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Garmin’s Retrofit Autopilot STCed for Additional Aircraft Models

The Garmin GFC 500 can be retrofitted into a variety of single-engine piston airplanes. Garmin International
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Key Takeaways:

  • Garmin has expanded STC approval for its GFC 500 retrofit autopilot, adding Grumman AA-5 series and Piper PA-28 models to bring modern safety features to more legacy aircraft.
  • The GFC 500 (for light pistons) and GFC 600 (for high-performance aircraft) integrate with various Garmin displays and navigators, offering advanced features like Electronic Stability Protection and instrument approach capabilities.
  • Starting prices are $6,995 for the GFC 500 and $19,995 for the GFC 600, with Garmin planning to add more legacy single-engine piston Cessnas and Pipers to the approved list soon.
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Garmin is bringing safety enhancing capabilities to legacy aircraft models with the approval of its GFC 500 retrofit autopilot STC. The Olathe, Kansas-based company added the Grumman AA-5 series airplanes, which include Traveler, Cheetah and Tiger models, as well as the 140-horsepower Piper PA-28 to the list. The GFC 500 is also available for many Cessna 172 and 182, and Piper PA-28 models, as well as four Beechcraft Bonanza models: S35, V35, V35A and V35B. Additional Bonanza/Debonair models, Mooney M20 models and the Cessna 210 should be added to the list soon, followed by more legacy single-engine piston Cessnas and Pipers.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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