FAA awards further certification for Garmin autopilot system
The GFC 500 can now be equipped on new Beechcraft and Cirrus aircraft
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Supplemental Type Certification (STC) to avionics manufacturer Garmin for its GFC 500 autopilot system, for use on the Beechcraft 35 models C-G and select Cirrus SR20 models.
The aircraft join a growing stable of aircraft approved by the FAA for GFC 500 installation, including:
- Aviat Husky
- Beechcraft Bonanza and Bonanza/Debonair
- Cessna 172, 172RG, 177, 180, 182, 182RG, 185, 206, 210 types
- Cirrus SR22
- Grumman AA-5 series
- Mooney M20
- Piper PA-24, PA-28, PA-28R, PA-28RT, PA-32, PA-32R, PA-32RT types
- Socata Trinidad.
The system has National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) approval for installation on the Embraer Nieva aircraft in Brazil.
Garmin is also currently undertaking similar FAA certification processes for the GFC 500 system to be legally equippable on Cessna 206, Commander 112/114 and Piper Twin Comanche aircraft.
The GFC 500 features independently operable flight stability technologies
The GFC 500 autopilot, which is designed to be equipped on light piston aircraft, enables automatic adjustment of aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed, as well as an automatic flight levelling button which can immediately return the aircraft to a ‘straight-and-level’ flight path. Other selectable features include altitude pre-select, VNAV4, underspeed and overspeed protection, as well as emergency tools to aid gliding in the event of engine power loss emergencies.
The GFC 500 also features Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) technology, which assists flight stability independently of the autopilot, enabling it to be used during hands-on flying.
The system can also be integrated with other Garmin avionics technologies including the GI 275 and G5 electronic flight instruments.