Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

EASA and the FAA have both certified Garmin’s Autoland system on the Pilatus PC-12 PRO. The Swiss manufacturer confirmed the approvals this morning, with the emergency safety feature now part of the standard fit for the turboprop single.
Autoland can be activated in emergencies such as a pilot medical issue via a button in the cabin or when the avionics system detects pilot inactivity. When activated, Autoland determines the most suitable airport to land the aircraft, based on factors such as runway length, fuel reserves, and weather conditions. Then it automatically makes radio calls during the approach, lands the airplane, and subsequently shuts down the engine,
The safety system is <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2026-06-10/emergency-autoland-reshapes-light-aircraft-market">already installed</a> on other aircraft, including the Piper M600; Daher TBM 940, 960, and 980; and the Cirrus Vision Jet. Pilatus is marketing the system—enabled by the PC-12 PRO’s Garmin G3000 Prime avionics suite—as Safety Autoland.
Certification tests on the PC-12 PRO included demonstrating a safe automatic landing from system activation through to landing, including automated communication and engine shutdown.
In other news at the company, Pilatus delivered 43 PC-12 PROs during the first half of this year—a 72% increase from a year ago. The company also delivered 18 PC-24 jets in the first six months, up one unit from first-half 2025, while billings rose 35%, to $535.74 million, over the same period.
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New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Garmin Autoland Approved for Use on Pilatus Aircraft’s PC-12 PRO

Safety Autoland system is standard equipment on the latest PC-12 model

Pilatus has achieved FAA and EASA approval for the Garmin Autoland system on its PC-12 PRO, providing an extra layer of safety in case of pilot incapacitation.

Garmin Autoland Approved for Use on Pilatus PC-12 PRO

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