Citation CJ4 Gen3: Emergency Autoland Flight Test

What the CJ4 Gen3 Emergency Autoland test showed

On 25 September 2026, Textron Aviation described a flight test of Garmin Emergency Autoland on a Citation CJ4 Gen3. Two test pilots deliberately activated the sequence and observed the system carry out navigation, communications and landing procedures. The aircraft is still moving toward FAA certification. IBC Aviation already offers Citation CJ4 aircraft for charter. For your next trip, our Paris office checks the aircraft available for your route: request an aircraft proposal.

How the proposed autonomous landing system works

According to the manufacturer, once activated, Emergency Autoland guides the aircraft to a suitable landing site and brings it to a complete stop. The published test used a CJ4 Gen3 test aircraft, with pilots on board who intentionally started the sequence. It was not an uncrewed commercial flight.

The relevant point for passengers is the integration of several tasks. Route guidance, radio communications and landing have to work together in the flight deck. Textron says its pilots and engineers use flight tests to examine how the systems perform together in real-world conditions.

FAA certification: the CJ4 Gen3's current stage

Textron describes the CJ4 Gen3 as progressing toward FAA certification. The manufacturer expects it could become the first light jet on the market to offer Garmin Emergency Autoland upon certification. That position and timing are expectations, not an approval already granted.

The CJ4 Gen3 also introduces Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics. Textron places both developments in the wider redesign of its flight deck. When booking, the practical question remains more specific: which aircraft version is being offered, what approvals does it hold, and which equipment is approved for use?

Charter a CJ4 today, with the Gen3 to follow

IBC Aviation already offers CJ4 aircraft for charter on routes suited to this category. Once the CJ4 Gen3 and its Emergency Autoland capability are certified and actually available for charter, we will be able to offer that version too. Until then, we check the precise configuration of each aircraft included in a quote.

The CJ4 is part of our light-jet charter selection. Cabin capacity and layout vary within this category; route, passenger numbers and baggage shape the choice. Our light-jet charter article explains the differences that matter when booking.

Our team in Paris organises flights to or from the capital. Tell us your route, date and passenger count, and we will compare light jets that meet your actual requirements.

Why follow the test programme now

Textron's statement establishes a narrow but meaningful result: during a flight test, the sequence started by the pilots performed navigation, communications and landing procedures. It gives no entry-into-service date and no charter-availability date. Certification of the aircraft and relevant systems is the next decisive step.

For a flight in the near term, aircraft selection rests on capacity, actual availability and suitability for the route. Developing technology is worth monitoring, but should not be added as a promise to today's quote. If your trip might fit an aircraft repositioning sector, our article on empty-leg flights explains how they work.

Frequently asked questions

Is the CJ4 Gen3 already certified with Emergency Autoland?

No. Textron says the aircraft is progressing toward FAA certification. Its 25 September 2026 release describes a flight test, not approval for commercial use of the system.

What happened during the test?

Two test pilots deliberately activated Emergency Autoland on the CJ4 Gen3. According to Textron Aviation, the system then managed navigation, communications and landing procedures.

Can I charter a CJ4 Gen3 with this feature through IBC Aviation?

IBC Aviation already offers CJ4 aircraft for charter. We will be able to offer a CJ4 Gen3 with Emergency Autoland once that version and capability are certified and available for charter. For now, Textron's announcement concerns a flight test.

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Source: Textron Aviation's 25 September 2026 release.