Garmin Autoland Approved for Use on Pilatus PC-12 PRO

Garmin's Emergency Autoland system has been certified by the FAA and EASA for the Pilatus PC-12 PRO turboprop. Pilatus, which refers to the system as Safety Autoland, announced the approvals on September 24, 2026.

The certification marks a key component of the new cockpit for the PC-12 PRO. Pilatus said, "The aircraft’s capability is now certified by the FAA and EASA." The system is standard equipment on the latest model.

System capabilities and operation

The Safety Autoland system can autonomously take control of the aircraft during an emergency such as pilot incapacitation. It activates either automatically after detecting pilot inactivity or via a manual button press.

Once engaged, the system plots a route that avoids terrain and obstacles. It configures the aircraft for landing by operating flaps, landing gear, lighting, brakes, and de-icing equipment. Airport selection considers runway length, wind, weather, and available fuel. The system also transmits automated radio messages to air traffic control and nearby aircraft.

Certification and testing process

Final certification flight testing validated the system’s complete performance sequence. This testing covered activation through landing and engine shutdown, including automated communications. The goal was to demonstrate a fully automated landing in real-world conditions, handling scenarios like sudden medical emergencies.

Broader context and availability

The PC-12 PRO is a single-engine turboprop introduced in March 2025 with a cockpit redesign. Its Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) is built around Garmin’s G3000 Prime avionics suite. At introduction, Garmin identified the PC-12 PRO as the first aircraft certified with the new G3000 Prime flight deck.

The ACE cockpit features three main touchscreen displays, two smaller secondary screens, and a cursor control device derived from the PC-24 jet. The flight deck links crew alerts to electronic checklists and includes other Garmin safety functions like electronic stability protection and emergency descent mode.

Garmin’s Autoland system is also certified on several other aircraft types. Retrofit installations are available for eligible Beechcraft King Air 200-series and 350 aircraft, depending on model year and equipment.

Additional Autoland installations have been announced for the Beechcraft Denali, Epic E1000 AX, and HondaJet Echelon. The system has demonstrated real-world effectiveness, having successfully performed an emergency landing on a King Air B200.

Safety record and significance

The PC-12 family already ranks among the safest aircraft in its class with an exceptional, statistically proven safety record. The PRO model builds on this foundation. Pilatus describes the PC-12 Pro as the "most technologically advanced, best performing, most reliable aircraft in its class." The addition of Safety Autoland takes the safety standard to an even higher level.

The Safety Autoland system is now certified and available as standard equipment on the latest Pilatus PC-12 PRO model.