Garmin Receives FAA Certification for CitationJet Upgrade
The flight deck modernization was certified by the FAA on Sept. 22, 2026, to address system obsolescence.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Car Types
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Garmin received FAA supplemental type certification for its Cessna Model 525 CitationJet flight deck modernization on Sept. 22, 2026. This upgrade replaces legacy systems to meet modern pilot demand for all-Garmin avionics suites.
Why it matters
The program addresses systemic obsolescence in the original 1992-certified aircraft, providing operators with current safety and navigation technologies. Garmin anticipates that approximately half of current CitationJet owners will adopt the upgrade over the next decade.
The retrofit suite features two G600 TXi displays, GTN Xi navigators, GFC 600 autopilot, and GWX 8000 weather radar. Additionally, Garmin offers an FAA Data Comm option for $500 per year at 60 supported airports.
The players
Garmin
This company is a multinational technology provider that specializes in GPS and avionics systems for aviation, marine, and automotive industries.
Cessna
This is an American aircraft manufacturer known for producing a wide range of small and mid-sized business jets and general aviation aircraft.
Epic Aircraft
This manufacturer produces high-performance, all-composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft for the personal and business aviation market.
The details
The upgrade replaces outdated components in original CitationJet models with current avionics technology. These systems allow for advanced navigation and automation features that were unavailable when the aircraft model was first introduced.
Timeline
1992: Original certification of the Cessna Model 525 CitationJet
May 2020: FAA certified Garmin Autoland on the Piper M600/SLS
Sept. 22, 2026: Garmin received FAA STC for CitationJet flight deck
Sept. 30, 2026: FAA certification of Autoland on Epic E1000 AX
2027: Expected Autoland certifications for additional aircraft models
Roadmap
The certification of this retrofit program represents a significant move toward digitizing the legacy business jet market. By extending the utility of older airframes, this trend keeps existing models competitive against newer aircraft equipped with factory-standard digital avionics.
Operators can now modernize their older CitationJet aircraft to include advanced weather radar and autopilot capabilities through authorized facilities. This retrofit provides owners with the latest navigation standards, which can simplify flight operations and enhance long-term aircraft resale value.
The takeaway
Retrofitting aging aircraft with new avionics suites is an effective strategy for extending the life of older corporate fleets. Owners should prioritize these updates to ensure their aircraft remain compatible with evolving national airspace navigation standards.
Further reading
For more information on aircraft modernization trends, visit the Car Types section.
More information
For full details on technical specifications and services, visit the Garmin aviation services and software portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Aviation Week.
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