Garmin announced recently that expanded engine monitoring capability is now available for select Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft with the addition of the TXi ngine Indication System (EIS) display. King Air 200 owners and operators will benefit from TXi EIS with features like engine timers, exceedance recordings, dynamic engine indications, as well as wireless data logging, which combine to reduce pilot workload, improve engine efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. The King Air 200 certification builds on Garmin’s full portfolio of EIS solutions, which span from standalone options like the GI 275 EIS for piston single engines to the latest TXi EIS solution for twin turboprops.
Enhancements and capabilities with TXi EIS
King Air 200 series owners and operators can now replace aging and costly-to-replace EIS gauges with a modernized display and view EIS information on a dedicated 7-inch TXi flight display in portrait mode. This upgrade simplifies the cockpit and allows pilots to read and analyze critical engine and fuel parameters more clearly. When using multiple TXi displays, pilots can also benefit from display backup capability to help prevent the loss of PFD or EIS information during a single-display failure.
Clearer engine indications for easier operation
All TXi EIS gauge indications display real-time turbine engine information using distinct colors, bands and radials to clearly depict normal operating ranges as well as limitations so pilots can more easily interpret engine data at a glance. Additional standard gauges include oil pressure and temperature as well as fuel flow and electrical system status.
Limit timers and exceedance recordings
Utilizing gauge limit timers, TXi EIS helps pilots maintain the engine within its allowed limits to avoid engine exceedances and as a result, costly maintenance procedures. For example, once a preconfigured limit is exceeded, a countdown timer is displayed alongside the engine gauge. This timer is an indication to the pilot that they need to mitigate the exceedance. If the time-based limit is exceeded, the timer and gauge limits begin flashing and the pilot receives a notification that an exceedance has been recorded. Simultaneously, the TXi EIS system automatically logs a variety of information, including the parameter that was exceeded, duration, highest value that was recorded, time, date and more. The pilot can then review the logged data and share it with maintenance professionals for post-flight analysis.
Add precision to fuel planning
Pilots can more precisely monitor fuel calculations with TXi EIS, which includes an integrated fuel computer. After making a fuel stop, pilots can enter the fuel data within TXi EIS by selecting “full fuel” or by adding a specified amount in pounds, gallons, liters or kilograms. When airborne, the system monitors fuel flow and GPS information to estimate fuel range, endurance and how much fuel is expected to be available at the destination airport.
Wireless flight data logging
To assist with tracking maintenance activities, controlling operating costs and analyzing overall engine health, built-in engine data logging is included with TXi EIS. Aircraft performance, engine data and any exceedances that are recorded during a flight are automatically stored on an SD card (sold separately) in the display. When the TXi EIS display is paired with the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway, information is wirelessly transferred and stored within the Garmin Pilot™ app and automatically uploaded to the flyGarmin® website. Engine and flight cycles are also recorded to help identify aircraft systems that depend on those limits, such as pressurization systems and other life-limited parts.
The Beechcraft King Air 200 is the latest addition to the growing list of approved turbine aircraft for TXi EIS, which includes: the Cessna 208/208B, Cessna 425, Cheyenne I & II, Daher TBM 700/850, King Air 90, Pilatus PC-12/47, and the Piper PA-46-310SP/350P JetPROP single-engine turbo aircraft.