flight deck in the King Air. Enhancements include expanded Synthetic Vision features such as 3D views of taxiways and airport structures, a Runway Occupancy Awareness tool that uses ADS-B to warn of possible incursions, and new stability protection features for single-engine scenarios. The GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar, already available in other platforms, is also now integrated, providing automated radar tilt and gain adjustments along with turbulence and hail prediction. Retrofit installations of Autoland and Autothrottle are available through Garmin-authorized dealers for eligible King Air aircraft. Garmin first introduced Autoland in 2019 as part of the Autonomi suite of safety features. The system was designed as a last line of defense if a pilot became incapacitated, capable of navigating to a suitable runway and performing a complete automated landing without human input. In 2020, the FAA certified Autoland in the Piper M600/SLS, making it the world’s first fully approved emergency autoland system for general aviation. It was quickly added to the Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 and Daher TBM 940, giving pilots of high-performance turbine aircraft access to the capability. That same year, Autoland received the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for its potential to save lives and transform aviation safety. Since then, Garmin has steadily expanded the technology into additional platforms, including the Safe Return Autoland system in the Cirrus SR22 G7+ piston single in the spring of 2025. With the King Air 350 now approved, Autoland appears to be making the leap from niche applications to a mainstay of business aviation. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/garmin-autoland-and-autothrottle-certified-for-king-air-300-350 CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines . 2025 PROS IOSA SUMMIT - SEPT 10-11 - Denver, CO · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . 2025 NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown; Monday, Oct. 13 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Las Vegas, NV . 2025 NBAA National Safety Forum, Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Wednesday, Oct. 15; Las Vegas, NV . Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC™) - 2025 – October 27-29th (Omaha, Nebraska) . 78TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT (IASS) - Lisbon, November 4–6 . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis