Eclipse Aviation®, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced that it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for an upgraded Avio NG Total Aircraft Integration™ avionics system featuring dual Garmin® GPS 400W units for the Eclipse 500®.

"The inclusion of Garmin units into Avio NG offers state-of-the-art GPS navigation and situational awareness features to Eclipse 500 operators," said Roel Pieper, CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "When coupled with FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) certification, receiving certification for the upgraded Avio NG suite paved the way to certifying the aircraft for European operations, which Eclipse also announced today."

The dual Garmin GPS 400W units, integrated with Avio NG, provide flight path depiction and navigational source selection on the avionics system's primary and multi-function displays. Additional upgraded functionality includes:

-Point-to-point area navigation (RNAV) capability;

-Autopilot enhancements, including:

-Coupled GPS/RNAV lateral navigation (LNAV) capability;

-Coupled precision and non-precision instrument approach capability, including VOR, localizer, ILS, and GPS;

-Flight director only modes;

-Takeoff and go-around guidance, including dual-engine autopilot coupled go-around capability; and

-Improved minimum engagement and use heights.

-Upgraded electronic weight and balance tool; and

-Various additional software upgrades.

Incorporation of the upgraded Avio NG suite into the Eclipse 500 production line has already begun. The GPS 400W units are mounted below both primary flight displays (PFDs) on the Eclipse 500 and replace the pilot and co-pilot keyboards, which are no longer required.

About Avio NG Designed by Eclipse Aviation® exclusively for the Eclipse 500®, Avio NG provides Total Aircraft Integration™ through integral, redundant computer systems and advanced data and power distribution systems. Avio NG applies integration technology to the entire aircraft, including avionics, engine operation, fuel system, flaps, landing gear, cabin pressure and temperature. The flight deck features two primary flight displays (PFDs), one multi-function display (MFD), and two Garmin® GPS 400Ws which are controlled by selection keys and knobs on the displays. The PFDs and MFD provide the pilot with high-resolution display of all flight parameters, engine and system performance data, and total system control.