Garmin has received EASA approval for the installation of its GFC 600H digital autopilot for Airbus AS350 helicopters as a retrofit through authorized Garmin dealers. AS350 variants eligible for the upgrade include the BA, B2, B3, and B3E. Garmin has also implemented additional GFC 600H pilot training and supporting materials to allow for updated pilot licensing as required by the EASA certification.
The GFC 600H features attitude hold with speed stability, hover assist mode, helicopter electronic stability and protection, dedicated return-to-level mode, and overspeed and low-speed protection. It has a console-mounted mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle-compatible display and is available in both two- and three-axis configurations with integrated servos that provide pitch and roll inputs as commanded by the system. The collective sensor and the optional third servo provide yaw-axis-control capability.
Integrated with the G500H TXi flight displays and GTN or GTN Xi navigators, the GFC 600H can use navigation information to automatically fly approaches, en route navigation, search-and-rescue patterns, and fully coupled missed approach procedures, including holds. The attitude-hold mode also provides inputs to help stabilize the helicopter when hand-flying. Additionally, the GFC 600H has cyclic-mounted trim controls for additional modes, including altitude hold, altitude select, vertical speed, indicated airspeed, and heading select.