Garmin Expands Autopilot Approvals for Popular Aircraft Models
In a significant advancement for aviation technology, Garmin, a leading provider of navigation and communication devices, has recently announced the expansion of its autopilot system certifications. This development involves the GFC 500 and GFC 600 digital autopilots now being approved for use in several additional aircraft models. Specifically, the GFC 600 has been certified for the Beechcraft Baron A55, while the GFC 500 has gained approval for Cessna 180 and Cessna 185 aircraft equipped with Robertson STOL (short takeoff or landing) modifications. This comes as an addition to the already approved standard Cessna 180 and 185. The benefits of the GFC 500 and GFC 600 include exceptional in-flight performance, self-monitoring capabilities, and reduced maintenance compared to older autopilot systems. The GFC 500 is designed primarily for single-engine piston aircraft, whereas the GFC 600 caters to high-performance single and twin-engine piston and turbine aircraft that demonstrate a wide array of speed and performance features.
Enhancing General Aviation with Cutting-Edge Autopilot Systems
The GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots present an excellent opportunity for thousands of existing general aviation aircraft to upgrade to a more modern, lightweight, and cost-effective autopilot system. These devices incorporate a solid-state attitude source that provides robust self-monitoring abilities, thereby enhancing autopilot performance and reliability. They also come equipped with essential safety tools similar to those found in Garmin’s acclaimed GFC 700 autopilot used in integrated flight decks. Beyond the standard autopilot functions like altitude hold, vertical speed, and heading modes, the GFC 500 and GFC 600 also offer features like altitude preselect, vertical navigation (VNAV), Level Mode, and under and overspeed protection. Moreover, when connected with a compatible GPS navigator, pilots can select, couple to, and execute various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC, and back course approaches.
Seamless Integration and User-Friendly Design
The GFC 500 autopilot is designed to integrate seamlessly with Garmin’s GI 275 or G5 electronic flight instruments. Pilots can also use these systems in conjunction with either a standby GI 275 or G5 electronic flight instrument interfaced to a G500 TXi flight display, or a G3X Touch flight display, offering an affordable and contemporary autopilot solution. The autopilot mode controller is user-friendly, featuring large, dedicated keys and knobs, along with a control wheel that allows for easy adjustments to the aircraft’s pitch, airspeed, and vertical speed. Additionally, the Level Mode (LVL) provides a quick return to straight-and-level flight with the push of a dedicated button.
Enhanced Safety Features for a Secure Flying Experience
Garmin’s Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) is a standard feature on both the GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots. This technology assists pilots in maintaining stable flight conditions. ESP operates independently of the autopilot and functions in the background while the pilot manually flies the aircraft, helping to avoid unsafe flight attitudes or bank angles by prompting the pilot to return the aircraft to a safe flight attitude. Furthermore, pilots can utilize the Garmin Smart Glide, a tool designed to enhance safety by automating specific tasks in the event of an engine power loss, thus reducing pilot workload.
Advanced Features of the GFC 600
The GFC 600 now includes a new mode controller, which features a larger, color Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that improves the display of mode annunciations. Among the new features available with the GFC 600 is Smart Rudder Bias, which assists pilots in managing the hazardous effects of one-engine inoperative (OEI) events when the aircraft is suitably equipped. The system continuously monitors engine parameters using Engine Indication System (EIS) data displayed on a G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display and activates when it detects a significant power differential between engines. Once activated, rudder force is dynamically adjusted to help the pilot maintain control during a sideslip situation.
Customization for Enhanced Safety in OEI Conditions
Enhanced Garmin ESP settings for OEI conditions can assist Smart Rudder Bias-equipped aircraft in avoiding hazardous flight attitudes and airspeeds by tailoring these settings to address the aerodynamic characteristics of OEI operations. Smart Rudder Bias requires a G500 TXi or G600 TXi configured as a primary flight display (PFD) with engine indication system (EIS) data, which can be shown as a strip on the G500 TXi or G600 TXi, or on a separate dedicated TXi EIS display. Additionally, Smart Rudder Bias necessitates the yaw axis option be installed on the GFC 600.
Availability and Future Developments
The GFC 600 digital autopilot for the Beechcraft Baron A55 and the GFC 500 for RSTOL-equipped Cessna 180 and Cessna 185 aircraft are available immediately through select Garmin authorized dealers. Garmin remains committed to expanding the list of aircraft models approved for the GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots. Interested parties can view the most current aircraft STC list, including upcoming certifications, by visiting Garmin’s official websites for the GFC 500 and GFC 600.
Garmin’s Commitment to Innovation in Aviation
Garmin’s products and services have become indispensable to pilots and aircraft owners worldwide, revolutionizing the aviation industry. As a key player in providing solutions for general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carriers, Garmin continually seeks opportunities for innovation. The company has received the esteemed Robert J. Collier Trophy for its groundbreaking Garmin Autoland, the world’s first certified autonomous system capable of controlling and landing an aircraft without human intervention in emergency situations.
For further information on Garmin’s latest offerings and updates, you can visit Garmin’s Newsroom or connect with @garminaviation on social media. Garmin International Inc., a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd., operates worldwide with principal subsidiaries in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on current management expectations. The forward-looking events and scenarios discussed may not occur, and actual results could differ significantly due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties affecting Garmin. These include risk factors detailed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of this report is available on Garmin’s website. Forward-looking statements are only valid as of their date and Garmin does not undertake any obligation to update them publicly in light of new information or future events.
For more details, visit the official Garmin websites for the GFC 500 and GFC 600: Garmin GFC 500 and Garmin GFC 600.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
