By eliminating buttons, switches, and extraneous knobs, the touchscreen G3000 relies on common sense functions that have been the mainstay of cutting-edge smart-screen technology in consumer electronics. In effect, the G3000 lets pilots quickly retrace their steps or alternatively return to the home screen. The system has gone to great lengths to ensure simplicity in operation.  

“PiperJet pilots will have the ability to reach out and touch real-time information,” said Becker. “Gone will be the days of looking for cursors and cryptic confusing menus that lead to heavy pilot workloads.”  

The G3000 is versatile, with the GTC 570’s incorporation of three conventional knobs at the bottom of the display: a volume control knob, dedicated map joystick and dual concentric knobs for data entry. Pilots are consequently able to use the knobs in addition to the touchscreen to enter information, and the knobs’ functions are always labeled on the display.  

The primary flight displays (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) are large, high-resolution, wide-aspect ratio displays. The landscape oriented displays make it possible to have an enhanced view of Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) that displays three dimensional terrain, obstacles, pathways, and traffic. Situational awareness is enhanced further with a large inset map and an extended horizon line.

The G3000’s large MFD also has split-screen capability so that two separate vertical pages may be viewed side-by-side. Pilots may simultaneously view maps, charts, TAWS, flight planning, weather or video input pages. In addition, aircraft synoptics can be graphically depicted on the MFD to help simplify monitoring and speed troubleshooting.  

As with the Garmin G1000®, the G3000 has full reversionary capabilities, including in-flight dynamic restarts, so that all flight critical data can be transferred seamlessly to a single display for added safety during flight.  

The G3000 also includes a fully capable three-axis, fully digital, dual channel, fail passive auto flight system. The autopilot includes features you would expect in this class of aircraft, including coupled wide area augmentation system (WAAS) approaches, vertical navigation, and flight level change (FLC).  

In addition, the G3000 features Garmin’s synthetic vision technology (SVT™) that presents 3D depictions of terrain, obstacles, traffic and the runway environment, replicating what pilots would see outside the cockpit on a clear day. The G3000 avionics suite also integrates synoptics (graphical systems displays), Garmin’s SafeTaxi®, FliteCharts® and ChartView (optional), which simplify operation, enhance situational awareness, and increase safety during flight and when taxiing.

The G3000 adds significantly to state-of-the-art safety measures featured in the PiperJet’s design. With its strong, smooth all-metal body, the PiperJet is capable of reaching a cruising speed of 360 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 35,000 feet. The six passenger PiperJet – with an option for either a seventh seat or enclosable lavatory – offers a mission-capable profile and sensuous luxury that set the standard in its class, with a range of 1,300 nautical miles and a full-fuel payload of 800 lbs.  

The PiperJet proof-of-concept aircraft continues to advance through various stages of flight testing. To date the aircraft has logged in excess of 230 hours of flight time and 160 flights.