GFC 600 Now Certified for Cessna CitationJet 525
Garmin is pleased to announce it has received both FAA & EASA STC approval for the GFC 600 digital autopilot in select Cessna CitationJet 525 models, 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.
For Cessna CitationJet owners and operators, the GFC 600 digital autopilot must be installed as part of a complete avionics upgrade package that requires a single or dual G600 TXi 10.6″ flight display(s) and dual GTN or GTN Xi Series navigators. An STC for TXi and GTN Xi has been completed and is available. A GI 275 electronic flight instrument configured as a standby flight instrument is also required. 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 support of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) operations, among other features. Further, the installation of the GFC 600 digital autopilot aids in weight savings, because it removes the requirement to retain the power inverter driving the legacy autopilot. Optional upgrades include a dedicated PFD controller, audio panel, ADS-B transponder, Iridium datalink, weather radar, datalink SiriusXM weather, and Garmin Connext connectivity via the Flight Stream 510 wireless gateway.
To optimize selection and control of GFC 600 modes, a compact self-contained autopilot controller incorporates backlit keys and a bright, sunlight readable display that depicts autopilot status and mode selection. An intuitive built-in control wheel also provides convenient adjustment of aircraft pitch, airspeed, and vertical speed modes. When facing potential situations of disorientation, the autopilot controller features a dedicated level mode (LVL) button that, when engaged by the pilot, can command the autopilot to automatically return the aircraft to straight-and-level flight.
As a standard feature, pilots receive Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) with the GFC 600 digital autopilot, which 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 when the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft to help avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles and to help provide airspeed protection.
Additional autopilot capabilities of the GFC 600 include:
- Traditional autopilot functions with modern capabilities such as altitude pre-select and indicated airspeed hold mode;
- Pilots can select, couple to, and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC and back course approaches;
- Underspeed protection helps prevent the aircraft from entering a stall condition;
- Overspeed protection helps prevent the aircraft from exceeding aircraft maximum speed (VNE);
- Yaw Damping (YD) mode minimizes yawing oscillations while also helping to maintain coordinated flight by working to keep the slip/skid indicator centered;
- Flight Director command bars are displayed on the G600 TXi flight display;
- Pilots can fly coupled ‘go-arounds’ during missed approach sequencing. A remotely-installed go-around button commands the Flight Director to display the appropriate pitch attitude required for the missed approach procedure and activates a loaded missed approach;
- Pitch-trim servo provides automatic trim and manual electric trim with improved speed scheduling; and
- Control wheel steering is included. When the autopilot is engaged, this allows the pilot to adjust pitch, roll, altitude hold, vertical speed or airspeed references using the control yoke.