ASI SAFETY ALERT: 2022-2

The Issue

Garmin has identified an issue with GFC 500 autopilots with optional auto trim installed in certified, experimental and light sport aircraft, including certified installations installed with optional GSA 28 pitch trim in accordance with Garmin STC SA01866W.

Note: GFC Autopilots installed in Cirrus SR20/22 aircraft using STC SA01866WI are not affected.

What You Should Know

When the autopilot is first engaged you may experience an uncommanded automatic trim runaway that could result in a sudden and significant deviation from the intended or desired flight path.

Garmin is working to fix this issue for certified installations in a future software update expected before the end of the year.

What You Should Do

Garmin Service Alert 22109 Revision A requires you to pull and collar the GFC 500 autopilot circuit breaker and placard the autopilot as INOPERATIVE before further flights.

Alternatively, to comply with the service alert, contact a Garmin dealer to disable the pitch trim as directed in Garmin STC SA01866WI Service Bulletin 22110.To enable the system again, contact a Garmin dealer regarding reactivation of the GFC 500 autopilot with optional pitch trim configured OFF per recommended service bulletin 22110 Revision A.

For non-certified experimental and light sport aircraft, Garmin Service Bulletin 22112 Revision A requires system software updates or disabling the autopilot or trim control before further flights.

Review the service alert and service bulletins: 

• Service Alert 22109 Rev A
• Service Bulletin 22110 Rev A
• Service Bulletin 22112 Rev A for non-certified aircraft

To increase safety awareness and help reduce accidents, the AOPA Air Safety Institute periodically issues Safety Notices and Alerts to remind pilots of significant safety topics.