Garmin Unveils Avionics Upgrade Of Citation CJ1

The FAA has granted supplemental type certification of an all-Garmin avionics retrofit of the Cessna Citation CJ1 light jet, Garmin said Aug. 6.

The “complete avionics modernization” replaces the legacy Collins Pro Line 21 system of the first-generation CJ model, a CitationJet (Model 525) variant produced from 2000-2005. Garmin announced a similar avionics upgrade of the Cessna Citation CJ2 in March 2024.

Textron Aviation discontinued the CJ1/2 with the introduction of the Citation M2, which entered service in 2013.

Cessna delivered 198 CJ1, 102 CJ1+ models with improved Williams FJ44 turbofan engines and avionics, and 468 CJ2/CJ2+ models, according to the Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database.

Collins Aerospace offers an avionics upgrade to Pro Line Fusion standard for Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 models.

The Garmin avionics retrofit of the CJ1 features two G600 TXi touchscreen displays with synthetic vision, GTN Xi GPS/nav/comm system, and GFC 600 digital autopilot with new capabilities such as coupled VNAV (vertical navigation) descents and go-around capability while executing a missed approach.

New to both the CJ1 and CJ2 all-Garmin retrofits is the addition of text-based communications with air traffic control via the FAA’s Data Comm system. Pilots can receive departure clearances via text at 60 airports as well as enroute clearances and frequency changes from enroute centers while flying above 16,000 ft. in the U.S.

The full avionics retrofit of the Citation CJ1 is available now through the Garmin authorized dealer network, the company said.