Rotorcraft
Garmin Helicopter Autopilot Certified in Robinson R66 
A new training program will help pilots make the most of the new flight control system
Robinson R66 NxG helicopter Garmin autopilot
The FAA has approved the installation of the Garmin GFC 600H autopilot in the Robinson R66 helicopter. © Robinson Helicopter

With FAA certification of the Garmin GFC 600H helicopter flight control system in the Robinson R66, Torrance, California-based Robinson Helicopter is making the two-axis version of the autopilot a standard feature. R66 NxG helicopters with Garmin avionics and the autopilot will begin delivering early next year.

R66 buyers have long had the option of adding Moog’s two-axis Genesys HeliSAS to the R66, but the Garmin autopilot is available with an optional third (yaw) axis. Buyers of R66s with serial number 1510 or later can amend their order and switch to the GFC 600H, according to Robinson. The optional third axis is priced at $25,000.