Pilatus has secured FAA and EASA certification for the PC-12 PRO’s Garmin Safety Autoland system, clearing the emergency landing function for use on the latest version of the single-engine turboprop. The approval gives the aircraft an automated backup if the pilot becomes incapacitated, with the system able to take control, select a suitable airport and complete the landing sequence.
The certification follows final flight testing that demonstrated the full automated process, from activation through landing, communications and engine shutdown. Safety Autoland can be triggered manually or activate automatically if pilot inactivity is detected, then manages flight path selection using runway length, weather, wind, terrain and obstacle data.
The system also handles flaps, landing gear, lighting, brakes and de-icing while sending automated radio messages to air traffic control and nearby aircraft. For Pilatus, the dual approval broadens the PC-12 PRO’s safety package for private, business and single-pilot operations, and expands the certified reach of Garmin’s emergency autoland technology in business aviation.