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Garmin Autoland Reaches Milestone With Over 2,500 Aircraft Installations

Pivotal safety system is spreading rapidly through a range of piston and turbine airplanes.

Garmin Autoland takes control in an emergency with the push of a button. [Credit: Garmin]

I was reminded recently of how quickly groundbreaking technology trickles throughout the market. After a long flight I picked up a rental car at the FBO and embarked on the last few miles of a trip to visit extended family in upstate New York.

While rounding a bend on a New England state highway, I could feel the steering wheel moving on its own as sensors and servos worked to keep the car in its lane. The car, which, as usual, was the most basic, inexpensive model available, seemed like it could have completed a slalom course without my help.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast who has been a reporter, writer and columnist for 35 years. His career includes stints with the Wall Street Journal, Flying Magazine and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He recently returned to Firecrown to lead Aviation Consumer.