Submitted by Garmin

February 18, 2020 – Garmin is pleased to announce it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC 500 autopilot in additional models of the Piper PA-28, PA-32 and select models of the Cessna 177. Intended for piston single-engine aircraft, the GFC 500 delivers superior in-flight characteristics, self-monitoring capabilities and minimal maintenance needs when compared to older generation autopilot systems.

Specific aircraft models now approved for the GFC 500 autopilot include:

  • Piper PA-28
    • Models: 235
  • Piper PA-32
    • Models: 301, 301T, 301FT, 301XTC
  • Cessna 177
    • Models: 177B, 177RG, F177RG

The GFC 500 autopilot uniquely integrates with the G5 electronic flight instrument or a combination of both the G5 and either a G3X Touch or G500 TXi flight display to provide pilots with an economical and modern autopilot solution. The autopilot mode controller contains large dedicated keys and knobs, a control wheel that allows for easy adjustments to aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed and a level button that returns the aircraft to straight-and-level flight. As a standard feature, pilots receive Garmin ESP with the GFC 500 autopilot, which works to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in 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.

In addition to traditional autopilot capabilities such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, the GFC 500 also includes:

  • Premium functions and advanced capabilities such as altitude pre-select and indicated airspeed hold mode.
  • Pilots can fly fully coupled descent Vertical Navigation (VNAV) profiles throughout the enroute and terminal phases of flight with a GTN 750/650 navigator.
  • 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, allowing for smoother navigation tracking when installed with a compatible navigator.
  • Level Mode, which automatically engages the autopilot to restore the aircraft to straight and level flight.
  • Underspeed protection helps prevent the pilot from stalling the aircraft.
  • Overspeed protection helps prevent the pilot from exceeding aircraft maximum speed (VNE).
  • Pilots can fly coupled ‘go-arounds’ during missed approach sequencing. A remotely-installed go-around button commands the Flight Director to display the appropriate pitch attitude required for the missed approach procedure and activates a loaded missed approach when paired with a GTN 650/750 navigator.
  • An optional pitch-trim servo adds automatic trim and manual electric trim.

For customers who already have a G5 electronic flight instrument, the GFC 500 starts at a suggested retail price of $6,9951 for a 2-axis autopilot. The GFC 500 can be purchased with the G5 electronic flight instrument for a suggested retail price of less than $10,000*.

Garmin continues to broaden its aircraft approval list for the GFC 600 and GFC 500 autopilots. To view the most up-to-date aircraft STC list, to view certifications that are expected to begin in the next 12-months or to express interest in a specific aircraft make/model, visit www.garmin.com/GFC500 or www.garmin.com/GFC600.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information about Garmin’s full line of avionics, go to www.garmin.com/aviation.

*Installation not included.