Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) has received FAA approval to install the Garmin GFC 600H helicopter flight control system as standard on all future Robinson R66 helicopters. The change is an advancement in the R66’s avionics, introducing a cost-effective digital flight control solution designed to improve both operational ease and safety.

The GFC 600H includes enhanced safety through Garmin’s Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP), assisting pilots in staying within safe operational limits with features such as limit cueing, LVL mode, low-G protection and low-altitude protection. The system integrates fully with Garmin flight displays and navigators and is built around smart servos and redundant sensors for reliable performance. Pilots can manage autopilot functions via cyclic-mounted controls, allowing operation without removing hands from the primary controls.

Comprehensive autopilot modes include altitude capture and hold, vertical speed hold, airspeed hold, heading select, navigation and approach modes. Workload-reducing functions include hover assist using GPS-based position hold, as well as airspeed stabilisation and heading hold. An optional yaw axis control is also available, which automates pedal inputs during power changes, improving ride quality and controlling heading at low speeds.

“Receiving FAA certification of the Garmin GFC 600H reflects our commitment to providing our operators with the most advanced and reliable safety technology available,” says David Smith, president and CEO of RHC. “We’ve listened to our customers, and by choosing Garmin and making the system standard equipment on the R66, we are delivering a helicopter that sets the benchmark in safety and reliability for the light helicopter industry.”

A two-axis GFC 600H system will be standard on all R66 NxG aircraft. Customers with existing orders for R66 aircraft bearing serial number 1510 or later may amend their order to include the GFC 600H.