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Budget Autopilots: Growing STC Approvals

Second to engine replacements, autopilots top the list of the most expensive aftermarket retrofits you can make to the aircraft. Until recently, pricey entry-level systems didnt offer much more than basic wing-leveling functions.But thanks to a welcomed switch in FAA regulatory mentality, the certified market has recently seen no fewer than three new budget-based and full-featured autopilots (priced under ten grand) trickle down from the experimental aircraft world. This includes the Garmin GFC500, the Trio Avionics Pro Pilot and TruTrak Vizion, which all earned STCs last summer.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Second to engine replacements, autopilots top the list of the most expensive aftermarket retrofits you can make to the aircraft. Until recently, pricey entry-level systems didn’t offer much more than basic wing-leveling functions.

Avionics Market Scan

But thanks to a welcomed switch in FAA regulatory mentality, the certified market has recently seen no fewer than three new budget-based and full-featured autopilots (priced under ten grand) trickle down from the experimental aircraft world. This includes the Garmin GFC500, the Trio Avionics Pro Pilot and TruTrak Vizion, which all earned STCs last summer.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.