Avionics guide
GFC 500 or GFC 600: Which Garmin Autopilot for Which Aircraft
Garmin's two digital autopilots serve different segments of general aviation. The choice starts with the type of aircraft, and the final word always belongs to the equipment's approved model list.
How to tell the two apart
- 1
Which aircraft each one was designed for
According to Garmin's material, the GFC 500 is an autopilot for certified light piston aircraft. The GFC 600 is an attitude-based autopilot for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft.
- 2
Features cited by Garmin
The GFC 500 includes envelope protection (ESP), underspeed and overspeed protection, and automatic return to level. The GFC 600 offers a yaw damper in selected configurations and ESP as standard.
- 3
Instrument prerequisite
Garmin's material states that the GFC 500 requires at least one G5 or one GI 275 installed.
- 4
Approved model list
Installation approval applies to the models on each equipment's approved list, and that list is updated over time. The check must be made against the current document, and in Brazil the STC must also be validated by ANAC.
Send your aircraft's model, year and panel by WhatsApp. Flap's first answer is whether there is an approved path for your model, before any quote.
WhatsApp (67) 99836-7983
Frequently asked questions
Does the GFC 500 fit a turboprop?
Garmin's material describes the GFC 500 for certified light piston aircraft and the GFC 600 for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft. Confirmation for each model is in the approved list.
Does the GFC 500 work without a GI 275 or G5?
According to Garmin's material, the GFC 500 requires at least one G5 or one GI 275.
Keep reading
- Garmin GI 275: what changes when you replace mechanical instruments
- Is an FAA STC valid in Brazil? How ANAC validation works
- Avionics and panel retrofit