HondaJet HA-420 Elite II Completes Emergency Autoland Trials

Honda Aircraft Company has completed certification flight testing of the Garmin Autoland system for its HondaJet HA-420 Elite II, bringing the jet closer to becoming the first twin-turbine very-light executive aircraft equipped with emergency automatic landing technology.

The tests were conducted under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), a prerequisite for final certification. Honda Aircraft confirmed that the TIA demonstrates the aircraft and its systems meet all FAA design and safety standards. “The FAA’s TIA signifies that the aircraft and its systems meet all design and safety requirements and are ready for final evaluation by FAA test pilots,” the company stated.

The Emergency Autoland system is designed to assume control if the pilot becomes incapacitated. Once activated, it autonomously navigates the aircraft to a suitable airport, executes all necessary landing maneuvers, and transmits a distress signal to air traffic control. The system aims to reduce in-flight risks and enhance operational safety for pilots and passengers.

“The successful completion of these flight tests paves the way for full certification and future deployment of the system,” Honda Aircraft added.

“Emergency Autoland was one of the first programs we announced when I assumed leadership of Honda Aircraft, and I’m incredibly proud of our engineers for their commitment to realize this capability for our customers,” said Hideto Yamasaki, president and CEO, Honda Aircraft.

The integration of Garmin Autoland follows the aircraft’s October 2024 certification of its automatic throttle system (autothrottle), which advanced Honda Aircraft’s implementation of automated safety features. The Elite II remains the company’s current production aircraft, with the new system reinforcing Honda Aircraft’s strategy of prioritizing safety innovation within the very-light-jet segment.