Garmin introduces new mode controller for GFC 600 digital autopilot

OLATHE, Kan./July 17, 2024 – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the GFC^™ 600 digital autopilot now includes a new mode controller¹. The GMC 605C mode controller features a larger, color Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen that enhances the display of mode annunciations. This mode controller also offers Flight Level Change (FLC) mode, available now for the CJ2, providing an alternative method to manage altitude changes that is commonly preferred by turbine operators. Designed for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft, GFC 600 delivers superior autopilot performance, greater reliability, and tremendous safety tools.

Color LCD screen

The GMC 605C contains a larger, sunlight-readable display that provides more than double the usable screen area compared to the previous mode controller. The addition of color mode annunciations allows pilots to more easily differentiate between active and armed modes shown on the display. Mode annunciations are now split into three sections on the display –– lateral modes, autopilot status and vertical modes. This presentation aligns the mode controller display with the annunciations seen on Garmin TXi^™ flight displays for easier reference by the pilot.

Full-featured autopilot

The GFC 600 digital autopilot delivers superior in-flight characteristics and operational capabilities. Pre-flight tests are completely automated with the GMC 605C, eliminating the need for pilots to separately initiate the tests at startup. In addition to traditional autopilot capabilities such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, the GFC 600 also supports other features:

• Smart Rudder Bias² provides pilots assistance against the hazardous effects of one-engine inoperative (OEI) events when the aircraft is appropriately equipped. The system continuously monitors engine parameters using Engine Indication System (EIS) data displayed on a G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display and activates when the system detects a predetermined power differential between each engine.
• Electronic Stability and Protection (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 an appropriate flight attitude.
• Support for Smart Glide^™ that can help automate tasks and reduce pilot workload in engine power loss events when paired with a GTN Xi series navigator and a Garmin flight display.
• A dedicated LVL button can automatically engage the autopilot to restore the aircraft to straight and level flight with one press.

The GMC 605C is available now for most aircraft approved for GFC 600 installations. To learn more, visit Garmin.com/GFC600.

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¹ GMC 605C not available for all aircraft. GMC 605C installations require yaw damper, a compatible Garmin flight display and GTN or GTN Xi series navigator.

² Smart Rudder Bias requires other Garmin avionics which are sold separately

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