Photo: Honda Aircraft Company
No pilot, no problem.
Honda Aircraft Company’s HondaJet Elite II has become the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified to equip Emergency Autoland (EAL). This follows certification of the system by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Installation of the technology has been highly anticipated by Elite II owners and operators in the United States. The company is now pursuing certifications from international regulatory bodies to offer the same capability to customers abroad.
“Adding Emergency Autoland to the HondaJet Elite II demonstrates our commitment to delivering new value to our customers,” says Honda Aircraft Company president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “I'm proud that our team is fulfilling on this promise by offering Emergency Autoland and giving our HondaJet Elite II customers greater peace of mind during every flight.”
The EAL system allows the aircraft to land autonomously if the pilot is incapacitated. It can be triggered by a button or through automated detection systems. Once engaged, it transmits an emergency code, alerts air traffic control, evaluates weather, terrain, fuel and runway dimensions, selects a diversion airport, configures for landing, follows an approach path and lands with braking to a full stop.
The Elite II previously became the first twin-turbine VLJ to equip an autothrottle in October 2024. Certification flight testing for EAL was completed in October 2025.
| Contact details from our directory: | |
| Honda Aircraft Company | Airframer |
| Garmin International | ADS-B systems, Air Data Computers, Airborne Communication Systems, Attitude and Heading Reference Systems, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Autopilots, Autothrottle Systems, Avionics Management Systems, Collision Avoidance Systems/TCAS, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Engine Indicator Instruments, Flight Directors, Flight Management Systems, GPS, Head-Up Displays, Instrument Landing Systems, Magnetometers, Moving Maps, Onboard Airport Navigation Systems, Onboard Computers, Onboard Intercom Systems, Position Indicators, Radar Transponders, Radar/Radio Altimeters, Radio Communications Equipment, Satellite Receivers, Storm-Warning Radar, Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems, Transceivers, VOR (Omnirange) Receivers, Weather Mapping Radar |
| Related aircraft programs: |
| Honda HA-420 HondaJet |
Weekly news by email:
See the latest Bulletin, and sign up free‑of‑charge for future editions.
DLR tests active rotor twisting to cut helicopter noise and vibration
USAF expands Boeing’s Grey Wolf order to 38
H55 clears key battery certification hurdle
