Garmin receives autopilot STC for Beech and Cessna twins

Garmin has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) to install the GFC 600 autopilot in Beech Baron 58/58A and Cessna 340/340A light twins.

The GFC 600 is a standalone autopilot that can be integrated with the G500 TXi/G600 TXi and the G500/G600 glass flight displays, Garmin navcomm units, as well as a variety of third-party flight displays, instruments and navigation sources.

In addition to traditional autopilot capabilities such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, the GFC 600 also includes:

• Altitude pre-select and indicated airspeed hold mode. VNAV will be a growth function when appropriately equipped
• Pilots can select, couple and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC and back course approaches
• Built-in GPS roll steering capability eliminates the need for external roll steering converters
• Level Mode button which automatically engages the autopilot to restore the aircraft to straight and level flight
• Underspeed protection helps prevent a stall
• Overspeed protection helps prevent exceeding aircraft maximum speed (VNE)
• With the addition of an optional yaw servo, Yaw Damper (YD) mode minimises yawing oscillations while helping to maintain coordinated flight by keeping the slip/skid indicator centred
• Flight Director command bars can be displayed on a variety of flight displays, such as the G500 TXi/G600 TXi and select third-party flight displays
• Pilots can fly coupled ‘go-arounds’ during missed approach sequencing
• An optional pitch-trim servo adds automatic trim and manual electric trim
• Control wheel steering is available, which allows the pilot to adjust pitch, roll, altitude hold, vertical speed or airspeed references using the control yoke while the autopilot is engaged.

Garmin ESP is a standard feature to assist the pilot maintain a stable flight condition. ESP functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background to help pilots avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles and provide airspeed protection while the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft.

Garmin also expects to further expand its list of aircraft models approved for the GFC 600 autopilot. Upcoming aircraft models include:

• Beechcraft Baron 58/58TC/58P (1983 model year or earlier)
• Cessna 208B
• Cessna 414A
• Cessna 421C
• Piper PA-46 (310P, 350P*)
• TBM 700A/B/C1/C2/N (TBM 850)

The GFC 600 autopilot has received FAA STC in the Baron 58/58A (1984 model year or later) and the Cessna 340/340A and is available for a suggested retail price starting at $23,995 and $22,995 respectively for a 2-axis autopilot with electric trim.

The product is already gaining attention!

It’s official: the Garmin GFC 600 digital autopilot is approved for installation int he Cessna 340/340A. We now have a state-of-the-art digital autopilot that costs ? of past available units. More Twin Cessna approvals to follow.

— Twin Cessna Flyer (@TwinCessnaFlyer) April 26, 2018

Garmin GFC 600 autopilot