FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval is pending for Garmin's GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System in Airbus H130 helicopters. Expected to be available in the second quarter, the retrofit autopilot will provide H130 operators with enhanced safety features and reduce pilot workload.

The system incorporates a hover assist mode that automatically detects hover conditions and helps maintain position over the ground. Garmin’s helicopter electronic stability and protection (H-ESP) technology is also featured in the system, helping pilots maintain a safe flight envelope even when hand-flying.

“We are very excited to bring the highly capable GFC 600H to Airbus H130 owners and operators. This flight control system can significantly reduce in-flight workload while also providing many advanced and safety-minded capabilities to better assist pilots in conducting their missions,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin v-p of aviation sales and marketing.

Included in the hardware configuration is a console-mounted mode controller with push-button interface and night-vision-goggle compatibility. Integrated smart servos manage pitch and roll inputs, and a collective sensor provides smoother flight control adjustments.

When paired with Garmin’s G500H TXi and GTN Xi avionics, the system enables fully automated approach capabilities, en-route navigation guidance, and coupled missed approach procedures, including automated holds and search-and-rescue patterns.

Jérôme Ronssin, head of the light helicopters program at Airbus Helicopters, noted, “This innovative autopilot further extends the outstanding operational capabilities of the H130, offering advanced stability and precise control for safer, more efficient, and more productive missions.”

Among its safety-oriented features, the GFC 600H includes a dedicated return-to-level button that can help pilots avoid spatial disorientation in degraded visual environments, along with low-altitude protection that provides alerts and automatic pitch adjustments.

Beyond retrofit applications for existing H130 and EC130 T2 helicopters, Garmin indicated that the GFC 600H will also be available as a factory-installed option in new-production Airbus H130 helicopters.