Embraer’s Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 Get Garmin’s G1000 NXi

The Prodigy Flight Deck in the cockpits of Embraer’s Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 are getting an upgrade with Garmin’s latest G1000 NXi system. This is not a simple software upgrade; NXi provides a significant upgrade to an already stellar package, adding visual approach capabilities (which can be coupled with the autopilot); SurfaceWatch (a runway monitoring and alerting feature); vastly improved processor speeds; the ability to show weather, traffic, SafeTaxi and a moving map overlay on the HIS portion of the PFD, and more.

With the addition of the FlightStream 510, the G1000 NXi can be wirelessly updated through Garmin’s Pilot app. In addition to database updates, this combination allows operators to transfer flight plans, and share traffic, weather, GPS data, backup attitude data. ADS-B In data can also be viewed on the G1000 through the GTX 345R transponder.

Other helpful new features include the ability to see the station name when selecting a frequency on the PFD and decoded TAFs on the MFD.

The Garmin G1000 NXi system is currently available in new Phenom 100s and 300s. An STC upgrade for existing owners is expected to be available early next year. The STC will be available from Garmin dealers and Embraer service centers and requires “minimal aircraft down time and disruption of the panel,” according to Garmin. The cost for the upgrade is $59,995 and will come with a two-year warranty.