How our GFC 600H helps helicopter pilots fly smarter
Garmin’s flight control system for helicopters makes flying easier, even in demanding conditions
Helicopter operations demand a lot. Complicated missions, adverse weather, complex environments and high workload are part of the job for even the most experienced pilot.
Whether you’re a helicopter owner or fleet operator, you need technology that works as hard as your team does. The Garmin GFC™ 600H flight control system was designed with one goal in mind: to support the skilled helicopter pilot by making their job less fatiguing.
Supporting pilots with helicopter-tailored features
Flying a helicopter takes a high level of skill that’s refined and mastered over time. But beyond stick-and-rudder demands, helicopter pilots are also simultaneously managing navigation, situational awareness, communications and mission execution. That’s where GFC 600H becomes an incredible asset.
GFC 600H provides advanced digital automation features — including attitude hold with speed stability, hover assist, Helicopter Stability and Protection (Garmin H-ESP™) technology, automatic return-to-level (LVL) mode and more — that help the helicopter pilot reduce fatigue. This allows the pilot to stay focused on executing the mission at hand. Cyclic-mounted controls allow easy engagement of the system’s primary functions without taking a hand off the controls.
Stability where it counts
At its core, GFC 600H is an attitude-based flight control system built on advanced AHRS technology with redundant, cross-checking sensors. Key features include:
- Garmin H-ESP — Works continuously, even when the system isn’t engaged, to help maintain a stable flight condition. The H-ESP keeps the helicopter within an envelope and at appropriate pitch, roll and airspeed levels. It can be manually disabled for tactical maneuvers.
- LVL mode — Automatically recovers the aircraft from unusual attitudes and returns it to straight-and-level flight.
- Hover assist — Automatically provides inputs to help maintain position when hovering. Add the available yaw axis servo and it holds heading in hover too.
- Overspeed and low speed protection — Actively manages airspeed limits in both directions, with Low-G protection also available for the Bell 505.
Seamless integration with Garmin avionics
The sought-after stability features of the GFC 600H don’t operate in isolation. The system integrates with feature-rich compatible Garmin avionics, including G500H TXi™ flight displays, GTN™ Xi series navigators, GI 275 attitude indicator and GNC® 215 NAV/COMM radio. For en route and approach navigation, compatible WAAS-enabled navigators like the GTN Xi series and G1000H® NXi integrated flight deck allow the system to automatically fly lateral and vertical flight paths, including search and rescue patterns, visual approaches, altitude hold, vertical speed and more.
Flexible configuration and helicopter availability
GFC 600H supports both 2-axis and 3-axis configurations, features an NVG-compatible mode controller and is backed by our industry-leading product support team. Supplemental type certification has been completed for a variety of helicopters. GFC 600H was made available for Airbus H130 and is also available on a variety of different models.
Find a dealer
Contact your local authorized Garmin dealer to explore GFC 600H configuration options and find the right setup for your helicopter.
