Garmin has received FAA supplemental type certification for the GFC 600 digital autopilot in Piper PA-31T Cheyenne and Cheyenne II aircraft.

The GFC 600 is designed for piston single and twin-engine aircraft as well as jet and turbine types that operate across a wide range of speed and performance characteristics. It provides a lightweight and cost-effective upgrade path with enhanced reliability through solid state attitude and self-monitoring systems.

Alongside traditional autopilot functions such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, the GFC 600 features advanced options including altitude pre-select, indicated airspeed hold, VNAV for coupled descents, and a dedicated LVL button that restores straight and level flight. Additional safety features include underspeed and overspeed protection, yaw damping to minimise oscillations, and compatibility with GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC and back course approaches when paired with Garmin navigators. Electronic Stability and Protection works independently in the background to help maintain safe flight attitudes when the pilot is hand-flying.

Smart Rudder Bias has also been certified for PA-31T Cheyenne aircraft equipped with the GFC 600. Part of the Garmin Autonomí family, the system assists pilots during one-engine inoperative events by automatically adjusting rudder force using engine data from the G600 TXi flight display. Annunciations are shown on screen to help pilots quickly identify the affected engine.

The GFC 600 for Cheyenne and Cheyenne II aircraft is available immediately through Garmin’s authorised dealers, with additional models planned for future certification.