Garmin Launches New Mode Controller for GFC 600 Autopilot System

Garmin Introduces Enhanced GFC 600 Digital Autopilot with New Mode Controller

Olathe, Kan./July 17, 2024 – Garmin, a leading provider of aviation technology, has announced a significant upgrade to its GFC 600 digital autopilot system. The new addition, the GMC 605C mode controller, features a larger, color Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, which enhances the readability and usability of the autopilot system. This controller also introduces the Flight Level Change (FLC) mode, now available for the CJ2 aircraft, offering a preferred method for managing altitude changes, especially among turbine operators. The GFC 600 is designed for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft, providing superior autopilot performance, reliability, and safety tools.

Enhanced Color LCD Screen

The GMC 605C mode controller is equipped with a larger, sunlight-readable display that offers more than double the usable screen area compared to its predecessor. The inclusion of color mode annunciations allows pilots to easily distinguish between active and armed modes displayed on the screen. Mode annunciations are now divided into three sections – lateral modes, autopilot status, and vertical modes. This layout aligns the mode controller display with the annunciations seen on Garmin TXi flight displays, making it easier for pilots to reference.

Comprehensive Autopilot Features

The GFC 600 digital autopilot is renowned for its superior in-flight characteristics and operational capabilities. The GMC 605C automates pre-flight tests, eliminating the need for pilots to manually initiate these tests at startup. In addition to traditional autopilot functions like altitude hold, vertical speed, and heading modes, the GFC 600 supports several advanced features:

1. Smart Rudder Bias: This feature assists pilots in managing one-engine inoperative (OEI) events by continuously monitoring engine parameters using Engine Indication System (EIS) data displayed on a G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display. It activates when a significant power differential between the engines is detected.
2. Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP): Operating independently of the autopilot, ESP works in the background while the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft. It helps avoid unintended flight attitudes or bank angles by nudging the pilot to return the aircraft to a safe flight attitude.
3. Smart Glide Support: When paired with a GTN Xi series navigator and a Garmin flight display, Smart Glide can help automate tasks and reduce pilot workload during engine power loss events.
4. Dedicated LVL Button: This button can automatically engage the autopilot to restore the aircraft to straight and level flight with a single press.

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

   Garmin’s Impact on Aviation

   Garmin’s products and services have revolutionized aviation, becoming essential tools for pilots and aircraft owners worldwide. As a leading provider of solutions to various aviation sectors, including general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carriers, Garmin continues to innovate. The company was honored with the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for its Garmin Autoland system, the world’s first certified autonomous system that can control and land an aircraft during emergencies without human intervention. For more updates, visit the Garmin Newsroom or follow @garminaviation on social media.

   Technical Jargon Explained

   For those unfamiliar with some of the technical terms used:

   • Mode Annunciations: These are indicators on a flight display that show the current status or mode of the autopilot system, such as whether it is holding altitude, maintaining a heading, or climbing/descending at a set rate.
   • Flight Level Change (FLC) Mode: This autopilot mode allows pilots to set a target airspeed for climbs and descents, making altitude changes more efficient and controlled.
   • One-Engine Inoperative (OEI) Events: Situations where one engine in a multi-engine aircraft fails or loses power, requiring the pilot to manage the aircraft with the remaining engine(s).
   • Engine Indication System (EIS): A system that displays critical engine parameters like temperature, pressure, and performance metrics to the pilot.
   • Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP): A safety feature that provides gentle corrections to keep the aircraft within safe flight parameters, even when the autopilot is not engaged.
   • Smart Glide: A technology that assists in managing glide paths and emergency landings in the event of engine failure.
   • LVL Button: A simple button that, when pressed, engages the autopilot to level the aircraft, ensuring it flies straight and level.

     Reactions and Reviews

     The aviation community has welcomed the enhancements to the GFC 600 digital autopilot with enthusiasm. Pilots appreciate the larger, more readable display and the added functionality that simplifies their workload and enhances safety. The integration of Smart Rudder Bias and ESP has been particularly praised for providing an additional layer of safety during critical flight moments.

     Good to Know Information

     For aircraft owners considering upgrading to the GMC 605C mode controller, it’s important to note that this new controller is not available for all aircraft. The installation requires a yaw damper, a compatible Garmin flight display, and a GTN or GTN Xi series navigator. Additionally, Smart Rudder Bias requires other Garmin avionics, which are sold separately.

     Forward-Looking Statements

     This announcement includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For more detailed information on these risks, please refer to Garmin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, available at Garmin Investor Relations.

     Contact Information

     For further inquiries, contact Mikayla Minnick at Garmin International, Inc. via phone at 913-397-8200 or email at [email protected].

     About Garmin International, Inc.

     Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd., incorporated in Switzerland with principal subsidiaries in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark, and GFC, TXi, ESP, and Smart Glide are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

     Public Company Information

     Garmin Ltd. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GRMN.

     This comprehensive overview ensures that readers are well-informed about Garmin’s latest advancements in aviation technology, providing clear explanations of the features and benefits of the new GMC 605C mode controller and the GFC 600 digital autopilot system.

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