If you fly an original CitationJet, a CJ1 or a CJ2, Garmin has just closed the gap that kept the oldest of the three out of its all-glass retrofit programme. The FAA has issued an STC for the original CJ, which means all three models can now be taken from a patchwork of legacy boxes to one integrated Garmin cockpit.

Availability, stated plainly: the STC is granted, but equipment for the original CJ is not yet orderable — Garmin says the part numbers will open for order soon. EASA validation is still in progress. We'll update this post when orders open.

What the upgrade replaces, and with what

This is a full replacement of the legacy avionics, not a one-box refresh. The programme requires four elements to go in together:

Dual G600 TXi displays acting as PFD and MFD, with a single TXi engine indication display.
Dual GTN 750Xi navigators.
GFC 600 digital autopilot.
A GI 275 standby instrument, with an option for a second one on the copilot side.

What changes in the cockpit

Displays. Touchscreen PFDs with a wide synthetic vision horizon, plus a map view inside the HSI so weather, traffic and airport diagrams are available without giving up a full MFD window. The pilot-side PFD and the GI 275 can both be kept alive on the emergency electrical bus, which is a real step up from many legacy installations.

CitationJet-specific awareness. Stabilized Approach monitoring watches speed, course and descent rate on the way in and calls out aurally when you drift outside limits. There's also aural V-speed alerting on takeoff.

Engine indication. The TXi EIS replaces the legacy system with a cleaner gauge layout. N1 targets for takeoff and go-around are calculated automatically, allowing for engine and anti-ice status and outside air temperature. Integrated timers help you respect transient limits during engine start.

Navigation and autopilot. The GTN Xi pair brings coupled VNAV descents, holding patterns over any waypoint, airway and exit-option views on a 6.9-inch display, and wireless flight plan loading from a mobile device. With the GFC 600 behind them you get coupled VNAV, a coupled go-around on the missed approach, flight level change mode and a colour mode controller. Garmin's CJ1 solution also includes Emergency Descent Mode for loss of pressurisation; confirm what your airframe's package includes when we scope it.

Options worth considering

GWX 8000 StormOptix radar with Auto Mode, which manages tilt and gain for you.
GDL 60 and PlaneSync for automatic database updates and remote aircraft status through Garmin Pilot.
GMA 35C audio panel, GTX 345R transponder (ADS-B Out with antenna diversity, plus In), GTS traffic, GRA 55 radar altimeter, GDM 450R DME and datalink options.

Two caveats for South African operators. ADS-B weather uplink is a US-only service, so don't count on it here. And PlaneSync needs an active subscription and a working LTE or Wi-Fi connection at the aircraft, so coverage at your home base matters.

Which aircraft qualify

Eligibility is by serial number:

Original CJ: 525-0001 to 525-0359
CJ1: 525-0360 to 525-0599, except 525-0473
CJ2: 525A up to 525A-0299

South Africa accepts FAA-approved STCs, so the FAA certification is what matters here. As always, whether it can go on your specific airframe depends on its eligibility on the SACAA approved model list, which we check before anything is quoted.

Planning one?

A jet retrofit is a big decision and equipment will be allocated as orders open. If an original CJ, CJ1 or CJ2 is in your future, our Upgrade Advisory will check your serial number, scope the package against your mission and put you in the queue early.

Book a Complimentary Upgrade Review

Aeronautical Aviation · Africa's largest authorised Garmin dealer · Hangar 202, Lanseria International Airport · SACAA AMO No. 1033.