Last week after Garmin announced its first retrofit autopilots, the GFC 500 and GFC 600, the aviation community cheered — and then wondered if more products from other manufacturers would quickly follow. Boy did they ever. This week at AirVenture, the autopilot party continues as sub-$20,000 systems from Genesys Aerosystems (formerly S-TEC), BendixKing, TruTrak and Trio Avionics hit the market, bringing autoflight capability to the general aviation masses.
A Wave of Low-Cost Autopilots Emerges at AirVenture
Key Takeaways:
- The general aviation market is experiencing a significant expansion of new, affordable autopilot systems (many under $20,000) for certified aircraft, making advanced autoflight capabilities accessible to a wider pilot base.
- At AirVenture, manufacturers like Genesys Aerosystems (S-TEC 3100), TruTrak (Vizion), and Trio Avionics (Pro Pilot) announced or gained STC approval for their new digital autopilots.
- These new systems integrate with both legacy and modern avionics, offering advanced features such as envelope protection, straight-and-level recovery, and multiple axis control to enhance safety for Part 23 aircraft.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
