Garmin Names More Aircraft Approved for GFC 500 Autopilot

The list of STCs for certain Cessna and Commander models grows.

Jonathan Welsh

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 05:31 PM ET

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Garmin says its GFC 500 autopilot brings modern safety features to older GA aircraft. [Courtesy: Garmin]

Key Takeaways:

Garmin received FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for its GFC 500 autopilot, approving its use in specific Cessna 172/175 and Commander 112/112A aircraft models.
The GFC 500 is a popular choice for older aircraft with updated avionics, offering seamless integration with modern Garmin flight instruments.
It provides advanced features, including Smart Glide, which assists pilots in managing power-loss situations by automating tasks and reducing workload.

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Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) said it received supplemental type certification from the FAA for use of its GFC 500 autopilot in certain Cessna and Commander models, including the Cessna 172A, 172B, 172C,175A, 175B, and 175C, and the Commander 112 and 112A.

The GFC 500 has become a favorite among pilots who own older models that may have received gradual avionics upgrades over the last decade or two. When the time comes to add or upgrade an autopilot, buyers tend to look for the most up-to-date model they can find, preferably one that is compatible with newer flight instruments that they might have installed previously.