Wichita, KansasCessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 flight test pilots put Garmin |
For generations, Cessna aircraft have been developed around a practical idea: give customers capable, reliable aircraft that help them accomplish what matters to them. Today, that thinking is helping shape the next generation of the Citation CJ4.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is progressing toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification with new technologies designed to make flying more intuitive while providing additional peace of mind for pilots and passengers. One of those technologies is Garmin Emergency Autoland, which is expected to make the CJ4 Gen3 the first light jet in the market to offer the capability upon certification.
Flight test pilots Corey Eckhart and James Bearman intentionally initiated the Garmin Emergency Autoland sequence during recent Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 flight tests, allowing engineers and pilots to observe how the system successfully engaged navigation, communications and landing procedures. Testing of this revolutionary technology comes as the CJ4 Gen3 advances toward FAA certification.
“One of the most impressive aspects of the flight was how seamlessly the system operated within the overall flight deck environment,” said Eckhart. “Watching an autonomous system take control of the airplane and safely guide it to a landing in an emergency is remarkable. As a pilot, confidence comes from seeing technology perform exactly as intended, and this test reinforced how Emergency Autoland can provide an additional layer of assurance for both pilots and passengers.”
Flight test pilots Corey Eckhart and James Bearman conducted a test of the Garmin Emergency Autoland system on a Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 test article.
Garmin Emergency Autoland is designed to bring additional peace of mind to both pilots and passengers. Once activated, the system guides the aircraft to a suitable landing site and brings it to a complete stop.
Turning new technology into a capability customers can use
Behind the CJ4 Gen3 development program are Textron Aviation employees bringing together aircraft design, engineering, systems integration and flight testing to turn new technologies into capabilities for pilots and passengers.
For the CJ4 Gen3, Garmin Emergency Autoland is part of a broader evolution of the flight deck. The aircraft also introduces Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, designed to provide pilots with intuitive control, simplify workload and enhance situational awareness. Together, those capabilities build on the productivity and performance customers have come to expect from the Citation family while bringing new technology into the cockpit.
The people behind what comes next
Technology may be what passengers and pilots ultimately experience, but getting it there starts with people. Flight testing gives Textron Aviation teams an opportunity to see aircraft systems working together in real-world conditions as development progresses. Pilots such as Eckhart and Bearman are part of the broader team helping move the CJ4 Gen3 toward certification and, ultimately, into customers' hands.
BlueSky Business Aviation News | 1st October 2026 | Issue #860
