Garmin has secured FAA supplemental type certificate approval for the GFC 600 digital autopilot in Cessna CitationJet models, marking its first such nod aboard turbofan-powered aircraft. Designed to enhance in-flight characteristics and simplify single-pilot operations, the GFC 600 digital autopilot provides capabilities such as autopilot-coupled vertical navigation (VNAV) descent, auto course deviation indicator (CDI) switching, fully coupled go-around, and RVSM support.

“The GFC 600 combines [modern] flight control capabilities with hardened smart servos specifically tailored to the demands of turbofan aircraft,” said Garmin v-p of aviation sales and marketing Carl Wolf. “With this upgrade, it is easier than ever for CJ owners and operators to get the most out of their aircraft.”

The GFC 600 will be installed as part of a package encompassing single or dual G600 TXi 10.6-inch flight display(s), dual GTN or GTN Xi series navigators, and a GI 275 electronic flight instrument. In addition, Garmin is offering optional upgrades, including 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.

Features of the system include backlit keys and a bright, sunlight-readable display depicting autopilot status and mode selection; an intuitive built-in control wheel for adjustment of aircraft pitch, airspeed, and vertical speed modes; and a dedicated level mode button. In addition, it has built-in GPS roll steering capability, underspeed and overspeed protection, yaw damping mode, and pre-select 2 and indicated airspeed hold mode.

With the GFC 600, Garmin is supplying its Electronic Stability and Protection system, which functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition.