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 where GFC 500 autopilots with optional auto trim may cause an uncommanded trim runaway when first engaged, affecting certified, experimental, and light sport aircraft.
Operators of certified installations must pull and collar the autopilot circuit breaker and placard it "inoperative" prior to further flight, as per Service Alert 22109 Revision A.
Operators of experimental and light sport aircraft are required to update system software or disable the autopilot or trim control before further flight, as detailed in Service Bulletin 22112 Revision A.
Garmin is working on a software update for certified installations expected by the end of Q4 2022, and operators can contact a 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.