The FAA has approved new software enabling integration of Garmin’s GFC600 digital autopilot with Aspen Avionics EFD1000 Pro MAX Primary Flight Display (PFD), selected altitude support for Trio and the Bendix/King AeroCruze 100 autopilots, and extended runway centerlines on the MFD500/1000 MAX multi-function displays.
Additionally, with the new software release the Evolution E5 Dual Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) is now a TSO’d Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS). Customers with previous software versions of the E5 can upgrade to the TSO’d version for $995, according to company officials.
The software unlock package for the Garmin GFC600 autopilot upgrade is available for $1,995, according to company officials. Aircraft owners should contact their installers regarding the availability and details of the Garmin GFC600 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for their aircraft type, company officials add.
Free features of the new software release (v2.12), which also include extended runway centerlines on the Evolution MFD500/1000 MAX multi-function display, are available through any Aspen authorized dealer. Dealers may charge a fee to cover their labor for the software update, Aspen officials noted.
“Aspen’s Pro MAX PFD coupled with the Garmin GFC600 autopilot enhances and expands the basic autopilot function and streamlines the controls, reducing workload and removes the need for some external adapters. When combined with all the features and benefits of Aspen’s glass panel technology, flying becomes easier and safer, especially for single pilot IFR missions,” said Mark Ferrari, vice president of sales and customer support.
Pro MAX v2.12 for the GFC600 digital autopilot interface features:
- Basic autopilot output functions: HDG bug, CRS, Lt/Rt, Up/Dn, etc.
- IAS hold mode/Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP): No external ADC is required, all data is supplied by the Aspen display
- Altitude and airspeed preselect: Targets can be set on the Aspen display
- GPS data is routed through the Aspen display to the GFC600, no external switching is required
- Flight Director command bars on the Pro MAX, no ACU is required
- Vertical speed preselect: Target can be set on the Aspen display.
For more information: AspenAvionics.com