Garmin Autoland named 2020 finalist for esteemed Robert J. Collier Trophy

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin International has announced that its innovative Autoland system is a finalist for the prestigious 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy, awarded by the National Aeronautic Association. This groundbreaking technology enables an aircraft to autonomously land in emergencies, marking it as the first certified system of its kind. The system can be activated by a passenger or automatically, ensuring safety during critical situations. Previous certifications for Autoland were achieved in 2020 by Piper Aircraft, DAHER, and Cirrus Aircraft, showcasing Garmin's commitment to advancing aviation safety.

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• Garmin Autoland recognized as a finalist for the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy, highlighting innovation in aviation safety.
• First certification received from Piper Aircraft in May 2020, followed by certifications from DAHER and Cirrus Aircraft later that year.

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Garmin^® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced that its ground-breaking Garmin Autoland system was selected as a 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy finalist by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). For over a century, the Collier Trophy has been the benchmark of aerospace achievement and is awarded annually to recognize “the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America.” Part of the Garmin Autonomi^™ family of autonomous safety-enhancing technologies, Autoland is the world’s first certified system of its kind with the ability to activate during an emergency situation to autonomously control and land an aircraft without human intervention¹.

Garmin Autoland was recently selected as a 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy finalist by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are extremely honored and proud that Autoland has been selected as a finalist for the renowned Robert J. Collier Trophy,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director, aviation. “The extensive history of this award has recognized some of the most impactful achievements in aviation, and we are humbled to have Autoland considered among them. Being chosen as a finalist for the greatest aerospace achievement of 2020 would not be possible without the steadfast dedication of the Garmin team, as well as Piper, DAHER, and Cirrus, in addition to the regulatory agencies working closely with us to bring this potential life-saving technology to market.”

In the event of an emergency such as pilot incapacitation, a passenger can activate Autoland to land the aircraft with a simple press of a dedicated button, should the pilot no longer be able to perform their duties as pilot in command. Autoland can also activate automatically if the system detects no pilot interaction. Once activated, the system immediately calculates a flight path to the most suitable airport and runway, while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, initiates a stabilized approach and automatically lands the aircraft.

Piper Aircraft received the first FAA Type Certification of Garmin Autoland on the G3000^® equipped M600 SLS in May 2020. In July 2020 DAHER completed the first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and the second FAA certification of Autoland on the G3000^® equipped TBM 940. Cirrus Aircraft, the 2017 Collier Trophy winner, certified the first jet aircraft with Autoland in August 2020, the Vision Jet equipped with Perspective Touch+.

Garmin is committed to building on the mission of bringing innovations to the industry, furthering the vision of Wilbur and Orville Wright, whose resolve and commitment to heavier-than-air flight sparked the current-day modern transportation movement. Several significant accomplishments and innovations of previous Collier Trophy winners helped lay the groundwork for what is now Autoland, including: the Global Positioning System Team in 1992; the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics and the development of the modern-day ATC system in 1948; Elmer Sperry’s development of the initial autopilot building blocks; and William Lear’s development of the first jet autopilot in 1949. Garmin believes this is only the beginning, as it continues to innovate and make advances to create new and exciting possibilities for air travel in the future.

The NAA is a non-profit, membership organization devoted to fostering America’s aerospace leadership and promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight to the United States. The NAA’s Collier Trophy Selection Committee will meet virtually in June and publicly announce the 2020 Collier Trophy award winner following their selection.

For additional information about Autoland and the Garmin Autonomi family of automated flight technologies, visit www.garmin.com/Autonomi.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at media.relations@garmin.com, or follow us at facebook.com/garminaviation, twitter.com/garminaviation, instagram.com/garminaviation or youtube.com/garminaviation.

^{1.See Garmin.com/ALuse for Autoland system requirements and limitations.}

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and G3000 are registered trademarks and Autonomi is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2020, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210303005187/en/

FAQ

What is the Garmin Autoland system?

Garmin Autoland is an autonomous system that allows an aircraft to land itself in emergencies without human intervention.

Why was Garmin Autoland selected as a finalist for the 2020 Collier Trophy?

It was recognized for its groundbreaking innovation in ensuring aviation safety by autonomously landing an aircraft during an emergency.

What companies were involved in the certification of Garmin Autoland?

Piper Aircraft, DAHER, and Cirrus Aircraft played significant roles in achieving FAA and EASA certifications for the Autoland system.

What does being a finalist for the Collier Trophy signify for Garmin?

Being a finalist showcases Garmin's commitment to innovation and highlights its significant contributions to aviation safety.

When were the certifications for Garmin Autoland completed?

The first FAA certification was achieved in May 2020, with subsequent certifications received in July and August 2020.