Service Bulletin Issued for GFC 500 Flight Control System in General Aviation Aircraft
Written by AirplaneFlyers
Recently, a service bulletin was issued for the GFC 500, a flight control system installed in many general aviation aircraft. The bulletin cites a problem with the system that could lead to unexpected aircraft behavior during certain flight conditions. Specifically, the issue is with the system's automatic level mode, which is responsible for maintaining the aircraft's level flight attitude.
The problem occurs when the aircraft is in a steep or high-g turn and the pilot disengages the flight director or autopilot. In these conditions, the automatic level mode may not immediately engage, resulting in the aircraft not returning to level flight as expected. This could potentially lead to a loss of control situation.
Manufacturers of the GFC 500, such as Garmin, are working to develop a software update that will resolve the issue and have issued a service bulletin to inform owners of the issue and provide instructions for mitigating the risk in the meantime. Pilots are advised to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for safe operation of the aircraft, including using caution when disengaging the flight director or autopilot in steep or high-g turns, and being prepared to take manual control of the aircraft if necessary.
It's important to note that this issue does not affect the normal operation of the GFC 500, and it is still considered safe to fly with the system installed. However, pilots should be aware of the potential problem and take the necessary precautions to ensure safe flight. The manufacturer is actively working on a software update, and the aircraft owners should check their systems and make sure that they have the most recent software version installed.
In conclusion, the GFC 500 service bulletin is a reminder of the importance of staying informed about the systems in your aircraft and staying current with software updates and maintenance. It's important that all general aviation aircraft owners take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers by following the manufacturer's recommendations, being aware of the systems on board and taking the necessary precautions.