Transforming the King Air 350: Upgrading from EFIS 85 to Garmin G1000 NXi
Since 1987, West Coast Aviation Services has ensured safe flight operations with expert FAA-certified, FlightSafety, and factory-trained technicians. With extensive experience in advanced airframes and engines, we offer comprehensive maintenance solutions for aircraft owners.
With a state-of-the-art 30,000 sq. ft. maintenance facility in Long Beach, complemented by a satellite facility in Santa Ana, we are well-equipped to maintain and repair a wide variety of aircraft 24/7.
Out With The Old, In With The New.
At West Coast Aviation Services, we pride ourselves on delivering cutting-edge avionics upgrades that enhance safety, efficiency, and overall flight experience. One of our recent projects involved upgrading a Beechcraft King Air 350 from the legacy EFIS 85 system to the state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 NXi. This transformation not only modernized the aircraft but also provided the owner with a host of advanced features that make flying more intuitive and enjoyable. This process was completed at our 30,000 sq. ft. maintenance facility at Long Beach Airport (KLGB).
As we continue to enhance the performance of our aircraft, West Coast Aviation Services is also phasing out older King Air 350 models and replacing them with 2016+ King Air 350i aircraft. Our fleet has now grown to over 15 King Air 350/350i/360 aircraft, with only two EFIS 85 aircraft left. This helps ensure our clients experience is the best in private aviation.
Why Upgrade to the Garmin G1000 NXi?
The EFIS 85 system was a great avionics suite in its time, but technology has evolved significantly. Maintaining and repairing older systems is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive. More importantly, newer avionics provide enhanced safety, better situational awareness, and a more intuitive cockpit experience.
The Garmin G1000 NXi is one of the most sought-after avionics upgrades for King Air 350 owners. It offers:
✅ High-resolution primary and multifunction displays
✅ 600 LB increase in useful payload
✅ Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™) for increased situational awareness
✅ Dual integrated flight displays for a streamlined cockpit and redundancy
✅ ADS-B compliance and enhanced traffic awareness
✅ Advanced flight planning tools with touchscreen capability
✅ WAAS-enabled LPV approaches for precision landings
The Upgrade Process at West Coast Aviation Services
At West Coast Aviation Services, we specialize in seamless avionics upgrades that minimize downtime while maximizing performance. Here’s how we transformed this King Air 350:
1. Removing the Legacy EFIS 85 System
The first step was carefully removing the outdated EFIS 85 avionics suite, including the CRT displays, analog instruments, and older navigation and communication systems. With the modern equipment we were able to gain 600 pounds of useful payload with the Garmin G1000NXi system.
2. Installing the Garmin G1000 NXi Suite
Our technicians installed the G1000 NXi flight deck, which included:
• Two 10.4-inch high-resolution PFDs (Primary Flight Displays)
• A 15-inch MFD (Multi-Function Display)
• Garmin GFC 700 Autopilot for smoother and more precise flight control
• WAAS-enabled GPS and ADS-B transponder
3. System Integration and Calibration
Once installed, we meticulously integrated the new system with the aircraft’s electrical and autopilot systems. The calibration process ensured all instruments were functioning correctly and providing accurate real-time data.
4. Test Flights and Pilot Training After installation, we conducted extensive ground and flight tests to verify performance. We also provided pilot training to ensure our pilots could fully utilize the G1000 NXi’s advanced capabilities.
The Garmin G1000 NXi panel fully installed in a King Air 350.
After: Shortened Pedestal with USB-C outlets.
We Didn’t Stop There.
While we were at it, we decided to elevate the cabin interior with luxurious diamond-stitched seats, AvFab pleated window shades, and upgraded the exterior lighting with state-of-the-art Whelen Aerospace Technologies LED’s. To complete the refinements, we wrapped the yokes in fresh leather for a superior grip and a polished finish.
Upgrade Your King Air 350 Today!
If you’re still flying with an older EFIS 85 or another legacy system, now is the perfect time to upgrade. At West Coast Aviation Services, we specialize in Garmin G1000 NXi retrofits that improve performance, safety, and resale value.
A heartfelt round of applause to our exceptional avionics team for their dedication and expertise in taking on this project. Their hard work, precision, and commitment to excellence have truly paid off, resulting in a spectacular outcome. We couldn’t be more impressed with the craftsmanship and innovation that brought this vision to life. Bravo! 🎉
📞 Contact us today to learn more about upgrading your King Air 350 with the latest avionics technology!
