Garmin GFC 600 Autopilot System Certified for Air Tractor AT-802 Series Aircraft

In a press release this week, Air Tractor announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the Garmin GFC 600 digital autopilot in Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A aircraft, providing operators with a modern autopilot solution designed to enhance safety, reliability and operational efficiency.

The GFC 600 features solid-state attitude and heading reference technology, advanced self-monitoring capabilities, and a range of automated flight functions. Garmin states the system supports altitude preselect, indicated airspeed hold, and vertical navigation (VNAV), helping pilots maintain precise aircraft control during a variety of flight operations.

“We’re excited to bring this capability to the AT-802 fleet,” said Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch. “The GFC 600 is a valuable addition for many AT-802 operators, but one of the primary motivations for pursuing this certification was the aerial firefighting fleet. Firefighting operators are often required to move their aircraft long distances, sometimes across countries or continents, wherever they’re needed. A modern autopilot makes those cross-country flights significantly easier and more efficient.”

The autopilot incorporates several safety-enhancing features, including underspeed protection and a dedicated LVL button that returns the aircraft to straight-and-level flight at the push of a button. When paired with compatible Garmin avionics, the system can also activate Smart Glide, which assists pilots in the event of an engine power loss.

In instrument flight conditions, the GFC 600 can couple and fly a variety of approach procedures, including GPS, ILS, VOR, localizer and back-course approaches when connected to a compatible Garmin GPS navigator.

“Today’s firefighting aircraft are equipped with sophisticated avionics and navigation systems for cross-country operations,” Hirsch said. “When the GFC 600 is paired with Garmin’s modern GPS navigators and flight displays, it creates an integrated flight deck that streamlines navigation and aircraft management during long ferry flights.”

The Garmin GFC 600 digital autopilot is available for Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A aircraft through authorized Garmin dealers or as a factory-installed option on new Air Tractor aircraft orders.