Autopilot upgrade

Galvine · #1 08-30-24, 10:57 PM

We heard last spring that Garmin has announced they are going forward with the STC for the GFC 600 Autopilot for the Skymaster.
We haven’t heard much since.

So I have reached out to both STEC and Garmin to learn more.

STEC told me they have no plans to get the STEC 3100 series digital AP approved for the Skymaster.
.
Garmin however did say they are going to pursue the GFC 600 AP for the Skymaster.
They told me it was scheduled to begin in 2026.

That’s great news. It’s an awesome autopilot: digital, envelope protection, Level button etc.
I feel it’s a real safety feature. I have added my name to the list as a buyer.

That’s what I know at this point.

Greg

YankeeClipper · #2 08-31-24, 03:27 PM

Tune in next week when our heroes hear an entirely different story from exactly the same sources...

All quasi humor aside, thank you for looking into this. I've contacted them both as well several times and while I do get a different story each time, it does seem that progress marches slowly slowly forward. At least for Garmin. STEC has been saying for quite some time now that they are just not interested. For what it's worth I'm not that interested in them either, so the feeling is mutual.

Anyway, back to Garmin, it does seem as though the path the progress involves constant nagging. It might be my turn again in 6 months.

YankeeClipper · #3 12-26-24, 04:17 PM

Anyone heard any updates? Would be a pity if these aircraft were relegated to VFR or light IFR.

Galvine · #4 12-26-24, 04:28 PM

I also haven’t heard anymore.

I do need an AP upgrade

Either STEC 55X now or keep waiting

Greg

YankeeClipper · #5 12-26-24, 04:42 PM

Just got off the phone with Garmin.

They are currently in S/W dev for the Skymaster. No physical implementation yet. Once they get to the H/W stage they estimate about 1-2 years what with further R&D and FAA to get through.

I asked if they would usually see an actual product materialize (eventually) once they've gotten to the development phase they are currently in. He said that unless they just can't make it work right or the FAA won't cooperate it usually does materialize. Given that other aftermarket APs have, I see no reason why Garmin couldn't. They have multiple products which operate at multiple levels of servo size/strength.

Galvine · #6 12-26-24, 05:09 PM

Thanks for calling
I was sure hoping ready for installation in 2026. Looks like exactly that, wishful Thinking

YankeeClipper · #7 12-28-24, 11:18 AM

Might be a little wishful, perhaps. I'm also wishful that it will be less than an STEC 55x, especially since they weren't making any more parts for it last I spoke with those folks. It might even be discontinued at this point.

There was talk a while back about deposits for 3100s, but if that has been certified for our planes Genesys is awful coy about it.

Fingers crossed for the 600. Would have preferred attitude-based, but who knows--maybe the newer software will resolve that. And having one fewer point of failure isn't a bad thing. Could possibly lose the vacuum pump at that point ... I think.