Garmin Achieves First Jet Certification for GFC 600 Autopilot

Garmin has already built a long list of “supported aircraft” for their popular GFC 600 digital autopilot, and with FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval, the autopilot can now be installed and operated in a select group of Cessna CitationJet 525 models. This marks the first certification of the GFC 600 in a turbofan aircraft. The STC has been approved for Cessna CitationJet 525 aircraft serial numbers 0001-0359, and excludes models equipped with the G1000 integrated flight deck.

For Cessna CitationJet owners and operators, the GFC 600 digital autopilot will be installed as part of a complete package that requires single or dual G600 TXi 10.6-inch flight display(s), dual GTN or GTN Xi Series navigators, and a GI 275 electronic flight instrument configured as a standby flight instrument. With this installation, the system offers new operational capabilities and features including autopilot-coupled VNAV descents, automatic GPS-to-LOC switching during ILS/LOC approaches, fully coupled missed approaches, and supports reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM) operations, among other features.

“We are thrilled to announce the first jet aircraft approval for the GFC 600 digital autopilot, providing these turbofan aircraft with a modern and advanced autopilot upgrade and further simplifying single-pilot operations,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “The GFC 600 combines our state-of-the-art flight control capabilities with hardened smart servos specifically tailored to the demands of turbofan aircraft. With this upgrade, it is easier than ever for CJ owners and operators to get the most out of their aircraft.”

The installation of the GFC 600 digital autopilot removes the requirement to retain the power inverter driving the legacy autopilot, aiding in weight savings. Optional upgrades include a dedicated PFD controller, audio panel, ADS-B transponder, Iridium datalink, weather radar, datalink SiriusXM weather, and Garmin Connext connectivity via the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway.

Popular features of the GFC 600 like Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) work to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition. ESP functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background when the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft to help avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles and provides airspeed protection. A dedicated level mode (LVL) button gives the pilot a single touch autopilot-engage button to command the aircraft to roll wings level and pitch to a level attitude, if momentarily distracted or disoriented.

While the pilot interface of an autopilot on the panel is what many operators think about when they fly with an autopilot, the many servos that command the flight control system have to be capable as well. The GFC 600 offers “smart” autopilot servos designed for harsh operating conditions, optimized specifically for turbine operations by offering broader speed scheduling in addition to more torque to help better command and respond to control demands required of turbine aircraft. Additional certifications are planned in the next 12 months for the GFC 600, adding to their list of supported aircraft.