Garmin announces first turbofan certification for GFC 600 digital autopilot

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin International has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate approval for the GFC 600 digital autopilot in select Cessna CitationJet 525 models. This marks the first jet certification for the GFC 600, enhancing in-flight characteristics and introducing advanced features such as autopilot-coupled Vertical Navigation (VNAV) descent and fully coupled go-arounds. Cessna CitationJet owners can install the GFC 600 as part of an upgrade package that includes the G600 TXi flight display and other advanced navigators, optimizing single-pilot operations.

Positive

• First FAA certification for the GFC 600 digital autopilot in jet aircraft.
• Enhanced flight capabilities include VNAV descents and fully coupled go-arounds.
• Installation package includes advanced flight displays and navigators, improving user experience.

Negative

• None.

Garmin^® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the GFC^™ 600 digital autopilot in select Cessna CitationJet 525 models¹, the first jet certification for this popular autopilot solution. The GFC 600 digital autopilot delivers superior in-flight characteristics and new operational capabilities such as autopilot-coupled Vertical Navigation (VNAV) descent, auto Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) switching, fully coupled go-around capability and much more.

The CitationJet is the first turbofan aircraft certification for the popular GFC 600 digital autopilot. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are thrilled to announce the first jet aircraft approval for the GFC 600 digital autopilot, providing these turbofan aircraft with a modern and advanced autopilot upgrade and further simplifying single-pilot operations,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “The GFC 600 combines our state-of-the-art flight control capabilities with hardened smart servos specifically tailored to the demands of turbofan aircraft. With this upgrade, it is easier than ever for CJ owners and operators to get the most out of their aircraft.”

For Cessna CitationJet owners and operators, the GFC 600 digital autopilot will be installed as part of a complete package that requires single or dual G600 TXi 10.6” flight display(s), dual GTN or GTN Xi Series navigators, and a GI 275 electronic flight instrument configured as a standby flight instrument. With this installation, the system offers new operational capabilities and features including autopilot-coupled VNAV descents, automatic GPS-to-LOC switching during ILS/LOC approaches, fully coupled missed approaches and supports Reduced Vertical Separa