FAA and Garmin Warn Pilots, Aircraft Owners About Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot Issue | Aviation International News

Safety Notice Issued on Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot

A problem with Garmin's GFC 500 autopilot when equipped with auto trim may cause an uncommanded trim runaway when the autopilot is first engaged.

Garmin's GFC 500 autopilot — The FAA has warned that a problem with Garmin's GFC 500 autopilot can cause an uncommanded automatic trim runaway. (Image: Garmin)

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

December 19, 2022

The FAA notified pilots and aircraft owners about an issue with Garmin’s GFC 500 autopilot equipped with optional auto trim. These autopilots are installed in certified, experimental, and light sport aircraft. Garmin issued its own Service Alert (22109 REV A).

According to the FAA, "This issue may result in an uncommanded automatic trim runaway when the autopilot is first engaged. This condition could result in a sudden and significant deviation from the intended flight path.” However, this does not affect Cirrus aircraft equipped with the GFC 500 autopilot, Garmin said.

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