Robinson Helicopter Company Receives FAA Approval for Garmin GFC 600H Autopilot as Standard on all R66 Helicopters
All-Glass Cockpit Maximizes Performance, Capability, and Safety
TORRANCE, CA – June 3, 2025 – Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, has received FAA approval to install the Garmin GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System (HFCS) on all future Robinson R66 helicopters, now standard moving forward. This change marks an advancement in R66 avionics, by introducing a cost-effective digital flight control solution made to increase both ease of operation and safety of the R66. Key features and benefits include:
Enhanced Safety (Garmin H-ESP): Assists pilots in staying within safe operational limits with features like limit cueing, LVL mode, low-G protection, and low altitude protection.
Seamless Garmin Integration: Fully integrates with Garmin flight displays and navigators for streamlined operation.
High Reliability: Features smart servos and redundant sensors for dependable performance.
Cyclic-Mounted Controls: Allows pilots to manage autopilot functions without removing their hands from the primary controls.
Comprehensive Autopilot Modes: Offers altitude capture and hold, vertical speed hold, airspeed hold, heading select, navigation, and approach modes.
Workload Reduction: Includes hover assist (GPS-based position hold), airspeed stabilization, and heading hold.
Optional Yaw Axis Control: Improves ride quality, automates pedal input with power changes, and controls heading at low speeds.
“Receiving FAA certification of the Garmin GFC 600H reflects our commitment to providing our operators with the most advanced and reliable safety technology available,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “We’ve listened to our customers, and by choosing Garmin and making the system standard equipment on the R66, we are delivering a helicopter that sets the benchmark in safety and reliability for the light helicopter industry.”
A two-axis GFC 600H system will be standard on all R66 NxG aircraft, with the option to add yaw axis control. Customers who have placed an R66 order with serial number 1510 or later may amend their order to add or switch to the GFC 600H.
Robinson R66 Helicopters Gain FAA Approval for Garmin Autopilot
Robinson Helicopter Company has gained FAA approval to equip all future R66 helicopters with the Garmin GFC 600H autopilot, enhancing performance, capability, and safety. This upgrade features Garmin H-ESP, which ensures pilots operate within safe limits, and integrates seamlessly with Garmin displays. The system includes smart servos, redundant sensors, and cyclic-mounted controls, allowing pilots to manage functions without removing hands from primary controls. Capabilities include altitude capture, vertical speed hold, and more, with optional yaw axis control for improved stability. This move positions the R66 as a benchmark in safety and reliability for light helicopters.
