Garmin GFC 500 autopilot STC adds new models

The GFC 500 autopilot is designed for use in light piston aircraft and provides pilots with altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, altitude preselect, VNAV, and underspeed and overspeed protection. When paired with a compatible Garmin GPS navigator, pilots can select, couple, and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, instrument landing system, VOR, localizer, and back course approaches.

The autopilot controller features large, dedicated controls to adjust aircraft pitch, airspeed, and vertical speed, and includes Level Mode (LVL) button that returns the aircraft to straight-and-level flight.

Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) comes standard on the GFC 500 and “works to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition. ESP functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background while the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft to help avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles by nudging the pilot to return the aircraft back to a safe flight attitude.”

In properly equipped aircraft, the GFC 500 enables “Smart Glide,” a safety feature that Garmin introduced in 2021 that is part of Garmin Autoland, introduced as the first part of the Autonomi aircraft automation suite that earned Garmin a Collier Trophy.

Smart Glide can direct the GFC 500 or GFC 600 to pitch for best glide and steer a course toward the nearest suitable airport. Approach and landing are left in the pilot's hands.