Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Garmin has received FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for the GFC 600 autopilot in 200-series Beechcraft King Airs, the company said today. The GFC 600 provides owners of King Air 200, 200C, A200, A200CT, B200, B200C, and B200GT turboprop twins with a digital autopilot upgrade that features capabilities such as altitude preselect, VNAV1, level mode, underspeed and overspeed protection, and select/couple/fly instrument approaches.
Another standard feature of the GFC 600 is the Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) system, which works to assist the pilot in maintaining the aircraft in a stable flight condition. ESP functions independently of the autopilot and works in the background to help pilots avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles and can help provide airspeed protection when they are hand-flying the aircraft.
The standard 6.25-inch mode controller allows for “routine installation” into the aircraft’s avionics stack, according to Garmin. In King Air 200s, the GFC 600 will require a G600 TXi or G600 flight display. Flight director command bars can also be shown on the G600/TXi flight display.&nbsp;In addition, the GFC 600’s hardened autopilot servos reduce maintenance requirements and offer more torque to help better command and respond to control demands required of turbine aircraft.
GFC 600 installations for King Air 200s are available at&nbsp;select Garmin-authorized dealers.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Garmin GFC 600 Autopilot Receives FAA Approval for Beechcraft King Air 200s

The Garmin GFC 600 digital autopilot that can now be installed in King Air 200s adds features such as level mode and under/overspeed protection.

Garmin GFC 600 Autopilot Gets FAA Nod for King Air 200s

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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