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The FAA issued a supplemental type certificate to Garmin for installation of the GFC 600 autopilot in the Beechcraft Baron 58/58A (1984 and later models) and Cessna 340/340A. According to Garmin, the GFC 600 can be installed as a self-contained autopilot or integrated with Garmin G500/G600 TXi and G500/G600 display systems, Garmin navigators, and third-party flight displays, instruments, and navigation sources.
Garmin's GFC 600 comes standard with the company's Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) system, which works even when the autopilot is switched off. ESP nudges the flight controls to lessen pitch attitude or bank angle when the aircraft exceeds pre-determined pitch, roll, or airspeed limitations.
The autopilot also includes Level Mode, which can be engaged with a button to return the airplane to straight-and-level flight or engages automatically in case a pilot becomes incapacitated—when ESP detects no activity for an extended time. The autopilots also feature underspeed and overspeed protection.
An autopilot controller is equipped with backlit keys and status and mode selection display and a control wheel for pitch, airspeed, and vertical speed modes. When coupled with G500/G600 and TXi displays, mode annunciation is available on the displays. A separate autopilot annunciator panel is optional. Servos are brushless and eliminate the need for a mechanical slip clutch.
Some features available on the GFC 600 include altitude preselect, indicated airspeed hold, coupled instrument approaches, GPS roll steering, display of flight director command bars on compatible displays, coupled go-arounds, and control wheel steering. A yaw damper is optional. Garmin plans to add VNAV as a growth option.
Additional aircraft will be added to the STC, such as more in the Baron 58 series; Cessna 208B, 414A, and 421C; Piper PA46-310 and -350P; and Daher TBM 700 through 850. Prices start at $23,995 for the Baron and $22,995 for the Cessna 340 for a two-axis system with electric trim.