Why Upgrade to the GFC™ 500?
Safety Enhancements
Features like Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP™) actively help you avoid stalls, over-speed, or under-speed conditions — even if you become distracted or disoriented.
More Confidence in the Cockpit
With one-touch Level Mode and smooth envelope control, you gain peace of mind in turbulent or high-stress IFR conditions.
Replace Aging Legacy Systems
Ditch the KAP 140, Century, or S-TEC systems that are now hard to support. GFC 500 offers modern safety without sacrificing simplicity.
Reduce Maintenance and Downtime
A solid-state system means fewer moving parts, fewer failures, and more flying time.
Certified Value
The GFC 500 is STC-approved for dozens of popular aircraft, including Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and Mooney models.
The Premium Autopilot for GA Piston Aircraft
Thousands of existing GA aircraft can now be upgraded with reliable GFC 500 flight control.
View modes and flight director cues on your select Garmin digital instruments and flight displays.
Digitally driven “smart” servos provide crisp control inputs and a silky-smooth ride.
Scalable 2-axis (pitch and roll) control can be expanded with optional pitch trim and yaw damper.
Fly with safety-enhancing Garmin ESP™ electronic stability protection, return-to-level (LVL) mode and more.
Pair with your compatible GPS navigator to fly coupled approaches and other procedures.
Key Features of the GFC™ 500
The Garmin GFC 500 isn't just a replacement autopilot — it's a complete flight control system. Designed from the ground up for piston single and light twin aircraft, it offers a stunning set of features typically found in high-end jets.
Safety-Driven ESP Technology
Overspeed/Underspeed Protection
Overspeed/Underspeed Protection
When a pilot is hand-flying, this proactive feature functions independently of the autopilot, using the system’s servos to gently nudge the controls back toward level flight if pitch or roll deviations exceed recommended limits. Garmin ESP can be disabled to allow for intentional maneuvers.
Overspeed/Underspeed Protection
Overspeed/Underspeed Protection
Overspeed/Underspeed Protection
To help the pilot keep the aircraft flying at safe airspeeds, GFC 500 provides overspeed and underspeed protection with automatic pitch adjustments and audible “airspeed, airspeed” pilot alerts.
Precision Flight Control
Precision Flight Control
Precision Flight Control
- Advanced Attitude-Based Autopilot: Uses Garmin’s solid-state AHRS for smooth, reliable operation.
- Altitude Hold, Vertical Speed, and Flight Director: Precisely manage climbs, descents, and cruise.
- GPS Steering & Lateral Nav Tracking: Seamless integration with Garmin GTN and GNS navigators.
- Smart Pitch Trim & Roll Servo: Clean, efficient design improves handling and reduces pilot workload.
Flexible Integration
Precision Flight Control
Precision Flight Control
- Fully compatible with:
- G5 or GI 275 electronic flight instruments
- G3X Touch or TXi series
- GTN 650Xi/750Xi navigators
- GNC 355 and GNX 375
- G5 or GI 275 electronic flight instruments
- Optional yaw servo for advanced coordination and autopilot-driven yaw damping