Garmin has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC 500 autopilot in the American Champion Aircraft 8GCBC Scout.
The STC applies to Scouts produced in 1991 or later, and aircraft that have been retrofitted with metal spar wings, according to Garmin officials.
The GFC 500 autopilot, which is intended for light piston aircraft, integrates with Garmin’s GI 275 or G5 electronic flight instruments; a combination of either a standby GI 275 or G5 electronic flight instrument interfaced to a G500 TXi flight display; or a G3X Touch flight display.
The autopilot mode controller contains dedicated keys and knobs, a control wheel that allows for easy adjustment to aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed, and a Level Mode (LVL) that returns the aircraft to straight-and-level flight with the push of a button, according to Garmin officials.
Barons approved for Smart Rudder Bias and VNAV
In related news, Garmin officials report that Smart Rudder Bias and vertical navigation (VNAV) functionality are now certified for Beechcraft Baron B55s and B55As equipped with the GFC 600 autopilot and a GTN or GTN Xi series Navigator.
Smart Rudder Bias can provide assistance to pilots if an engine goes out in flight.
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 the system detects a predetermined power differential between each engine.
Once activated, rudder force is adjusted to aid in providing enough force to the rudder to help control a sideslip.
A yellow annunciator for the inoperative engine is displayed along with autopilot annunciations on the flight display, helping the pilot identify the issue more quickly, Garmin officials said.
Baron pilots also can now select the VNAV button on the GFC 600 autopilot to fly a fully-coupled VNAV profile when the autopilot is paired with a GTN or GTN Xi touchscreen navigator and the G5, GI 275, G500 TXi/G600 TXi or G500/G600. Within the navigator, pilots can enter altitude constraints on the flight plan page to set-up a vertical descent profile.
“When the GFC 600 or GFC 500 autopilot is fully-coupled on a VNAV descent, pilots receive the benefit of a smooth and controlled descent so they can focus on preparing for the approach to land,” company officials said.
Garmin continues to add additional aircraft models to the STC list for the GFC 500 and GFC 600 autopilots. To view the most up-to-date aircraft STC list or to view certifications that are expected in the next 12-months, go to Garmin.com/GFC500 or Garmin.com/GFC600.
For additional information about Smart Rudder Bias, go to Garmin.com/SmartRudderBias.