Garmin Autopilot GFC 500

[mshac]

Honest question: What's wrong with using an S-TEC (now Genesys) AP?

I have the 60-2 in my aircraft with GPSS roll-steering coupled up to ILS and LPV approaches. It talks fine with my Garmin gps nav-com.

It still fully supported by the factory, in fact you can fly your plane directly to them at the Mineral Wells TX airport, and they'll work on your plane for $80/hr. Will Garmin do that?

Besides saying "GARMIN" on it, why the fascination with this AP?

[patrolpilot]

Originally Posted by mshac

Honest question: What's wrong with using an S-TEC (now Genesys) AP?

I have the 60-2 in my aircraft with GPSS roll-steering coupled with ILS and LPV approaches. It talks fine with my Garmin gps nav-com.

It still fully supported by the factory, in fact you can fly your plane directly to them at the Mineral Wells TX airport, and they'll work on your plane for $80/hr. Will Garmin do that?

Besides saying "GARMIN" on it, why the fascination with this AP?

That's exactly what I plan on doing if my 400A ever bites the dust. Personally, I'm not a fan of Garmin.

[TomM]

For you folks with an existing Stec, that is great and I know it is a great autopilot. For us with the old 400 (or nothing) and models before the 337D, the only choice we have for a fully coupled auto pilot is the Stec 65. Not sure if you have priced one of those out lately, but they are $38,000 plus installation.

I have talked to Stec a number of times and there is little hope, if any that the older model skymaster would ever be added to the STC list for the other autopilots such at the 60-2 or 3100. The guy couldn't tell me the difference between the older models and the D and newer. It would seem to be a simple procedure to get the older models on the list, but there must be something unique about the older ones (and the FAA) that just doesnt make that a reality.

Best I can do for a reasonable sum would be the Stec 50 ($13k plus installation) and settle for altitude hold. Which is what I planed on doing unless the Garmin option comes through. Being fully coupled would be a bonus along with the lower cost.

For me the Garmin would be the only realistic option for a fully coupled autopilot period.

[JAG]

Gensys makes great autopilot, no argument there. For me, I would prefer the Garmin to get the most out of my Garmin avionics, have a brand that is modern and will be supported and around for a long time. I also prefer a digital autopilot solution.
Jeff

Originally Posted by mshac

Honest question: What's wrong with using an S-TEC (now Genesys) AP?

I have the 60-2 in my aircraft with GPSS roll-steering coupled up to ILS and LPV approaches. It talks fine with my Garmin gps nav-com.

It still fully supported by the factory, in fact you can fly your plane directly to them at the Mineral Wells TX airport, and they'll work on your plane for $80/hr. Will Garmin do that?

Besides saying "GARMIN" on it, why the fascination with this AP?

[wslade2]

I did fill out the form but re-read Herb's original post and the quote from Garmin: "It probably wont happen in the next year, but I could see it happening some time after that depending on how much interest we get."

So talking about 2023?

Really would like fully coupled autopilot. On the surface, Garmin appears cheaper than the S Tec regarding fully coupled options.

But, I've got to be moving on something before the hope of sometime in 2023...