Garmin Autopilot Service Bulletin Released

Garmin has identified an issue with the GFC 500 that may result in an uncommanded automatic trim runaway when the autopilot is first engaged.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, December 02, 2022 at 12:25 PM ET

Verified

Garmin has identified an issue with the GFC 500 that may result in an uncommanded automatic trim runaway when the autopilot is first engaged. [Credit: Garmin]

Key Takeaways:

Garmin has identified an issue with its GFC 500 autopilot (with optional auto trim) that may result in an uncommanded automatic trim runaway when first engaged.
Owners of certified GFC 500 installations must disable the autopilot by pulling the circuit breaker and placarding it inoperative until a software update is released (expected by end of Q4 2022).
Operators of experimental and light sport aircraft must update system software or disable the autopilot/trim control before further flight, and can contact a Garmin dealer for reactivation with pitch trim configured off.

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If your light sport aircraft has a Garmin GFC 500 autopilot in it, take note. Garmin has identified an issue with the GFC 500 that may result in an uncommanded automatic trim runaway when the autopilot is first engaged.

According to Garmin, the GFC 500 autopilot with optional auto trim can be found in certified, experimental and light sport aircraft, including certified installations installed with optional GSA 28 pitch trim in accordance with Garmin’s supplemental type certificate, STC SA01866W.