Garmin Aviation Team
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- Dec 14, 2020
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Hi everyone, based on customer feedback, Garmin is pursuing GFC 500 for light twin-engine aircraft with maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) at or under 4,750 lbs. Normally aspirated and turbocharged Twin Comanche PA-30, PA-30B, PA-30C, PA-39 are expected to be the first twin-engine models certified. The system requires a compatible Garmin attitude source from a GI 275. The GI 275 can be either the primary attitude flight instrument or a standby flight instrument for a G500 or G500 TXi flight display.
Garmin took possession of the above aircraft earlier this year for installation, flight test development and certification. GFC 500 has been installed and the flight test program is nearing completion.
When paired with the pitch trim option, the system automatically trims the aircraft as opposed to a separate system that is still managed by the pilot. When hand-flying the aircraft, the pitch trim is speed scheduled. When making a pitch trim adjustment at faster airspeeds do not result in an abrupt change.
Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) offers envelope awareness and protection to the pilot while hand flying the aircraft. It adds a force feel in the controls when exceeding normal operating bank and pitch limits. The further the aircraft is controlled past these limits, the stronger the righting force becomes. It also protects from both overspeed and underspeed conditions while hand flying with these same queues and inputs.
There is additional protection from both overspeed and underspeed conditions while the autopilot is engaged as well, so the autopilot recognizes the aircraft limits should an autopilot command from the pilot exceed the aircraft’s performance limitation.
Another helpful feature is the blue level button. Should you become disoriented and/or the aircraft enter an unfamiliar or undesired attitude, this button helps right the aircraft to straight and level.
ESP becomes inactive when close to landing and can be disabled at any time from multiple sources should flight for training or other purposes be required.
Here are some additional references for this technology that we recognize as part of the Garmin Autonomi family: Garmin Autonomí™ | Autonomous Flight Solutions 4.
A take-off/go-around switch can be optionally installed. Pressing this before departure, sets the flight director pitch up for a handy reference, especially in IMC. Pressing the button during a go-around also sets the flight director pitch up and if the autopilot is connected, will remain connected to fly that attitude. If paired with a Garmin navigator, like the GPS 175 series or GTN Xi series, the go-around button will also sequence the missed approach automatically. This is an awesome workload reducer, especially during this very high workload situation.
I'm excited to hear what you think.
-Joey Ferreyra
Garmin Sales & Customer Experience Manager
Garmin took possession of the above aircraft earlier this year for installation, flight test development and certification. GFC 500 has been installed and the flight test program is nearing completion.
When paired with the pitch trim option, the system automatically trims the aircraft as opposed to a separate system that is still managed by the pilot. When hand-flying the aircraft, the pitch trim is speed scheduled. When making a pitch trim adjustment at faster airspeeds do not result in an abrupt change.
Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) offers envelope awareness and protection to the pilot while hand flying the aircraft. It adds a force feel in the controls when exceeding normal operating bank and pitch limits. The further the aircraft is controlled past these limits, the stronger the righting force becomes. It also protects from both overspeed and underspeed conditions while hand flying with these same queues and inputs.
There is additional protection from both overspeed and underspeed conditions while the autopilot is engaged as well, so the autopilot recognizes the aircraft limits should an autopilot command from the pilot exceed the aircraft’s performance limitation.
Another helpful feature is the blue level button. Should you become disoriented and/or the aircraft enter an unfamiliar or undesired attitude, this button helps right the aircraft to straight and level.
ESP becomes inactive when close to landing and can be disabled at any time from multiple sources should flight for training or other purposes be required.
Here are some additional references for this technology that we recognize as part of the Garmin Autonomi family: Garmin Autonomí™ | Autonomous Flight Solutions 4.
A take-off/go-around switch can be optionally installed. Pressing this before departure, sets the flight director pitch up for a handy reference, especially in IMC. Pressing the button during a go-around also sets the flight director pitch up and if the autopilot is connected, will remain connected to fly that attitude. If paired with a Garmin navigator, like the GPS 175 series or GTN Xi series, the go-around button will also sequence the missed approach automatically. This is an awesome workload reducer, especially during this very high workload situation.
I'm excited to hear what you think.
-Joey Ferreyra
Garmin Sales & Customer Experience Manager