Garmin Gains STC for GFC 600 Autopilot in Piper Navajo Chieftain

The avionics company continues to add mode legacy aircraft to its certification list.

Jonathan Welsh

Friday, May 19, 2023 at 05:25 PM ET

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Piper's PA-31-350 is the latest aircraft certified to use the Garmin GFC 600 autopilot. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Garmin has received FAA certification for its GFC 600 digital autopilot, expanding its availability to older aircraft, specifically the Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain.
The GFC 600 offers advanced features like altitude pre-select, indicated airspeed hold, and underspeed/overspeed protection, bringing modern capabilities and improved reliability to older aircraft.
Garmin's Smart Rudder Bias (SRB) system is also now certified for PA-31-350s equipped with the GFC 600, aiding twin-engine pilots by adjusting rudder force during engine failure.

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Availability of popular Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) autopilots in the general aviation aftermarket continues to expand to a growing range of older aircraft. The company said it has received an FAA supplemental type certificate, or STC, for the use of its GFC 600 digital autopilot in the Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain.

The GFC 600 is designed for piston singles and twins, and turbine models with a broad range of performance. Garmin said the high-performance unit is more reliable and offers more features than many other autopilots.