Garmin has received supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for installation of the GFC 600 autopilot in the Pilatus PC-12/41 and PC-12/45 models. Installation of the autopilot in the PC-12 requires a Garmin TXi touchscreen flight display configured as a primary flight display (PFD).
The GFC 600 mode controller fits in a standard-width, 6.25-inch radio stack, with autopilot modes displayed on the TXi PFD. Brushless DC motor-equipped autopilot servos are environmentally hardened, according to Garmin, and “designed for harsh operating conditions.”
In addition to standard autopilot features, Garmin has added more capabilities to the GFC 600 digital autopilot, such as altitude preselect, indicated airspeed hold mode, VNAV, level mode, and electronic stability and protection (ESP). A remotely installed go-around button commands the flight director on the TXi display to pitch up to the correct attitude during a go-around and also activates the missed approach when a Garmin GTN 650/750 and the new Xi versions of those navigators are installed.
Garmin also announced that its TXi engine indication system (EIS) is now available for installation in twin turboprops such as the Cessna 425, King Air 90 series with original engines and Blackhawk upgrades, and Piper Cheyenne I and II. To help pilots interpret engine information, dynamic markings are available to detect phase-of-flight limitations. The TXi EIS replaces original engine instruments with a touchscreen Garmin TXi display.