Garmin GFC 600 Pilot's Manual
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Garmin GFC 600 Pilot's Manual

Automatic flight control system
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  • Page 1 GFC 600 ™ Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 3 Garmin is a registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. This trademark may not be ® used without the express permission of Garmin.
  • Page 4 WARNING: For safety reasons, system operational procedures must be learned on the ground. WARNING: The Garmin system, as installed in this aircraft, has a very high degree of functional integrity. However, the pilot must recognize that provid- ing monitoring and/or self-test capability for all conceivable system failures is not practical.
  • Page 5 Part Number Change Summary 190-01488-00 Initial release Date Description June, 2017 Production Release July, 2017 Removed software version number RR-1 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 6 Blank Page RR-2 Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    External Controls ........................ 10 1.5 System Indications ......................11 GMC 605 ........................... 11 GI 285 Indications ......................12 Garmin PFD AFCS Indications ..................... 13 Section 2 Automatic Flight Control System .............. 15 2.1 AFCS Operation ........................ 15 AFCS Pre-Flight ........................15 Engaging the Autopilot .......................
  • Page 8 Autopilot Disconnect Alert ....................62 Section 4 Abnormal Operation ..................63 4.1 Suspected Autopilot Malfunction ................63 4.2 Overpowering Autopilot Servos .................. 63 Appendices ............................ 64 Appendix A: Feature/Equipment Matrix ................64 Index ...........................Index-2 Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 9: Section 1 System Overview

    The system design offers the flexibility to interface with a wide variety of avionics equipment commonly found in general aviation aircraft. The specific functions supported by the GFC 600 vary by installation. Refer to Appendix A for more information.

  • Page 10: Afcs Equipment

    When the GFC 600 senses that the aircraft is near the defined operating limit in pitch attitude, roll attitude, high airspeed, or low airspeed, the ESP function will automatically engage one or more servos to nudge it back to the nominal operating envelope.
  • Page 11 The USB port is not designed to provide power or data to external CAUTION: consumer devices such as smart phones, cameras, or tablet computers and should not be used in flight. GMC 605 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 12: Gsa 87 Servo

    The GI 285 Annunciator Panel provides basic AFCS status and mode annunciation for GFC 600 installations where the GMC 605 cannot be mounted within the pilot’s primary field of view and there is no PFD capable of providing the annunciations.

  • Page 13: Interfacing Equipment

    Vertical Speed (VS) and Indicated Airspeed (IAS) modes. Nav source selection can be performed on the PFD and the GFC 600 will couple to the selected source for guidance. The G500/G600 systems include an Air Data Computer which provides airspeed and baro-corrected altitude to the AFCS.

  • Page 14: Aspen Efd1000

    GPS NAVIGATORS The GFC 600 can accept guidance from a variety of panel mount GPS navigators including those that provide Roll Steering and Glidepath commands and older models that provide only basic lateral course deviation for guidance. The WAAS-enabled...

  • Page 15: Vhf Nav Radios

    NSD360A and electronic HSI displays such as the Sandel SN3500/4500. DIRECTIONAL GYROS (DG) If GFC 600 is installed in an aircraft without an HSI, the system can accept Heading commands from a variety of popular DGs that have a compatible interface. These...

  • Page 16: Audio Panel

    System Overview AUDIO PANEL The GFC 600 can interface to a wide variety of audio panels to provide aural alerts including the AP Disconnect tone and low Airspeed warning. The AFCS aural alerts cannot be muted or deselected via the audio panel controls. In addition to the audio...

  • Page 17: Afcs Controls

    HDG Key Selects/deselects Heading Select Mode NAV Key Selects/deselects Navigation Mode. Cancels GS Mode if LOC Mode is either active or armed. Cancels GP Mode if GPS Mode is either active or armed. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 18: External Controls

    CWS switch Control Wheel Pilot control Temporarily disengages the pitch (optional) Steering yoke/stick and roll servos. Upon releasing CWS the servos re-engage and may be synchronized to a new reference (depending on mode). Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 19: System Indications

    Text can be flashed alternating between normal display and inverse video when needed to get the pilot’s attention. Active Lateral Active Vertical Mode Status Messages and Alerts Mode Mode Reference Armed Lateral Armed Vertical Mode Mode GMC 605 LCD Display 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 20: Gi 285 Indications

    The GI 285 Mode Annunciator is required in installations where the GMC 605 is located outside of the pilot’s primary field of view and there is no Garmin PFD to provide mode annunciations and alerts. The left side of the GI 285 displays lateral Flight Director modes, the center portion of the display provides status information for the autopilot, yaw damper, and trim system, and the right side displays vertical modes.

  • Page 21: Garmin Pfd Afcs Indications

    GI 285. GARMIN PFD AFCS INDICATIONS A Garmin PFD (if installed) can display Flight Director command bars, active and armed mode annunciations, references, autopilot and yaw damper engagement status, and AFCS alerts. Bugs are displayed along with digital references for Selected Heading, Vertical Speed, Selected Altitude, and Indicated Airspeed (when GFC 600 is in IAS mode).
  • Page 22 Auto- pilot Damper Lateral Modes Vertical Modes Status Status Active Active Armed Armed AFCS Status Annunciations Selected Altitude Command Bars GPS is Selected Navigation Source Autopilot info on Garmin GDU 620 PFD Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 23: Section 2 Automatic Flight Control System

    Any discrepancies must be resolved before flight. Upon power-up the GFC 600 will automatically perform a Pre Flight Test (PFT) to check internal GMC 605 functions, interfaces, and servo status. While the test is in progress the GMC displays the message PFT.

  • Page 24: Engaging The Autopilot

    Another way to engage the autopilot is by selecting the LVL key. This will engage the autopilot in Level mode. The aircraft must be within the GFC 600 engagement limits (+/-50 degrees pitch and +/- 75 degrees roll attitude) in order to engage the autopilot.

  • Page 25: Disengaging The Autopilot

    AP key or the autopilot disconnect button. Automatic disengagement may occur due to a failure within the GFC 600 system, loss of both GPS and air data inputs, strong turbulence, or exceeding the engagement attitude limits.
  • Page 26 Hollow Command Bars (Pilot Hand Flying Aircraft, FD Only) Solid Command Bars (Autopilot Engaged) Aircraft Symbol Command Bars Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 27: Control Wheel Steering

    AP LED flashing green. On the GI 285, the AP annunciation changes from green to white while CWS is active. GMC 605 Annunciating Control Wheel Steering GI 285 Annunciating Control Wheel Steering 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 28: Yaw Damper

    When the Yaw Damper is engaged it is annunciated on the GMC 605 with the YD LED illuminated in green. On the GI 285 the YD annunciation is illuminated green. GMC 605 Yaw Damper Indication GI 285 Yaw Damper Indication Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 29: Manual Trim

    The GI 285 does not provide any indication of mistrim axis or NOTE: direction. The pilot must look at the GMC 605 message for this information. GMC 605 Mistrim Indication 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 30: Manual Electric Trim

    If pitch trim fails while the autopilot is engaged (as indicated by P TRIM FAIL message and AP LED illuminated yellow) the pilot can continue to use the autopilot and manually trim the aircraft in response to any mistrim messages. Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 31: Overspeed Protection

    When the overspeed condition is resolved the MAXSPEED message is removed and the armed vertical mode becomes active again. When the autopilot is outside normal operating limits, it uses more NOTE: aggressive commands to return to normal limits. GMC 605 Overspeed Indication 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 32: Underspeed Protection

    The AIRSPEED aural will sound every five seconds and a MINSPEED annunciation will be displayed on the GMC 605. Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 33 Flight Director mode will change from active to armed and IAS will become the active vertical mode and flash for five seconds. MINSPEED will be displayed on the GMC 605. The autopilot will cause the aircraft to pitch down. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 34 Flight Director mode will change back to active. The autopilot will resume tracking the previously selected vertical reference. When the AFCS is outside normal operating limits, it uses more NOTE: aggressive commands to return to normal limits. Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 35: Vertical Modes

    Varies by constant nose-up aircraft Go Around pitch attitude and Button type, see also commands AFMS zero bank angle Altitude Holds the current ± 150 ft ALT nnnnn 10 ft Hold Altitude 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 36: Pitch Hold Mode (Pit)

    Glideslope the ILS glideslope on approach * When the GFC 600 is receiving a Selected Altitude value from a Garmin PFD, ALTS is armed automatically when PIT, VS, IAS, or GA modes are active. Autopilot Vertical Mode Summary PITCH HOLD MODE (PIT) When the autopilot or Flight Director is activated (AP or FD key is pressed), Pitch Hold mode is selected by default.
  • Page 37 If the Selected Altitude Capture mode is available, the GMC 605 also shows the ‘ALTS’ annunciation in the armed vertical mode section. GMC 605 Annunciating Pitch Mode GI 285 Annunciating Pitch Mode 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Level Mode (Lvl)

    Altitude Hold. GMC 605 AND GI 285 ANNUNCIATIONS The GMC 605 and GI 285 annunciate ‘LVL’ in both the vertical and lateral sections. GMC 605 Annunciating Level Mode GI 285 Annunciating Level Mode Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 39: Go Around Mode (Ga)

    Selected Altitude Capture mode is available, the GMC 605 also shows the ‘ALTS’ annunciation in the armed vertical mode section. GMC 605 Annunciating Go Around Mode GI 285 Annunciating Go Around Mode 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 40: Altitude Hold Mode (Alt)

    Without Garmin PFD: When there is no Garmin PFD installed, the Altitude Reference is not displayed on the GMC 605 and the autopilot cannot automatically compensate for small altitude changes introduced when the altimeter setting is updated. The NOSE UP/DN wheel may be used to adjust the Altitude Reference in increments of 10 ft per click up to +/- 150 ft from the current altitude.

  • Page 41: Selected Altitude Capture Mode (Alts)

    AFCS GMC 605 AND GI 285 ANNUNCIATIONS The GMC 605 and the GI 285 annunciate ‘ALT’ for Altitude Hold mode. If a Garmin PFD is installed, the GMC also shows the reference altitude in the mode reference section. GMC 605 Annunciating Alt Hold Mode...

  • Page 42: Vertical Speed Mode (Vs)

    AFCS The Altitude Preselect function on a Garmin PFD allows the pilot to adjust the altitude bug to a target Selected Altitude for the AFCS to intercept, capture, and subsequently track in Altitude Hold mode. The GMC 605 will annunciate ‘ALTS’ as the armed vertical mode while the active vertical mode is PIT, VS, IAS, or GA.
  • Page 43 Vertical Speed mode is selected on the GMC, the Vertical Speed Reference on the GMC and the Vertical Speed bug on the PFD will sync to the current aircraft vertical speed. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 44: Indicated Airspeed Mode (Ias)

    When VS mode is selected on the GMC 605, the previous Vertical NOTE: Speed bug value on the Garmin PFD will be ignored (there is no Vertical Speed preselect function). • Subsequent changes to the Vertical Speed reference can be made with either the GMC wheel or the PFD Knob and the value will remain in sync between the GMC and PFD.

  • Page 45: Glidepath Mode (Gp)

    Approaches with Vertical Guidance (APV). Approaches that are annunciated on the HSI as LNAV or LNAV+V are considered Nonprecision Approaches (NPA) and are flown to an MDA even though vertical glidepath (GP) information may be provided. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 46 The GMC 605 and GI 285 annunciate ‘GP’ for Glidepath mode. Since Glidepath mode relies on GPS positioning, the ‘GPS’ lateral mode is also annunciated. GMC 605 Annunciating Glidepath Mode GI 285 Annunciating Glidepath Mode Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 47: Glideslope Mode (Gs)

    GMC 605 AND GI 285 ANNUNCIATIONS The GMC 605 and GI 285 annunciate ‘GS’ for Glideslope mode. Since Glideslope mode relies on LOC positioning, the ‘LOC’ lateral mode is also annunciated. GMC 605 Annunciating Glideslope Mode 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 48: Lateral Modes

    0 fpm Commands zero bank angle and GA Button Go Around also commands a constant nose- up pitch attitude. Captures and tracks the Selected Heading Select Heading Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 49 The AFCS limits turn rate to 3 degrees per second (standard rate turn). * The GMC 605 displays ‘VAPP’ for VOR Approach mode, however the GI 285 will display only ‘VOR’. Autopilot Lateral Mode Summary 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 50: Roll Hold Mode (Rol)

    • If the bank angle is less than 6°, the AFCS will roll the aircraft wings level. • Hold the CWS button (if equipped), establish the desired bank angle, then release the CWS button. Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 51: Heading Select Mode (Hdg)

    Selected Heading. Turn the HDG Knob on the HSI or DG to set the Selected Heading. When using a Garmin PFD, turns are commanded in the same direction as Selected Heading Bug movement, even if the Bug is turned more than 180˚ from the present heading (e.g., a 270˚...
  • Page 52 AFCS For non-Garmin HSI or Directional Gyro interfaces, the turn is commanded in the shortest direction toward the bug. For installations using a non-Garmin HSI or DG, rapid changes in NOTE: Selected Heading where the bug crosses the current aircraft heading or 180 deg to the current heading may result in the autopilot not turning in the expected direction.

  • Page 53: Navigation Modes (Gps, Vor, Loc)

    If the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) shows greater than half scale when the NAV key is pressed, the selected mode is armed. GMC 605 Annunciating GPS Navigation Mode Armed If the CDI is less than half scale, Navigation mode is automatically captured. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 54 Pressing the CWS button and hand-flying the aircraft does not change the selected course while in Navigation mode. Upon release of the CWS button the autopilot will guide the aircraft back to the selected course (or GPS flight plan). Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 55 The GMC 605 and GI 285 will annunciate the appropriate lateral mode as GPS, VOR, or LOC depending on the selected navigation source when the NAV key was pressed. GMC 605 Annunciating Various NAV Modes GI 285 Annunciating Various Nav Modes 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 56: Approach Modes (Gps, Vor, Loc)

    Approach mode is active. When the AFCS is interfaced to a DG, set the Selected Heading on NOTE: the DG to the same value as the Selected Course when an Approach mode is active. Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 57 Selecting LOC Approach Mode: 1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure a valid localizer frequency is tuned. 2) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure that LOC is the selected navigation source. 3) GMC 605: Press the APR key. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 58 APR key is pressed. The GI 285 provides the same annunciations as the GMC 605 with the exception of VOR Approach mode which is annunciated VOR instead of VAPP. GMC 605 Annunciating Various Approach Modes Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 59: Flying A Dme Arc With A Gps Navigator

    GPS Navigation mode. If at any point while established on the DME arc the pilot deselects GPS Navigation mode, the AFCS will no longer track the arc. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 60: Backcourse Mode (Bc)

    Course when Backcourse mode is active. GMC 605 AND GI 285 ANNUNCIATIONS The GMC 605 and GI 285 will annunciate ‘BC’ for Backcourse mode. GMC 605 Annunciating Backcourse Mode GI 285 Annunciating Backcourse Mode Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 61: Electronic Stability & Protection (Esp™)

    This feature will only function when the aircraft is above 200 feet AGL and the autopilot is not engaged. In aircraft that do not have a Garmin PFD or a GTN 6XX/7XX CAUTION: series navigator with a valid terrain database, Low Speed ESP is not supported and all other ESP modes are functional at any altitude.

  • Page 62: Roll Engagement

    Roll Limit Indicators are displayed on the roll scale of a Garmin PFD at 45 deg to indicate where ESP will engage. As roll attitude exceeds the limit, ESP will engage and the Roll Limit Indicator will move in to 30 deg to indicate where ESP will disengage as roll attitude decreases.
  • Page 63 Configured Configured Bank Limit Bank Limit (45º) (45º) Maximum Maximum ESP Torque ESP Torque (60º) (60º) ESP Roll Operating Range When Engaged (Force Increases as Roll Increases & Decreases as Roll Decreases) 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 64: Pitch Engagement

    ESP will disengage if the aircraft exceeds the ESP engagement limits of 50 degrees nose-up or nose-down. There are no indications marking the pitch ESP engage and disengage limits in ™ these nose-up/nose-down conditions. Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 65 The Pitch ESP operating range may vary for each airframe type. The NOTE: specific values depicted in the figure above are only to illustrate the Pitch ESP function. Reference the AFMS for the Pitch ESP limits for a specific aircraft. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 66: Airspeed Protection

    AFCS AIRSPEED PROTECTION Low Speed ESP mode is available only in aircraft with a Garmin CAUTION: PFD or a GTN 6XX/7XX series navigator with a valid terrain database. LOW SPEED PROTECTION When the stall warning system determines a stall condition is imminent, ESP will engage and apply a force in the nose down direction.

  • Page 67: Section 3 Annunciations & Alerts

    SECTION 3 ANNUNCIATIONS & ALERTS 3.1 VISUAL ANNUNCIATIONS AND ALERTS The GFC 600 provides visual annunciations and alerts to notify the pilot of system status, failures, degraded operation, and conditions requiring specific pilot action. The table below summarizes the messages that may appear on the GMC 605’s display along with any associated LED illumination, GI 285 indications, and a brief description.
  • Page 68 The GMC 605 key selected by the user is DISABLD disabled because the associated function is not supported in a particular installation The AP key on the GMC 605 is stuck in the AP KEY STK active state Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 69 The ALT key on the GMC 605 is stuck in the ALT KEY active state The LVL key on the GMC 605 is stuck in the LVL KEY STK active state Visual Annunciations and Alerts 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 70: Aural Alerts

    Annunciations & Alerts 3.2 AURAL ALERTS The GFC 600 outputs aural annunciations and alerts to provide enhanced awareness to the pilot of several key AFCS conditions. VOICE ALERTS Voice alerts are played through the aircraft audio panel and are heard through the headset and/or cockpit speaker depending on installation and audio panel selections.

  • Page 71: Section 4 Abnormal Operation

    It is acceptable to engage the autopilot on the ground and overpower NOTE: the servos to verify proper operation and experience the forces required to move the controls while backdriving the servo motors. 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...

  • Page 72: Appendices

    Appendix A APPENDICES APPENDIX A: FEATURE/EQUIPMENT MATRIX Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 73 Also requires external CWS button. Requires an additional Garmin GSA 87 servo installed on yaw axis. Also requires external MET button. Requires an additional Garmin GSA 87 servo to perform the Manual Electric Trim and Autotrim functions. Also requires external GA button.
  • Page 74 Appendix A Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...

  • Page 75: Index

    Manual Trim 21 FD Key 9 Overspeed Protection 23 Flight Director 1, 17 Underspeed Protection 24 Activating 18 Yaw Damper 20 Command Bars 18 Flight Director 17 Limitations 19 Malfunction 63 Index-1 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 76 Manual Electric Trim 2, 22 High Airspeed Protection 58 Manual Trim 21 Horizontal Situation Indicators 7 MAXSPEED annunciation 23, 60 HSI. Horizontal Situation Indicators MET. Manual Electric Trim MET switch 10 MINSPEED annunciation 24 Index-2 Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide 190-01488-00 Rev. B...
  • Page 77 ROL. Roll Hold Mode YD Key 9 Roll Engagement 54 Roll Hold Mode 42 Selected Altitude 28, 33 Selected Altitude Capture Mode 28, 31, 33 Selected Heading 43 System Controls 9 Index-3 190-01488-00 Rev. B Garmin GFC 600 Pilot’s Guide...
  • Page 78 Southampton, Hampshire SO40 9LR U.K. Garmin Corporation No. 68, Zhangshu 2nd Road Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan Contact Garmin Product Support at www.flygarmin.com. For warranty information refer to https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/support/warranty-information/ 190-01488-00 Rev. B © 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries...

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