HondaJet Elite II Receives FAA Nod for Autoland
The HondaJet Elite II has become the first twinjet to receive U.S. FAA approval for installation of the Garmin Emergency Autoland (EAL) system, Honda Aircraft announced this morning. Previously certified on a range of single and twin-turboprop aircraft, as well as the Cirrus Vision Jet turbine single, EAL enables the aircraft to land autonomously in an emergency situation when a pilot becomes incapacitated.
Honda Aircraft noted that the system has been “highly anticipated” by its HondaJet Elite II customers and that it was pursuing similar approvals through other regulatory agencies. Approval follows installation of autothrottles in October 2024, which Honda Aircraft noted is a key technology related to the EAL system. The Greensboro, North Carolina-based airframer completed its certification testing on EAL in October 2025.
“Adding Emergency Autoland to the HondaJet Elite II demonstrates our commitment to delivering new value to our customers,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “I’m proud that our team is fulfilling this promise by offering Emergency Autoland and giving our HondaJet Elite II customers greater peace of mind during every flight.”
The HondaJet is the ninth application to receive approval, with a half-dozen more in the wings, including the Gen3 variants of Cessna Citation CJ3 and CJ4 twins. Many of the in-production turboprops are now equipped with the system, or are also working on installation.
Automated monitoring systems embedded within Autoland can detect pilot unresponsiveness and activate the system. In addition, the system can be activated manually through the push of a button. Once activated, EAL transmits an emergency code and conducts radio calls to alert air traffic control of the emergency. The system is able to autonomously evaluate weather, terrain, fuel, and runway dimensions to select the optimal diversion airport. It can then configure and land the aircraft, including applying the brakes to a full stop on the runway.