GFC 600H: Pilot's Guide

GFC 600H ™ Pilot’s Guide
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January, 2019 190-02081-04 Rev.A Printed in the U.S.A.

Warnings, Cautions & Notes
WARNING: Perform a thorough preflight control check to verify that there is

no excessive friction, binding, or other anomalies that prevent smooth control
movement throughout the intended range of motion in pitch, roll, and yaw
axis. Any discrepancies must be resolved prior to operation. In addition, the
friction set from the manual friction lock must be fully removed prior to flight.
WARNING: For safety reasons, system operational procedures must be learned

on the ground.
WARNING: The Garmin system, as installed in this rotorcraft, has a very

high degree of functional integrity. However, the pilot must recognize that
providing monitoring and/or self-test capability for all conceivable system
failures is not practical.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of unsafe operation, carefully review and under-
stand all aspects of the system, Pilot’s Guide documentation, the Rotorcraft
Flight Manual, and the Flight Manual Supplement. Thoroughly practice basic
operation prior to actual use.
CAUTION: The system does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs
should only be made by an authorized Garmin service center. Unauthorized
repairs or modifications could void both the warranty and the pilot’s authority
to operate this device under FAA/FCC regulations.
NOTE: All visual depictions contained within this document, including screen
images of the panel and displays, are subject to change and may not reflect
the most current system and aviation databases. Depictions of equipment
may differ slightly from the actual equipment.
NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harm-
ful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

AVIATION LIMITED WARRANTY
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190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide

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Part Number Change Summary
190-02081-04 Initial release
Rev Date Description

A January, 2019 Production Release

Table of Contents
Section 1 System Overview................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Basic Functions................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 HFCS Equipment................................................................................................................. 2
GMC 605H Mode Controller.................................................................................................. 2
GFS 83 Servo........................................................................................................................ 3
Attitude and Air Data Sensors................................................................................................ 4
1.3 HFCS Controls...................................................................................................................... 6
GMC 605H (3-Axis)............................................................................................................... 6
External Controls................................................................................................................... 7
1.4 System Indications........................................................................................................... 10
GMC 605H......................................................................................................................... 10
Garmin PFD HFCS Indications.............................................................................................. 12
Section 2 Helicopter Flight Control System............................................................... 15

2.1 HFCS Operation................................................................................................................. 15
HFCS Pre-Flight................................................................................................................... 15
Engaging the Helicopter Flight Control System..................................................................... 16
Disengaging the Helicopter Flight Control System................................................................ 16
Flight Director Modes.......................................................................................................... 17
2.2 Basic Helicopter Flight Control System Features...................................................... 20
Attitude Hold Mode (ATT).................................................................................................... 20
2.3 Vertical Flight Director Modes....................................................................................... 23
Vertical Flight Director Mode Controls and Annunciations.................................................... 23
Altitude Hold Mode (ALT).................................................................................................... 24
Selected Altitude Capture Mode (ALTS)................................................................................ 25
Vertical Speed Mode (VS).................................................................................................... 27
Indicated Airspeed Mode (IAS)............................................................................................. 28
Glidepath Mode (GP).......................................................................................................... 29
Glideslope Mode (GS)......................................................................................................... 31
2.4 Lateral Modes.................................................................................................................... 33
Lateral Mode Controls and Annunciations............................................................................ 33
Heading Select Mode (HDG)................................................................................................ 34
Navigation Modes (GPS, VOR, LOC, BC)............................................................................... 35
Approach Modes (GPS, VAPP, LOC)...................................................................................... 37
Flying An Arc With A GPS Navigator..................................................................................... 40
Visual Approaches............................................................................................................... 41
2.5 Helecopter Electronic Stability & Protection (H-ESP™)........................................... 41
Limit Cueing....................................................................................................................... 42
Overspeed Protection.......................................................................................................... 44
Low speed Protection.......................................................................................................... 46
190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide i

Table of Contents
Section 3 Annunciations & Alerts..................................................................................... 49

3.1 Visual Annunciations and Alerts................................................................................... 49
GMC 605H Annunciations................................................................................................... 49
PFD Visual Annunciations and Alerts.................................................................................... 52
3.2 Aural Alerts........................................................................................................................ 53
Voice Alerts......................................................................................................................... 53
Flight Control System Disconnect Alert................................................................................. 54
Section 4 Abnormal Operation.......................................................................................... 55

4.1 Suspected Flight Control System Malfunction.......................................................... 55
Section 5 Terms & Conventions......................................................................................... 57

5.1 Equipment Terminology.................................................................................................. 57
5.2 System Operation Terminology.................................................................................... 57
5.3 Helicopter and System Controls................................................................................... 59
5.4 Flight Director Modes..................................................................................................... 60
Section 6 Index.....................................................................................................................Index-1
Index....................................................................................................................................Index-2
ii Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

System Overview
SECTION 1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The Garmin GFC 600H is an attitude-based, Helicopter Flight Control System (HFCS)
that supports an extensive set of operating modes and safety features. The system
design offers the flexibility to interface with a wide variety of avionics equipment. The
specific functions supported by the GFC 600H vary by installation. Refer to Appendix
A for more information.
CAUTION: This manual covers all functions and modes that the GFC 600H
can support, however it is the responsibility of the user to become familiar
with the capabilities and limitations of a specific rotorcraft (per the Flight
Manual Supplement) which may not support all the features described
here.
1.1 BASIC FUNCTIONS

The GFC 600H HFCS provides the following main operating functions:
• Attitude Hold (ATT) (FCS Key) — Attitude Hold Mode (ATT) is the primary
operating mode of the GFC 600H system. When in ATT the system moves the
primary flight controls to maintain a pitch and roll attitude set by the pilot. ATT
can be used throughout the entire flight envelope.
• Flight Director (FD) — Pressing the FD key (if equipped) activates the visual
flight director display on an interfaced PFD (Primary Flight Display) in default pitch
and roll modes without changing the mode of the pitch and roll servos. Upon
activation, the system synchronizes the Flight Director references to the current
flight condition. If the servos are coupled to a Flight Director mode, pressing
the CPL key will decouple the Flight Director modes and display the visual flight
director. Pressing the FD key when the visual flight director is displayed will
remove the visual flight director from the display. The availability of the Flight
Director is dependent upon airspeed, refer to airframe specific limitation for values.
190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 1

System Overview
• Coupled (CPL) — Pressing the CPL key while the servos are engaged in Attitude
Hold (ATT) and the Flight Director is available synchronizes the default Flight
Director modes to the current flight condition and couples the servos to the Flight
Director command. While the Flight Director is coupled to the servos, Command
Bars are NOT displayed on the PFD. Deselecting an active CPL key returns the
servos to ATT and will display the visual flight director for the active modes.
1.2 HFCS EQUIPMENT

The basic GFC 600H system is comprised of the following equipment:
GMC 605H MODE CONTROLLER

The panel-mounted GMC 605H serves as the primary user interface for the GFC 600H.
The GMC provides mode selection buttons and a wheel for convenient adjustment
of the flight director vertical references. A backlit monochrome NVIS (night vision)
friendly LCD displays active and armed modes, reference values, alerts, and messages.
The GMC 605H has extensive I/O capabilities that support interfaces to equipment
including Primary Flight Displays, Air Data Computers, GPS navigators, VHF Nav radios,
Audio Panels, HSIs, and Directional Gyros (DGs). The GMC includes internal attitude
and rate sensors used to monitor primary AHRS performance. The GMC utilizes sensor
data from an external air data computer, magnetometer and GPS receiver to provide
required inputs to the internal attitude and rate sensors.
GMC 605H (For Installations with Flight Director Display)
2 Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

System Overview
GMC 605H (For Installation without Flight Director Display)
GFS 83 SERVO
The GFS 83 is a ‘smart’ servo which performs many FCS processing functions. The
GFS 83 force trim servo actuates the flight controls of the rotorcraft and is installed
in parallel with the primary flight controls, resulting in cyclic and anti-torque pedal
movement directly proportional to servo movement. The servos are installed in pitch,
roll and optionally yaw.
The GFS 83 provides fly through capabilities, meaning that the pilot can override
the system at any time flying through any control forces which may be present. Upon
releasing the controls the system will return to its commanded references. There are
multiple variants of the GFS 83 which offer different functions.
The GFS 83 Direct Drive contains a brushless motor and a geared drive train to
provide smooth and reliable operation. This servo provides a fail passive damping
feature which reduces aircraft attitude deviation in the event of servo disconnect while
the pilots hands are not on the controls. This version of vervo is typically installed in
the pitch and roll axes. In the event of a mechanical jam in the servo, the pilot must
apply force to the affected rotorcraft flight control to break the shear device at the
output shaft of the servo, removing the servo from the control system and allowing
free movement of the flight control.
The other variant of the GFS 83 is a mechanically clutched servo, which also has a
brushless motor and geared drive train. This servo contains a mechanical clutch to
engage the motor drive to the servo output. The mechanically clutched variant of the
GFS 83 is typically installed in the yaw axis.

System Overview
GFS 83 (Mechanically Clutched) GFS 83 (Direct Drive)
ATTITUDE AND AIR DATA SENSORS

The GFC 600H system uses a minimum of two attitude sources and one air data
source. The GMC 605H provides one attitude solution which is used to monitor the
primary attitude solution provided by either a GSU 75H or GRS 79H sensor.
The GRS 79H is a remotely mounted AHRS which contains tilt sensors, accelerometers,
and rate sensors which provides attitude, heading, and rate data to the GFC
600H system. The GRS 79H requires interfaces to an air data computer, GMU 44
magnetometer, and a GPS/SBAS navigator.
The GMU 44 magnetometer senses magnetic fields and sends the data to the AHRS
to determine the magnetic heading. The GMU 44 magnetometer is interfaced to both
the primary attitude sensor and to the GMC 605H.
Air data may be provide by a Garmin GDC 72H or a GDC 74H air data computer.
The GDC 72H/74H is a remotely mounted Air Data Computer which connects to
the existing pitot-static system and a GTP 59 OAT probe. The GDC 72H/74H provides
pressure altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and OAT data to the GFC 600H system.

System Overview
The GTP is a remotely mounted temperature probe that interfaces to the Air Data
Computer for determination of OAT and true airspeed.
Some system configurations will utilize the Garmin GSU 75H ADAHRS solution. The
GSU 75H is a remotely mounted ADAHRS which incorporates the same components as
the GRS 79H and GDC 72H into a single unit providing attitude and air data.
GSU 75H
GPS
A Garmin GPS is required as an aiding source for AHRS and for GPS based modes
including Groundspeed Hold and GPS navigation.
COLLECTIVE POSITION SENSOR

For some installations, a position sensor will provide collective position to the GFC
600H to improve FCS performance. Refer to aircraft specific FMS for details on whether
this sensor is present in the installation.

System Overview
1.3 HFCS CONTROLS
GMC 605H (3-AXIS)

Pitch Reference
1 Roll Mode 4 Servos CAS 5 6
Pitch Mode Engaged Message
System
Engagement
Keys
2
Lateral Mode Pitch Mode

Keys 7 8 9 Keys 10 11 12
GMC 605H (3-AXIS) HFCS Mode Controller
1 FCS Key Engages/disengages the Flight Control System

2 FD Key ctivates/deactivates the display of the Flight Director Command
A
Bars on the Primary Flight Display. Pressing once turns on the
Flight Director Command Bars and activates the default vertical
and lateral modes. Pressing again removes the Command Bars.
If the servos are coupled to the Flight Director, the key is disabled.
3 CPL Key Synchronizes the default FD modes to the current flight condition
AND couples the servos to the flight director command. Pressing
the CPL Key while coupled, decouples the servos from the FD
command.
4 LCD Display Displays HFCS modes, references, and annunciations.
5 LVL Key Engages the Flight Control System in Level Mode (or selects Level
Mode if Flight Control System is already engaged).
6 ALT Key Selects/deselects Altitude Hold Mode
7 HDG Key Selects/deselects Heading Select Mode

System Overview
8 NAV Key Selects/deselects Navigation Mode. Cancels GS Mode if LOC

Mode is either active or armed. Cancels GP Mode if GPS Mode is
either active or armed.
9 APR Key Selects/deselects Approach Mode
10 IAS Key Selects/deselects Indicated Airspeed Mode
11 VS Key Selects/deselects Vertical Speed Mode
12 NOSE UP/DN Adjusts the reference in Vertical Speed, Indicated Airspeed, and
Wheel Altitude Hold modes
EXTERNAL CONTROLS
These controls provide FCS control functions but are not found on the GMC 605H.
NOTE: The position of switches/controls may vary per installation. Refer to

the rotorcraft flight manual supplement for installation specific controls and
operation.
FCS DISC
TRIM
FTR
LVL MODE
Cyclic Switches

System Overview
Typical
Common
Control Location/ Purpose
Name
Color
Servos Disengaged: Momentary press engages
the HFCS pitch and roll axes.
Any Engaged Mode: Press and hold will reduce
the control forces for the duration of time that
the switch is depressed. After 1 second the
system will annunciate ‘FTR’ as indication that
an extended press is active.
Force Trim
FTR Cyclic (Black) ATT Mode: Press and hold reduces control
Release
forces and continuously synchronizes the pitch
and roll attitude reference. Upon release
synchronizes the pitch and roll attitude
reference to current values.
CPLD Flight Director Modes: Upon release
synchronizes the pitch reference (VS, ALT, IAS) to
the current value as applicable.
Momentary Press: Disengages all coupled Flight
Director Modes. Servos remain engaged in ATT
Flight Mode.
Control Double momentary press OR press and hold for
FCS DISC Cyclic (Red)
System 1 second: Disengages the pitch, roll, and yaw
Disconnect servos.
Press and hold for 10 seconds: Toggles limit
cue ON/OFF.
Single Press: Increments the HFCS references.
Press and Hold: Slews the HFCS references.
ATT Mode: The trim switch changes the
Cyclic
TRIM Cyclic (Black) reference pitch (+/-) and roll (+/-) attitude.
Beep Trim
CPLD Flight Director Modes: The trim switch
changes the reference altitude, vertical speed, or
indicated airspeed, as applicable.
Engages the pitch, roll, and optional yaw axis in
LVL Level Mode Cyclic (Blue)
LVL Mode.

System Overview
Typical
Common
Control Location/ Purpose
Name
Color
Collective
YAW Yaw On/Off Engages/disengages the yaw control.
(not pictured)
Yaw Trim may be optionally installed in some
airframes. In cruise, this switch allows the
Yaw Beep Collective
YAW TRIM aircraft to be trimmed out of ball center. In
Trim (not pictured)
hover, the input adjusts the aircraft’s heading
reference.
External Controls Summary
EXTERNAL CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS BY MODE

FCS Mode
Control ATT (ON) w/ FD
ATT (ON) COUPLED
(DCPLD)
Changes vertical FD
Cyclic UP/ reference, if a vertical FD
DN Beep Changes pitch attitude reference. Mode is active. Changes
Trim pitch attitude reference if
pitch axis is in ATT.
Cyclic LEFT/ Changes roll attitude
RIGHT Beep Changes roll attitude reference. reference if roll axis is in
Trim ATT. Otherwise, no effect.
UP/DN Changes vertical FD Reference, if a vertical FD Mode
No effect
Wheel is active, otherwise no effect.
Synchronizes the vertical
FD reference to current
Sets reference attitude to current attitude upon axis value, if a FD mode is
FTR Button
release. Reduces breakout force while pressed. active, otherwise sets the
reference attitude to the
current attitude.
External Control Adjustments By Mode

System Overview
1.4 SYSTEM INDICATIONS

GMC 605H
NOTE: Some installations may include a GMC variant which excludes the
FD/CPL keys. This variant of the GMC 605H is intended for installations
which will not provide display of flight director command bars. Otherwise
the two units are functionally equivalent.
The GMC 605H provides indications to the pilot via a monochrome LCD combined
with three color LEDs that are located adjacent to the FCS, FD, and CPL keys.
The left side of the LCD displays lateral Flight Director modes, the center portion of
the display provides vertical modes and references, and the right side of the display
serves as a message area for status and alerts. Active modes and references are
depicted in large letters along the upper portion of the display, with armed modes
in a smaller font below the active modes. The message area can display up to four
messages simultaneously.
Text can be flashed alternating between normal display and inverse video for
conditions which require the pilot’s attention.
Servo
Status
Active Lateral Active Vertical Mode Status Messages and
Mode Mode Reference Alerts
Armed Lateral Armed Vertical

Mode Modes
GMC 605H LCD Display
The LEDs adjacent to the FCS, FD, and CPL keys are illuminated in conjunction with
other information on the LCD to provide status and alert information.

System Overview
The FCS, FD, and CPL LEDs will illuminate in green to indicate that they are engaged.
Manual FCS disconnect is indicated with flashing yellow FCS annunciation, and red is
used to indicate an abnormal disconnect or failure condition.
The FD LED flashes yellow to indicate when an active mode is dropped automatically
by the HFCS.
FCS (ATT/AP Engage) LED
FD (Flight Director) LED
CPL (Couple) LED
GMC 605H (3-AXIS) LEDs
Refer to section 3.1 for more information about specific GMC 605H messages and
LED annunciations.
SERVO STATUS
The servo status field (R=Roll, Y=Yaw, P=Pitch) indicates when the servos are
engaged. This field also provides an indication when the servos are out of detent.
The default when turning the system on in ATT mode is pitch and roll servo
engagement only. The yaw servo is engaged via the collective mounted Yaw ON/OFF
switch.
CAUTION: When a servo indicates that it is Out of Detent the FCS is no

longer maintaining the reference in that axis and the pilot must be in
control.

System Overview
The Out of Detent (inverse video) annunciation indicates to the crew that an external
force (crew input) in excess of the breakout force is being applied to the servo and
the FCS is no longer controlling the aircraft in that axis. The P or R inverse video
annunciation indicates the servo is out of detent. If a servo is held out of detent for
an extended period of time a system message will also indicate the out of detent
condition.
Roll Servo (Out of Detent)

Yaw Servo (Engaged)
Pitch Servo (Engaged)
GMC 605H Servo Status
GARMIN PFD HFCS INDICATIONS

A Garmin PFD (GDU 620 or GDU TXi) (if installed) can display Flight Director
command bars, active and armed mode annunciations, FCS references, servo status,
and HFCS alerts. Bugs are displayed along with digital references for Selected
Heading, Vertical Speed, Selected Altitude, and Indicated Airspeed. Bugs are used for
adjustment of the active Flight Director mode reference. While the Altitude Preselect
and Heading Preselect bugs are always present, the airspeed and vertical speed bugs
are only displayed while the FCS is in standby.
Refer to the applicable Garmin PFD Pilot’s Guide for more detailed information.
NOTE: A red FCS annunciation on the PFD indicates a system failure.

System Overview
HFCS Status
(PFT, FCS, or
FTR annun- Servo Coupled
Lateral Modes ciation) Status Status Vertical Modes
Active Active
Armed Armed
Selected
Altitude
HFCS Status Annunciations on Garmin GDU 620 PFD
FLIGHT DIRECTOR COMMAND BARS (DECOUPLED)

In installations with the GFC 600H interfaced with a Garmin PFD, the HFCS provides
Flight Director Command Bars when the Flight Director is decoupled from the servos.
The Command Bar cues can be presented in either axis. Centering the cross-hairs
within the circle of the ownship icon will result in the aircraft achieving the desired
pitch and/or roll reference condition. This mode is available with or without the servos
engaged in ATT.
Flight Director Command Bars on Garmin PFD

System Overview
Blank Page

HFCS
SECTION 2 HELICOPTER FLIGHT CONTROL

SYSTEM
NOTE: The approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual always supersedes the
information in this Pilot’s Guide.
WARNING: Refer to the approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement for

GFC 600H specific emergency procedures.
2.1 HFCS OPERATION
HFCS PRE-FLIGHT
The pilot is expected to perform all pre-flight aircraft control checks required by the
Rotorcraft Flight Manual. Refer to the model specific RFM and associated Flight Manual
Supplements for additional details regarding required checks. Any discrepancies must
be resolved before flight.
Upon power-up the GFC 600H will automatically perform a Pre-Flight Test (PFT) to
check internal GMC 605H functions, interfaces, and servo status. While the test is in
progress the GMC displays the message PFT. The GMC’s status LEDs are illuminated in
yellow for 1 second and then in red for 1 second. The pitch and roll servos will engage
and move each control over a small range of motion. Any failed LED annunciators on
the GMC 605H should be noted and addressed by the operator. The Pre-Flight Test will
not complete until the ‘Continue’ button is pressed. HFCS functions are not available
until after the PFT has been successfully completed.
When PFT is complete, the FCS Disconnect aural is played through the audio panel.
If everything passed, the PFT message is removed from the GMC display. If there are
any failures detected the GMC displays PFT FAIL, no aural is played, and the FCS LED
illuminates in red.
If PFT does not pass or complete, refer to the RFMS for further action.

HFCS
GMC 605H Pre-Flight Test
ENGAGING THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

The Helicopter Flight Control System is engaged by pressing the FCS key on the
GMC 605H or the FTR (cyclic mounted switch). If the Flight Director is ON and the FCS
Key is pressed, the servos will be engaged in ATT Mode (i.e., the Flight Director stays
decoupled). Pressing the FCS key when the Flight Director is OFF, engages the HFCS
in the default ATT mode.
Another way to engage the Helicopter Flight Control System is by selecting the
LVL key. This will engage the pitch, roll and optional yaw servos with the attitude
references set to a level flight attitude.
The rotorcraft must be within the GFC 600H engagement limits in order to engage
the Helicopter Flight Control System. The engagement limits vary by airframe.
DISENGAGING THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

The Helicopter Flight Control System is manually disengaged by pressing the FCS
key on the GMC 605H or by a double momentary press or press and hold of the FCS
DISC switch on the cyclic. Manual disengagement is indicated by an aural alert and
the FCS LED on the GMC 605H flashing yellow for five seconds. The aural alert and
flashing annunciations can be canceled by an additional press of the FCS DISC switch.
Automatic disengagement is indicated by an aural alert and the FCS LED on the
GMC 605H flashing red. The aural alert and flashing annunciations continue until
acknowledged by pressing the FCS key, the Force Trim Release, or the FCS DISC switch
on the cyclic. Automatic disengagement may occur due to a failure within the GFC
600H system, loss of all GPS and air data inputs, or exceeding the engagement attitude
limits.
HFCS
FLIGHT DIRECTOR MODES

Flight Director modes (ALT, VS, IAS, APP, HDG, and NAV) are normally selected
independently for the pitch and roll axes using the keys on the GMC 605H bezel.
Unless otherwise specified, all mode keys are alternate action (i.e., press on, press off).
In the absence of specific mode selection, the Flight Director reverts to the default
vertical and/or lateral modes.
Active modes are annunciated on the GMC 605H’s screen in large text. Armed
modes are annunciated in smaller text below the active modes and will automatically
become the active mode as soon as capture criteria are met. Automatic transition from
armed to active mode is indicated by the armed mode annunciation moving up to the
active mode field and flashing for 10 seconds.
If the information required to compute an active Flight Director mode (such as air data
or navigation data) becomes invalid or unavailable, the Flight Director automatically
reverts to ATT for that axis. The affected mode annunciation on the GMC 605H flashes.
If the servos are not engaged and the FD mode becomes unavailable, the system does
not engage the servo. The flashing annunciation stops when the affected mode key is
pressed or another mode for the axis is selected. If after 10 seconds no action is taken,
the flashing annunciation stops.
The Flight Director is automatically disabled if the information required to compute
the default Flight Director modes becomes invalid or unavailable.
FLIGHT DIRECTOR
NOTE: Flight Director command bars may be displayed on a Garmin PFD.
The Flight Director function provides pitch and roll commands to the Helicopter
Flight Control System and displays them on the PFD. With the Flight Director active,
the rotorcraft can be hand-flown to follow the path shown by the command bars or the
Helicopter Flight Control System can be coupled to follow the commands.

HFCS
Activating the Flight Director

The System Engagement Keys (FCS, FD, CPL) provide an interface to toggle FD
Modes ON/OFF. When the system is in ATT (Attitude Hold) Mode, selecting a Mode
Engagement Key will couple that single Flight Director Mode and maintain the previous
ATT command on the remaining servo.
Deselecting active Flight Director Modes will return the system to ATT Mode.
NOTE: The FD Key is disabled when the Helicopter Flight Control System is
engaged.
Command Bars On Garmin PFD

Upon activation of the Flight Director, Command Bars are displayed in magenta on
the PFD. The HFCS provides Flight Director Command Bars when the Flight Director
is decoupled from the servos. The Command Bars are not provided for ATT Mode.
Command Bars may be displayed for either the vertical axis, lateral axis, or both. The
Command Bars represent the direction the pilot should pitch and/or bank the aircraft
to center Command Bars on the aircraft symbol.
Lateral Axis
Command Bar
Vertical Axis
Command Bar
Flight Director Command Bars on Garmin GDU 620 PFD

HFCS
Coupled Flight
The GFC 600H system supports flight in the pitch and/or roll axes. When coupling
a single axis to the flight director, the remaining axis operates in ATT. This state is
indicated on the GMC and optional PFD by showing ‘ATT’ in the corresponding mode
field. The cyclic beep trim switch will provide control of the function currently in the
mode field. When an axis is coupled to ALT/IAS/VS, the up/down cyclic beep trim
switch will directly control the pitch reference. When ATT is the active mode, the cyclic
beep trim provides direct control of the reference attitude. Some system operations
will require a flight director mode to be present. As an example, an approach cannot
be armed under ATT. Selection of the APR key with ATT present in the pitch or roll field
will automatically select the default FD mode for that axis to become the active mode
prior to arming a navigation mode.
Flight Director Limitations

The maximum commanded pitch/roll attitudes and minimum airspeed values are
established during HFCS certification. Maximum commanded pitch and roll rates are
also limited. Reference the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement for Flight Director
command limits in a specific rotorcraft.

HFCS
2.2 BASIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

FEATURES
ATTITUDE HOLD MODE (ATT)
Attitude Hold Mode (ATT) is the lowest available flight control mode for the GFC
600H system. This mode of operation is available throughout the entire airspeed
envelope of the aircraft, but operation is altered based on phase of flight.
While in ATT, the system provides a stabilizing feel by implementing a force gradient.
The attitude hold function includes a trim feature. This feature is provided through
servos installed in parallel with the primary flight control inputs for a rotorcraft (GFS
83). For each control axis, a trim attitude (pitch and/or roll) can be set by the pilot or
system depending on the operating condition. The pilot can set a force trim point by
pressing and releasing a momentary action switch. The system will capture the current
attitude and assign that attitude as the trimmed detent control position. ATT will
provide a spring force gradient which increases the control forces linearly proportional
to the deviation of attitude from the set reference.
GROUNDSPEED HOLD MODE (GSPD)
NOTE: Groundspeed Hold (GSPD) Mode requires a GTN navigator to be

installed and interfaced to the GFC 600H.
Below a configurable ground speed threshold, the system can optionally transition
to Ground Speed (GSPD) Hold Mode. Ground Speed Hold Mode is a sub-mode of
Attitude Hold Mode in which the control of attitude is augmented to achieve a control
objective of constant lateral and longitudinal ground speed. Entry into and out of
Ground Speed Hold Mode is automatic.
See aircraft specific manual for entry and exit conditions for Groundspeed Hold
(GSPD) Mode.

HFCS
While in Ground Speed Hold Mode the beep trim increments (±2 knots) or slews
(±10 knots/sec) the reference lateral and longitudinal ground speed. Ground Speed
Hold can be trimmed to maintain backward or sideward flight.
GMC 605H Annunciating Automatic Transition to Hover (Ground Speed Hold Mode - GSPD)
GSPD mode requires GPS and is available from take-off, or upon reducing the
aircraft’s groundspeed below the hover transition threshold. Refer to the aircraft
specific FMS to determine the GSPD transition speed for the airframe. In GSPD
mode, the system maintains a lateral and longitudinal groundspeed reference while
maintaining a constant heading reference (with optional yaw axis). The pilot adjusts
the forward/aft and left/right GPS velocity using the cyclic beep trim.
The system automatically detects when the pilot is trying to hold the helicopter
stationary relative to a point on the ground based on GPS groundspeed parameters
and augments the control inputs to help achieve that objective.
The objective of the detent in pitch and roll is to provide a center point for the force
trim function. In attitude hold mode, this detent is a pitch and roll attitude; in a flight
director coupled mode of flight, the detent is the attitude for which the flight director
command is satisfied. The primary objective of the yaw axis is to provide coordinated
flight. The detent for the yaw axis is set accordingly.
As part of attitude hold, the system provides attitude rate and acceleration rejection
in each control axis. This stabilizes the control around the reference attitude condition.
This feature is particularly useful when augmenting the pilot controls and stabilizing
the aircraft while the pilot is hand-flying. This functionality requires the pilot to operate
the cyclic controls with a loose grip to utilize the benefit while hand-flying.

HFCS
Due to the inherent nature of helicopter primary control design, a cyclic control
system absent of a force trim or retention spring poses a potential safety concern if the
FCS disengages/disconnects while the pilot’s hands are not on the controls. The effect
of an unattended disconnect is dependent upon the airframe, however the design of
the GFS 83 (-11) servo is capable of mitigating this concern such that this failure is
fail-passive.
LEVEL MODE (LVL)

Level mode is a sub-mode of ATT and is annunciated as both the vertical and lateral
modes when active. Pressing the LVL key engages the Helicopter Flight Control
System (if the Helicopter Flight Control System is disengaged) in level vertical and
lateral modes. Any active lateral or vertical flight director modes are cancelled. Level
mode does not track altitude or heading but instead uses a aircraft-configurable
pitch attitude intended to maintain steady flight under most conditions and a lateral
reference of zero bank angle. The aural alert “Leveling” will sound upon engagement.
To exit Level Mode the following actions may be taken:
• Use the cyclic trim switch to change the pitch or roll attitude reference.
• Activate a Flight Director mode.
• Disengage the FCS.
NOTE: Level Mode may be helpful if the rotorcraft is inadvertently flown

into IMC conditions.
GMC 605H Annunciations

The GMC 605H annunciates ‘LVL’ in both the vertical and lateral sections.
GMC 605H Annunciating Level Mode

HFCS
2.3 VERTICAL FLIGHT DIRECTOR MODES
VERTICAL FLIGHT DIRECTOR MODE CONTROLS AND

ANNUNCIATIONS
The table below lists the vertical Flight Director modes with their corresponding
controls and annunciations. The mode reference is displayed next to the active mode
annunciation on the GMC 605H for Altitude Hold, Vertical Speed, and Indicated
Airspeed modes. The NOSE UP/DN wheel can be used to change the vertical mode
reference while operating in Vertical Speed, Indicated Airspeed, or Altitude Hold modes
and the cyclic trim switch can be used to change the vertical mode reference when
coupled. Increments of change and limits for each of these references are also listed
in the table.
Reference
Vertical Ref
Description Control Annunciation Change
Mode Range
Increment
Selected
Captures the
Altitude * ALTS
Selected Altitude
Capture
Maintains the current
Varies by
rotorcraft vertical
Vertical rotorcraft
speed; may be used VS nnnn fpm 100 fpm
Speed type, see
to climb/descend to
the Selected Altitude
AFMS
Maintains the current
Varies by
Indicated rotorcraft airspeed;
rotorcraft
Airspeed may be used to IAS nnn kt 1 kt
type, see
(IAS) climb/descend to the
Selected Altitude
AFMS

HFCS
Reference
Vertical Ref
Description Control Annunciation Change
Mode Range
Increment
Captures and
tracks the SBAS
Glidepath GP
GPS glidepath
on approach
Captures and tracks
Glideslope the ILS glideslope GS
on approach
* When the GFC 600H is receiving a Selected Altitude value from a Garmin PFD, ALTS is armed
automatically when VS or IAS modes are active.
Helicopter Flight Control System Vertical Mode Summary
ALTITUDE HOLD MODE (ALT)

Altitude Hold mode can be activated by pressing the ALT key; the HFCS synchronizes
the current rotorcraft altitude (to the nearest 10 feet) as the Altitude Reference.
With Garmin PFD:
Altitude Hold mode is automatically armed when in Selected Altitude Capture mode.
Selected Altitude Capture mode automatically transitions to Altitude Hold mode when
within 50 feet of the Selected Altitude. In this case, the Selected Altitude becomes the
Altitude Reference. If the barometric correction is changed on the PFD the HFCS will
slowly climb or descend to recover the reference altitude.
When operating in Altitude Hold mode, the displayed altitude reference can
be adjusted by using the cyclic beep trim switch or the NOSE UP/DN wheel. The
reference altitude can only be moved a maximum of 250 ft from the current rotorcraft
altitude; each click changes the reference altitude by 10 ft.
Without Garmin PFD:
When there is no Garmin PFD installed, the Altitude Reference is pressure altitude
and not displayed on the GMC 605H. The Helicopter Flight Control System will not
automatically compensate for altitude changes introduced when the altimeter setting
is updated. The cyclic beep trim switch or NOSE UP/DN wheel may be used to adjust
the Altitude Reference in increments of 10 ft per click up to +/-150 ft from the current
altitude.
HFCS
When the altitude reference is changed the GMC will display the total adjustment
the pilot has selected. For example, clicking the wheel four times in the NOSE UP
direction will result in a display of ALT +40 FT. Three seconds after the last click, the
adjustment value will disappear and only ALT will be displayed. The Helicopter Flight
Control System will begin tracking the new reference (in the example it would climb 40
feet). If the wheel is moved again before the rotorcraft has reached the new reference
altitude, the Altitude Reference will synch to the current rotorcraft altitude and display
a new adjustment from that altitude.
GMC 605H ANNUNCIATIONS

The GMC 605H annunciates ‘ALT’ for Altitude Hold mode. If a Garmin PFD is
installed, the GMC also shows the reference altitude in the mode reference section.
GMC 605H Annunciating Altitude Hold Mode
SELECTED ALTITUDE CAPTURE MODE (ALTS)
NOTE: Selected Altitude Capture Mode is available in rotorcraft with a

Garmin PFD.
Selected Altitude Capture mode is a transitional mode used in conjunction with
other vertical modes. It is not directly selectable by the GMC 605H panel or other
equipment. Instead, Selected Altitude Capture (when supported by a GDU interface) is
automatically armed if a valid altitude is present in the altitude preselector on the PFD
upon activation of the following modes:
• Vertical Speed • Indicated Airspeed
The Altitude Preselect function on a Garmin PFD allows the pilot to adjust the
altitude bug to a target Selected Altitude for the HFCS to capture and subsequently
track in Altitude Hold mode.

HFCS
The GMC 605H will annunciate ‘ALTS’ as the armed vertical mode while the active
vertical mode is VS or IAS.
GMC 605H Altitude Select Indications (ALTS Armed)

Coupled Vertical
Lateral Modes Servo Status Status Modes
Active Active
Armed
Selected
Altitude
HFCS Status Annunciations on Garmin PFD (Altitude Select - ALTS Armed)

HFCS
As the rotorcraft nears the Selected Altitude, the HFCS automatically transitions
to Selected Altitude Capture mode with Altitude Hold mode armed. This automatic
transition is indicated by the ‘ALTS’ annunciation flashing for up to 10 seconds and the
appearance of the ‘ALT’ annunciation. The Selected Altitude is shown as the Altitude
Reference.
Upon capturing the Selected Altitude, the HFCS automatically transitions from
Selected Altitude Capture to Altitude Hold mode and holds the reference altitude. As
Altitude Hold mode becomes active, the ‘ALT’ annunciation moves to the active vertical
mode field and flashes for 10 seconds to indicate the automatic transition.
GMC 605H Annunciating Selected Altitude Capture Mode

Changing the Selected Altitude on the PFD while Selected Altitude Capture mode
is active causes the HFCS to revert to ATT in the pitch axis. The system automatically
rearms ALTS.
If the Altitude Select bug is set to ‘---’ on the GDU, any engagement of IAS or VS
will not result in ALTS being armed until the Altitude Select bug is set to a valid value.
Likewise, capturing the selected altitude and reselecting IAS or VS when the Altitude
Select bug is within +/- 200 feet of the current operating altitude will not rearm ALTS.
Once the aircraft deviates or the bug is moved beyond that limit, ALTS will rearm.
VERTICAL SPEED MODE (VS)

Vertical Speed mode is activated by pressing the VS key. Upon activation the
VS reference synchronizes to the current rotorcraft verical speed and subsequently
maintains that vertical speed. The Vertical Speed Reference may be changed by using
the cyclic beep trim switch, PFD VS bug, or the NOSE UP/DN wheel. If the Selected
Altitude Capture mode is available in this rotorcraft, this mode may be used for climb or
descent to the Selected Altitude since Selected Altitude Capture mode is automatically
armed when Vertical Speed mode is selected.

HFCS

The GMC 605H annunciates ‘VS’ for Vertical Speed mode. Additionally, the GMC
605H annunciates the Vertical Speed Reference in the mode reference section.
GMC 605H Annunciating Vertical Speed Mode
PFD ANNUNCIATIONS
The system will function as follows:
• With the Flight Director (FD) and Helicopter Flight Control System (HFCS) off, a
Vertical Speed bug is displayed on the PFD and can be adjusted using the controls
on the GDU.
• When the FCS is engaged in any mode other than Vertical Speed the vertical
speed bug is removed from the PFD.
• When the Flight Director (FD) is ON (regardless of Helicopter Flight Control System
engagement status) and Vertical Speed mode is selected on the GMC, the Vertical
Speed Reference syncs to the current rotorcraft vertical speed upon engagement
and the vertical speed bug is displayed on the PFD.
• Subsequent changes to the Vertical Speed reference can be made with either the
cyclic beep trim switch, GMC wheel, or the PFD controls and the value will remain
in sync between the GMC and PFD. Additionally, if coupled, the pitch beep trim
inputs will adjust the active reference.
INDICATED AIRSPEED MODE (IAS)

Indicated Airspeed mode is activated by pressing the IAS key. Upon activation
the IAS reference synchronizes to the current rotorcraft airspeed and subsequently
maintains that airspeed. The IAS reference can be changed using the beep trim switch,
NOSE UP/DN wheel, or airspeed bug on the PFD (TXi only).

HFCS

The GMC 605H annunciates ‘IAS’ for Indicated Airspeed mode. Additionally, the
GMC 605H displays the Airspeed Reference value in the mode reference section.
GMC 605H Annunciating Indicated Airspeed Mode
PFD ANNUNCIATIONS
The system will function as follows:
• With the Flight Director (FD) and Helicopter Flight Control System (HFCS) off, the
IAS bug on the PFD can be adjusted using the controls on the GDU.
• When the Flight Director (FD) is ON (regardless of Helicopter Flight Control System
engagement status) and IAS mode is selected on the GMC, the Indicated Airspeed
Reference reference on the GMC and the IAS bug on the PFD will sync to the cur-
rent rotorcraft airspeed upon engagement.
• Subsequent changes to the IAS reference can be made with either the cyclic trim
switch, GMC wheel, or the PFD controls and the value will remain in sync between
the GMC and PFD.
GLIDEPATH MODE (GP)
NOTE: Glidepath Mode is available in rotorcraft with an SBAS GPS-enabled

navigator. The GMC 605H may annunciate GP as an armed vertical mode
when the APR Key is selected even when the approach does not provide
vertical guidance on the approach. In that case GP will never become the
active vertical mode.
Glidepath mode is used to track a glidepath generated by a GPS navigator with
WAAS or other Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) capability.

HFCS
Selecting Glidepath Mode:

1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure a GPS approach with vertical guidance
(LPV, LNAV/VNAV, LNAV+V, LP+V) is loaded into the active flight plan.
2) Ensure that GPS is the selected navigation source on the HSI.
3) GMC 605H: Press the APR key. The HFCS maintains the current mode but
arms Glidepath mode. If the current vertical mode is ATT then IAS mode
will become the active mode with GP armed.
4) Upon reaching the glidepath, the HFCS vertical mode transitions to
Glidepath Mode and begins to capture and track the glidepath.
Once the following conditions have been met, the glidepath can be captured:
• GPS must be the active lateral mode.
• Vertical deviation is valid.
• The CDI is at less than full-scale deviation.
• Automatic sequencing of waypoints has not been suspended (no ‘SUSP’
annunciation on the HSI).
• Must be captured from below the glidepath.
NOTE: Some RNAV (GPS) approaches provide a vertical descent angle

as an aid in flying a stabilized approach. These approaches are NOT
considered Approaches with Vertical Guidance (APV). Approaches that are
annunciated on the HSI as LNAV or LNAV+V are considered Nonprecision
Approaches (NPA) and are flown to an MDA even though vertical glidepath
(GP) information may be provided and the HFCS will capture and track the
vertical guidance.

HFCS
WARNING: When flying an LNAV approach (with vertical descent angle)

with the Helicopter Flight Control System coupled, the rotorcraft will not
level off at the MDA even if the MDA is set in the altitude preselect.

The GMC 605H annunciates ‘GP’ for Glidepath mode. Since Glidepath mode relies
on GPS positioning, the ‘GPS’ lateral mode is also annunciated.
GMC 605H Annunciating Glidepath Mode
GLIDESLOPE MODE (GS)
NOTE: Glideslope Mode is available in rotorcraft with a VHF Nav radio that
includes a glideslope receiver.
Glideslope mode is available for ILS approaches to capture and track the glideslope.
When Glideslope mode is armed, LOC Approach mode is armed as the lateral HFCS
mode.
Selecting Glideslope Mode:
1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Tune and activate the desired localizer frequency.
2) Ensure that LOC is the selected navigation source on the HSI and the
course selector has been properly set to the inbound course.
3) GMC 605H: Press the APR key. This simultaneously arms LOC and GS
(Glideslope) modes. If the current vertical mode is ATT then IAS will
become the active mode with GS armed.

HFCS
Once the localizer has been captured (LOC is annunciated as the active lateral
mode), the glideslope can also be captured.
Once the following conditions have been met, the glideslope can be captured:
• GPS must be the active lateral mode.
• Vertical deviation is valid.
• The CDI is at less than full-scale deviation.
• Automatic sequencing of waypoints has not been suspended (no ‘SUSP’
annunciation on the HSI).
• Must be captured from below the glideslope.

The GMC 605H annunciates ‘GS’ for Glideslope mode. Since Glideslope mode relies
on LOC lateral guidance, the ‘LOC’ lateral mode is also annunciated.
GMC 605H Annunciating Glideslope Mode

HFCS
2.4 LATERAL MODES
LATERAL MODE CONTROLS AND ANNUNCIATIONS

The table below lists the lateral modes with their corresponding controls and
annunciations. Refer to the Vertical modes section for a detailed description of Level
mode.
Lateral Mode Description Control Annun.
Captures and tracks the Selected
Heading Select HDG
Heading
Navigation, GPS GPS
Navigation, VOR Enroute
VOR
Capture/Track
Captures and tracks the selected
Navigation, LOC navigation source (GPS, VOR, LOC)
LOC
Capture/Track
BC
(No Glideslope)
Approach, GPS Capture/

Track (Glidepath mode GPS
automatically armed)
Captures and tracks the selected
Approach, VOR Capture/
approach navigation source (GPS, VOR, VAPP
Track
LOC)
Approach, LOC Capture/
Track
LOC
(Glideslope mode
automatically armed)
Helicopter Flight Control System Lateral Mode Summary

HFCS
Lateral modes utilize bank angles consistent with standard rate turns up to a
maximum of 22 degrees angle of bank. Some installations may automatically limit
bank angles to lower bank angles at higher altitudes. Refer to the RFMS for more
information. GPS navigation may use bank angles up to 30 degrees in some cases.
HEADING SELECT MODE (HDG)
NOTE: Heading Select Mode is available in rotorcraft with a Garmin PFD or

HSI with heading bug.
When the Flight Director is activated Heading Select mode is selected by default.
Heading Select mode can also be activated by pressing the HDG key. Heading Select
mode acquires and maintains the Selected Heading. Turn the HDG Knob on the HSI to
set the Selected Heading.
When using a Garmin PFD, turns are commanded in the same direction as Selected
Heading Bug movement, even if the Bug is turned more than 180˚ from the present
heading (e.g., a 270˚ turn to the right). However, Selected Heading changes of more
than 330˚ at a time result in turn reversals.

The GMC 605H displays the HDG annunciation when Heading Select mode is active.
GMC 605H Annunciating Heading Mode

HFCS
NAVIGATION MODES (GPS, VOR, LOC, BC)
NOTE: Availability of Navigation Modes depends on the installed navigation

equipment capabilities and interfaces.
NOTE: The selected navigation receiver must have a valid VOR or LOC
signal or active GPS course for the Flight Director to enter Navigation Mode.
Pressing the NAV key selects Navigation mode. Navigation mode acquires and
tracks the navigation source (GPS, VOR, LOC) as provided by a GPS navigator or VHF
Nav radio and currently selected for use on the HSI interfaced to the GFC 600H.
When GPS is the selected navigation source the Flight Director will follow GPS Roll
Steering commands.
When the navigation source is VOR or LOC, the Flight Director creates roll steering
commands based on the Selected Course and deviation. Navigation mode can also
be used to fly non-precision GPS and LOC approaches where vertical guidance is not
required.
If the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) shows greater than half scale when the NAV
key is pressed, HDG will immediately become the active lateral mode and the selected
NAV mode is armed.
NOTE: If the CDI shows greater than 1/2 scale deflection ensure the
heading bug is either set to the present heading or the intended heading
to prevent unwanted deviations in the flight path upon HDG becoming the
active mode.
GMC 605H Annunciating GPS Navigation Mode Armed

HFCS
If the CDI is less than half scale, Navigation mode will immediately become the
active mode.
Some navigators that combine both GPS and VHF Nav functions are capable of
automatically switching the CDI source from GPS to VOR/LOC when programmed to
transition from a GPS flight plan to a Localizer approach. The HFCS does not support
automatic transition from a Navigation mode to an Approach mode and the lateral axis
will revert to ATT mode if it senses that the navigation source has changed.
CAUTION: Navigators or PFDs with automatic CDI source switching

capability should be configured with automatic switching disabled.
If Navigation mode is active and any of the following occur, the HFCS lateral axis
reverts to ATT Hold mode:
• Different VHF Nav frequency tuned while in VOR or LOC Navigation mode (note
that in some installations Navigation mode may remain engaged if there is still
valid deviation after the frequency changes from VOR to VOR, or from LOC to LOC)
• Navigation source switched (e.g. GPS to VOR/LOC, or VOR to LOC)
• Loss of navigation signal
If NAV is the active mode and the course is changed the FCS will establish an
appropriate track up to 45 degrees to capture the new course.
If VOR or VAPP is the active mode and the course is changed while in the cone of
confusion over the station the FCS will turn to a heading appropriate to capture the
new course and recapture the guidance upon exiting the cone of confusion.

The GMC 605H annunciates the appropriate lateral mode as GPS, VOR, LOC, or BC
depending on the selected navigation source when the NAV key was pressed.

HFCS
GMC 605H Annunciating Various NAV Modes
BACKCOURSE (BC) APPROACH MODE

Backcourse Approach mode allows the Helicopter Flight Control System to capture
and track a localizer signal in the backcourse direction.
Selecting LOC Approach Mode:
1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure a valid localizer backcourse frequency is
tuned.
2) NAVIGATION INDICATOR: Ensure that BC is the selected navigation source,
the appropriate course is set, and a valid CDI is displayed on the HSI.
3) HEADING: Ensure heading is within 80 degrees of the inbound course for
the BC approach.
4) GMC 605H: Press the NAV key.
APPROACH MODES (GPS, VAPP, LOC)
NOTE: Availability of Approach Modes depends on the installed navigation

equipment capabilities and interfaces.
NOTE: The selected navigation receiver must have a valid VOR or LOC
signal or active GPS course for the Flight Director to enter Approach Mode.

HFCS
Approach mode is selected by pressing the APR key. Approach mode acquires and
tracks the navigation source (GPS, VOR, or LOC), selected and currently selected for use
on the HSI interfaced to the GFC 600H. This mode uses roll steering for GPS approach
guidance or the selected navigation receiver deviation and selected course inputs to
fly the approach. Pressing the APR key when the CDI deflection is greater than half
scale HDG will immediately become the active lateral mode and the selected approach
mode will be armed.
GMC 605H Annunciating GPS Approach Mode Armed
If the CDI deflection is less than half scale, the approach mode immediately becomes
the active mode when the APR key is pressed.
Some navigators that combine both GPS and VHF Nav functions are capable of
automatically switching the CDI source from GPS to VOR/LOC when programmed to
transition from a GPS flight plan to an ILS approach.
CAUTION: Navigators or PFDs with automatic CDI source switching

capability should be configured with automatic switching disabled.
GPS APPROACH MODE

When GPS Approach mode is armed, Glidepath mode is also armed.
Selecting GPS Approach Mode:
1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure a GPS approach is loaded into the active
flight plan. The active waypoint must be part of the flight plan (cannot be a
direct-to a waypoint not in the flight plan).
2) NAVIGATION INDICATOR: Ensure that the GPS navigation source is
selected and a valid CDI is displayed on the HSI. If the CDI is more than 1/2
scale ensure the heading bug is set as desired.

HFCS
3) GMC 605H: Press the APR key.
VOR (VAPP) APPROACH MODE

VOR Approach mode (VAPP) provides greater sensitivity for signal tracking than VOR
Navigation mode.
Selecting VOR Approach Mode:
1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure a valid VOR frequency is tuned
2) NAVIGATION INDICATOR: Ensure that VOR is the selected navigation
source, the appropriate course is set, and a valid CDI is displayed on the
HSI. If CDI indication is more than 1/2 scale ensure the heading bug is set
as desired.
LOCALIZER (LOC) APPROACH MODE

LOC Approach mode allows the Helicopter Flight Control System to fly an ILS
approach with a glideslope. When LOC Approach mode is armed, Glideslope mode
is also armed automatically. LOC captures are inhibited if the difference between
rotorcraft heading and localizer course exceeds 105°.
Selecting LOC Approach Mode:
1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure a valid localizer frequency is tuned.
2) NAVIGATION INDICATOR: Ensure that LOC is the selected navigation
source, the appropriate course is set, and a valid CDI is displayed on the
HSI.
If Approach mode is active and any of the following occur, the HFCS reverts the
lateral axis to ATT:
• Different VHF Nav frequency tuned while in VOR or LOC Approach mode (note
that in some installations Approach mode may remain engaged if there is still
valid deviation after the frequency changes from VOR to VOR, or from LOC to LOC)
• Navigation source switched (e.g. GPS to VOR/LOC, or VOR to LOC)
• Loss of navigation signal

HFCS

The GMC 605H will annunciate VOR Approach mode as VAPP, LOC Approach mode
as LOC and GS, and GPS Approach mode as GPS and GP. The annunciation displayed
is based on the selected navigation source when the APR key is pressed.
GMC 605H Annunciating Various Approach Modes
FLYING AN ARC WITH A GPS NAVIGATOR

The HFCS will intercept and track an arc that is part of the active flight plan provided
that GPS Navigation mode is engaged, GPS is the active navigation source on the CDI,
and the arc segment is the active flight plan leg. It is important to note that automatic
navigation of arcs, including DME arcs is based on GPS. If the final approach segment
will be flown as a VOR or Localizer approach the pilot must manually change the
navigation source from GPS to VOR/LOC when the arc segment is completed. The
HFCS will revert the lateral axis ATT mode and the pilot must press the APR key to
capture and track the VOR or Localizer approach.
If the pilot decides to intercept the arc at a location other than the published IAF (i.e.
ATC provides vectors to intercept the arc) and subsequently selects Heading mode or
Roll mode, the HFCS will not automatically intercept or track the arc unless the pilot
activates the arc leg of the flight plan and arms GPS Navigation mode. If at any point
while established on the arc the pilot deselects GPS Navigation mode, the HFCS will
no longer track the arc.

HFCS
VISUAL APPROACHES
When paired with a Garmin GTN navigator, the GFC 600H system can reduce pilot
workload by allowing visual approaches to be flown coupled to the flight control
system.
Selecting a Visual Approach:
1) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Select the destination airport on the moving map
and activate a direct-to.
2) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Ensure that GPS is the selected navigation source.
3) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Once the direct-to is active and the GTN is
providing navigation guidance, touch the Visual Approach button.
4) EXTERNAL NAVIGATOR: Select and activate the visual approach.
2.5 HELECOPTER ELECTRONIC STABILITY &

PROTECTION (H-ESP™)
WARNING: Do not assume H-ESP will provide protection in all circumstances.

There are in-flight situations that can exceed the capabilities of H-ESP
technology.
Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP) feature is a collection of
functions which monitor rotorcraft operating parameters and provide control inputs
and pilot feedback when necessary to prevent or discourage operating the rotorcraft
in a potentially unsafe manner.
H-ESP consists of the following functions:
• Limit Cueing
• Overspeed Protection
• Low Speed Protection

HFCS
Limit Cueing provides resistance to pilot inputs which would result in exceeding
attitudes, accelerations, or speeds associated with safe flight.
Overspeed Protection prevents the FCS from exceeding airspeed limits when the
pilot is not manipulating the controls.
Low Speed Protection prevents inadvertent entry into the low speed flight regime
while in ALT, VS, GS, or GP modes thus reducing the possible risk of loss of control.
LIMIT CUEING
Limit Cueing engages automatically when the rotorcraft approaches or exceeds one
or more predetermined airspeed or attitude limitations. The system provides increasing
resistance to control inputs that would exceed the configured limits. This is perceived
by the pilot as resistance to control movement in the undesired direction.
As the rotorcraft deviates further from the normal attitude and/or airspeed, the
force increases proportionally (up to an established maximum) to encourage control
movement in the direction necessary to return to the normal attitude and/or airspeed
range.
If the FCS is engaged and the pilot is flying out of detent the limit cue forces will be
felt as an additional force beyond that required to hold the cyclic out of detent. Upon
retreating from limit cue thresholds control forces will return to normal out of detent
levels.
If the FCS is disengaged then the servo in the axis exceeding limits will engage
and resistance will be felt. Upon retreating from limit cue thresholds the servo
will disengage and control forces will return to normal levels associated with servo
disengaged operation.
When limit cueing is active the pilot can press the FCS DISC switch to remove limit
cue forces.

HFCS
If the pilot desires to prevent Limit Cueing from engaging the FCS DISC switch can
be pressed and help for 9 seconds to disable the function. When disabled a “LMTQ
OFF” message will be displayed on the GMC.
Pressing and holding the FCS DISC switch for 9 seconds or power cycling the FCS
will re-enable Limit Cueing functions.
Attitude, rate, and airspeed limits are established for each model of rotorcraft. Refer
to the RFMS for limits specific to the rotorcraft.
The servo torque limit is configured such that when Limit Cueing is active the pilot
can always overpower the servo to control the rotorcraft.
Minimum
Configured
H-ESP Torque
Limit
Configured
Bank Limit
Maximum
Configured
H-ESP Torque
Limit
H-ESP Roll Operating Range When Engaged (LIMITS VARY BY INSTALLATION)

(Force Increases as Roll Increases & Decreases as Roll Decreases)
Limit Cue is automatically disengaged if the rotorcraft reaches the Helicopter Flight
Control System roll engagement attitude limit.

HFCS
H-ESP Pitch Operating Range When Engaged

(Force Increases as Pitch Increases & Decreases as Pitch Decreases)
NOTE: The Pitch H-ESP operating range may vary for each airframe type.
The specific values depicted in the figure above are only to illustrate the
Pitch H-ESP function. Reference the RFMS for the Pitch H-ESP limits for a
specific rotorcraft.
OVERSPEED PROTECTION
NOTE: Overspeed Protection is not active in Indicated Airspeed Hold (IAS)
mode.
NOTE: While Overspeed Protection is active, the rotorcraft will deviate from
the selected reference.

HFCS
While Vertical Speed, Altitude Hold, Glideslope (GS), Glidepath (GP), or Selected
Altitude Capture mode is active, airspeed is monitored by the Flight Director.
Overspeed protection is provided in situations where the Flight Director cannot acquire
and maintain the mode reference for the selected vertical mode without exceeding the
maximum Helicopter Flight Control System airspeed. The maximum HFCS airspeed
is typically 5 knots below the current computed Vne as determined by altitude and
temperature.
CAUTION: The GFC 600H system computes the current Vne based on
altitude and/or temperature. The GFC 600H does not adjust Vne based on
aircraft weight, configuration, or operation. It is the pilot’s responsibility to
know the current applicable Vne for the rotorcraft and operate within the
Vne limit regardless of FCS mode of operation.
When the six second airspeed trend exceeds the maximum HFCS airspeed, the Flight
Director will deviate from the active vertical reference and produce a pitch up command
to prevent the rotorcraft from exceeding the current maximum HFCS airspeed, a visual
MAX SPEED annunciator will be displayed, a single aural MAX SPEED will be played,
and the previously active mode will become the armed mode.
Resolving an overspeed condition:
• Reduce the collective.
• Reduce the vertical mode reference using the cyclic trim switch or GMC 605
NOSE UP/DN wheel.
• Change the engaged mode to ATT or IAS.
GMC 605H Overspeed Indication

HFCS
HFCS Overspeed Indication on Garmin PFD

When the overspeed condition is resolved the MAXSPEED message is removed and
the armed vertical mode becomes active again.
LOW SPEED PROTECTION

NOTE: While Low Speed Protection is active, the rotorcraft will deviate from
the selected reference.
CAUTION: While Low Speed Protection is active the rotorcraft will deviate
from the selected reference resulting in a possible loss of altitude and/or
terrain separation.
Low Speed Protection is designed to prevent inadvertent deceleration into low speed
flight, which could result in high descent rates or inadvertent loss of control, and is
available when coupled in ALT, ALTS, VS, GP, or GS.

HFCS
When the FCS is coupled in ALT, VS, GP, or GS modes and the rotorcraft is decelerating
to within six seconds of reaching a predetermined minimum airspeed (specified in the
AFMS):
• The LOW SPEED aural will sound every 15 seconds.
• A visual low speed annunciation is displayed.
• The active mode will change to IAS with a reference set to the minimum
engagement speed for Flight Director modes.
• The previously active mode will become the armed mode.
A LOW SPEED mode condition is resolved when the pitch attitude required to
maintain the previously active mode (ALT, VS, GS, or GP) is less than the pitch attitude
required to hold the IAS reference commanded by LOW SPEED mode.
Resolving a low speed condition:
• Increase the collective sufficiently to allow the previously active mode to be
satisfied at a speed greater than the LOW SPEED commanded IAS value.
• Use the cyclic trim switch or GMC 605 NOSE UP/DN wheel to reduce the
armed mode reference (decrease VS or ALT).
• Change the FCS vertical mode to IAS or ATT.
• Disengage the HFCS.
GMC 605H Underspeed Protection

HFCS
Blank Page

Annunciations & Alerts
SECTION 3 ANNUNCIATIONS & ALERTS
3.1 VISUAL ANNUNCIATIONS AND ALERTS

The GFC 600H provides visual annunciations and alerts to notify the pilot of system
status, failures, degraded operation, and conditions requiring specific pilot action. The
table below summarizes the messages that may appear on the GMC 605H’s display
along with any associated LED illumination, and a brief description. Refer to other parts
of this Pilot’s Guide for more information about the functions and modes associated
with the annunciations and alerts.
NOTE: A Garmin PFD (when installed with GFC 600H) will provide similar
annunciations and alerts to those listed below. Refer to the associated GDU
Pilot’s Guide for a description of the PFD indications related to HFCS.
3-COLOR LED
Next to each system engagement key is a 3-color (red, yellow, and green) LED which
supports solid and flashing states.
The following image depicts a change in state from coupled to decoupled. The CPL
status light flashes yellow for a normal disconnect. The modes flash between normal
text and inverse video to depict a change in state. An aural “Decoupled” is played.
GMC 605H Annunciating Decoupling

CAS MESSAGES
GMC 605H GMC 605H Description

Message LED
YAW FAIL Yaw axis servo has failed
FCS FAIL • FCS has failed

Air Data inputs to the GMC 605H have failed.
Functions dependent on air data (IAS, VS, and ALT
ADC FAIL modes; and Overspeed & Underspeed Protection) will
not function and HFCS performance may be degraded.
Yaw axis will not function.
Collective position sensor has failed. Yaw axis
performance during collective changes will be
COLL FAIL
degraded. ALT, VS, IAS, GS, and GP performance during
collective changes will be degraded.
MAXSPEED Overspeed protection or Vne limit cueing are active
LOWSPEED Lowspeed protection is active
FTR Force Trim Release is being pressed
The Limit Cue function has failed. The pilot should
not expect tactile feedback for pitch/roll, normal
LMTQ FAIL
acceleration and VNE exceedances. Overspeed and
Lowspeed protection remains operational.
Limit Cue is off. The pilot should not expect tactile
feedback for pitch/roll, normal acceleration and VNE
LMTQ OFF
exceedances. Overspeed and Lowspeed protection
remains operational.
PFT Preflight test is in progress
PFT FAIL • Preflight test has failed
MANIFEST Incorrect Manifest versions. Maintenance is required.

GMC 605H GMC 605H Description

Message LED
Cyclic has been Out of Detent (OOD) on pitch axis for
P DETENT
> 30 seconds
Cyclic has been Out of Detent (OOD) on roll axis for >
R DETENT
30 seconds
The GMC 605H key selected by the user is disabled
DSBLD KEY because the associated function is not supported in a
particular installation
The FCS key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
FCS KEY
state
The CPL key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
CPL KEY
state
The FD key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
FD KEY
state
The HDG key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
HDG KEY
state
The NAV key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
NAV KEY
state
The APR key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
APR KEY
state
The IAS key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
IAS KEY
state
The VS key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
VS KEY
state
The ALT key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
ALT KEY
state
The LVL key on the GMC 605H is stuck in the active
LVL KEY
state
CAS Messages

PFD VISUAL ANNUNCIATIONS AND ALERTS

Alerts and Messages
Condition Annunciation
HFCS Failure FCS
PFT Failure FCS
FTR pressed (more than 1 second) FTR
Overspeed Protection active or Vne Limit Cue active MAXSPD
Low indicated airspeed condition LOWSPD
PFD Visual Alerts and Messages
Servo Status
Servo engaged and in detent RYP
Servo engaged and out of detent. If in Standby (FCS OFF), this
indicates an active limit cue.
R Y P
Servo engaged and out of detent (more than 10 seconds) R Y P
Flashing inverse video
Keeps flashing until returned to detent R Y P
Transition from servos engaged to servos disengaged R P

Flashing inverse video for 5 seconds R P
PFD Servo Status

Coupled Status
Servos coupled to Flight Director CPLD
No Flight Director mode coupled ATT
Transition from CPL to DCPL (Alternating) CPLD CPLD
Yaw Axis Failure
(Yaw is the only single axis failure that does not result in HFCS YAW
failure)
PFD Coupled Status
3.2 AURAL ALERTS

The GFC 600H outputs aural annunciations and alerts to provide enhanced
awareness to the pilot of several key HFCS conditions.
VOICE ALERTS
Voice alerts are played through the rotorcraft audio panel and are heard through the
headset and/or cockpit speaker depending on installation and audio panel selections.
The alerts cannot be muted. The voice alerts include:
Annunciation Description
Announces a low indicated airspeed condition and is played
“Low Speed” in conjuction with the Underspeed Protection function.
Repeats every 15 seconds while LOW SPEED mode is active.
Announces when the Flight Control System state is changed
“Decoupled”
from coupled to decoupled.
“Leveling” Announces when Level Mode is engaged.
Overspeed Protection active or VNE Limit Cue active. Plays
“Max Speed”
once.
Aural Annunciations

FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM DISCONNECT ALERT

Flight Control System disengagement is accompanied by an aural ‘bee-boop’ alert
tone which is played through the audio panel.
Manual Flight Control System disengagement plays the alert two times. After it is
played once the pilot may elect to press the FCS DISC button again to silence the alert.
Abnormal (automatic) disengagement results in the alert being played continuously
until silenced by the FCS DISC or FTR button.
The alert is also played at the end of Preflight Test to notify the pilot that PFT is
complete.

Abnormal Operation
SECTION 4 ABNORMAL OPERATION
4.1 SUSPECTED FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION
Refer to the RFMS for abnormal operations.

55
Blank Page

Terms & Conventions
SECTION 5 TERMS & CONVENTIONS
5.1 EQUIPMENT TERMINOLOGY

Term Description
Digital Helicopter Flight Control Mode Controller and Flight
GMC 605H Director Computer. This piece of equipment also houses 1 of 2
attitude solutions used in the flight control system.
Garmin Force-Trim Servo. This is a “smart” servo that is installed
in parallel with the helicopter primary flight controls. Parallel
GFS 83
means that the servo is attached to the existing controls such than
when these servos move, the pedals and cyclic move with them.
Air Data and Attitude Heading Reference System. The GSU 75H
GSU 75H ADAHRS ADAHRS is the primary attitude source for the GFC 600H system
and to provide air data for Flight Director Modes.
Flight Control System or Helicopter-Flight Control System. This
FCS or H-FCS
terminology is used rather than autopilot.
Equipment Terminology
5.2 SYSTEM OPERATION TERMINOLOGY

Term Description
A state of the flight control system that allows the pilot to select
a mode of control, however, the necessary criteria to initiate
Armed
the mode of control have not been satisfied. An armed mode
provides an automatic transition to a future active mode.
A term used to describe a flight director mode which is currently
Active being providing a displayed cue or FCS control input to achieve a
control objective.
A state of the flight control system where the pitch and roll servos
use calculated flight director commands to drive servo deflections.
CPLD (Coupled)
The coupled flight director mode achieves a reference flight
trajectory without pilot input.
Engaged A state used to define whether a servo is on and active.

57
Terms & Conventions
Term Description
Groundspeed Hold Mode is a sub-mode of Attitude Hold Mode in
GSPD
which the control of attitude is augmented to achieve a control
(Groundspeed Hold
objective of constant lateral and longitudinal ground speed.
Mode)
Entry into and out of Ground Speed Hold Mode is automatic.
A servo function which maintains aircraft pitch and/or roll
attitude. This function moves the rotorcraft flight controls to
ATT (Attitude Hold) maintain the attitude. When the pilot moves the controls, the
servo provides a spring feel which helps the pilot move the
controls to achieve the reference attitude.
A hands on controls function which provides an increased force
• LMTQ (Limit
gradient or control force cue to deter additional pilot control
Cueing)
inputs which would exceed configured rotorcraft limits.
An attitude hold sub-mode used to return the aircraft to a level
• LVL (Level)
pitch and roll attitude.
The control position at which the pitch and roll control objectives
have been achieved. Moving the controls away from this position
Detent
will provide resistance to the pilot. Upon release of the controls
they will return to the detent position.
A function that provides pitch and roll commands to the pilot or
servos, based on the pilot-selected mode(s) on the GMC (HDG,
FD (Flight Director)
NAV, IAS, ALT, etc.). Modes are classified as either “Active” or
“Armed”.
A state of the flight control system where the servos are not
engaged and the optional flight director is OFF. H-ESP (Limit Cue
STBY (Standby)
protection) is still active when the system is in standby to protect
the pilot from exceeding the operating limits of the helicopter.
System Operation Terminology

Terms & Conventions
5.3 HELICOPTER AND SYSTEM CONTROLS

Control Description
A rotorcraft primary control which controls the pitch of the tail
rotor blades or alternative anti-torque system. This control is used
Anti-Torque Pedals
to control rotorcraft movement about the yaw axis. The yaw servo
drives the pedals of the helicopter.
A rotorcraft primary control which alters the pitch angle of the
Cyclic main rotor blades cyclically. This control input is used to control
the rotorcraft’s pitch and roll attitude.
The collective is used to make changes to the pitch angle of all
Collective the main rotor blades simultaneously, or collectively, as the name
implies.
This input increments or decrements the control reference in pitch
Beep Trim (or Trim or roll. When the system is in ATT, beep trim adjusts the attitude
Reference) hold reference. When the system is coupled to the Flight Director,
the beep trim adjusts the active mode references.
Slewing a beep trim reference or flight director reference is a
Slew means to press and hold the Cyclic TRIM Switch to make larger
changes in the control reference.
FCS DISC (FCS A switch input that allows the pilot to disengage the servos. A
Disconnect) momentary press also returns the system to ATT Hold Mode.
A four way switch input which provides pilot control of the active
TRIM
FCS pitch and roll references.
A switch input which resets the FCS Reference. This switch is
used in ATT to set the attitude reference. In coupled flight, this
switch will also sync the active flight director reference to the
FTR (Force Trim current aircraft condition (i.e., if the system is telling the aircraft to
Release) fly a vertical speed descent of 100 feet per minute and the pilot
manually increases the descent rate, pressing the FTR will reset the
vertical descent to the new condition. While pressed the forces
required to move the controls out of detent are reduced.
Helicopter and System Controls

59
Terms & Conventions
5.4 FLIGHT DIRECTOR MODES

Mode Description
Allows the aircraft to capture the altitude selected on an interfaced
ALTS (Selected
Garmin PFD. When activating the Airspeed Mode or Vertical
Altitude Capture
Speed Hold Mode, the system will fly to the selected altitude, and
Mode)
maintain that altitude by transitioning to Altitude Hold Mode.
ALT (Altitude
Capture Hold Maintains the target altitude.
Mode)
Arms the appropriate lateral and vertical navigation guidance for
APR (Approach the approach phase of flight. Navigation receiver sources include
Mode) VOR, LOC/GS, or GPS/SBAS guidance. The GMC APR Key is used
to Arm/Activate this mode.
GP (Glide Path
Tracks a GPS approach profile.
Mode)
GS (Glide Slope
Tracks a ILS navigation glide slope receiver signal.
Mode)
Maintains a selected heading. The selected heading may be
HDG (Heading
provided by a primary flight display or a horizontal situational
Mode)
indicator.
IAS (Indicated
Maintains the indicated airspeed.
Airspeed Mode)
LSP (Low Speed
Provides protection against pitch flight director modes from
Protection or
exceeding the minimum allowed flight director airspeed.
H-ESP Mode)
OSP (Overspeed Provides control saturation and adjustments to prevent overspeed
Protection) of the rotorcraft.
VS (Vertical Speed
Maintains vertical speed.
Hold Mode)
Flight Director Modes

Index
SECTION 6 INDEX
A E
Alerts 49 ESP. See Electronic Stability & Protection
ALT 24
Altitude Hold Mode 24 F
Altitude Reference 27 FD. See Flight Director
ALT Key 6 FD Key 6
ALTS 25 Flight Director 20, 42, 44
Annunciations 49. See also Vertical Activating 18
Modes or Lateral Modes Command Bars 18, 19
AP. See Autopilot Limitations 19
Approach Mode 37 Modes 17
APR Key 7 Modes, vertical 20–34
Aural Alerts 53
Autopilot 1, 2 G
Disengaging 16 Glidepath Mode 29, 38
Engaging 16 Glideslope Mode 31
Features 20 GMC 605 2, 6
Overspeed Protection 42, 44 Indications 10
Underspeed Protection 46 GP 29
Flight Director 20, 42, 44 GPS. See Navigation Modes or Approach
Malfunction 55 Modes
Autopilot Disconnect Alert 54 GS 31
B GSA 87 Servo 3, 4
BC. See Backcourse Mode H

BC Key 7 HDG. See Heading Select Mode
C HDG Key 6
Heading Select Mode 34
Command Bars 18, 19 Helicopter Flight Control System 15
Features 20
D
Modes 23
DG. See Directional Gyros Operation 15
HFCS. See Helicopter Flight Control
190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide Index-1

Index
System P
HSI. See Horizontal Situation Indicators
PFD
I Annunciations 49, 55, 57, 59, 60
PFD AFCS Indications 12
IAS 28
Indicated Airspeed Mode 28 R
L ROL. See Roll Hold Mode
Lateral Modes 33 S
Approach, GPS 33
Approach, LOC 33 Selected Altitude 25
Approach Modes (GPS and LOC) 37 Selected Altitude Capture Mode 25
Approach, VOR 33 Selected Heading 34
Heading Select Mode 34 System
Navigation Modes (GPS, VOR, LOC) Controls 6
35 U
LCD Display 6
Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) 1, 2 Underspeed Protection 46
LOC. See Navigation Modes or Approach
V
Modes
LVL Key 6 Vertical Modes 23
Glideslope 24
M Indicated Airspeed 23
MAXSPEED annunciation 46, 50 Selected Altitude Capture 23
MET. See Manual Electric Trim Vertical Speed 23
Vertical Speed Mode 25, 27
N VNV Key 7
Navigation Modes (GPS, VOR, LOC) 35 VOICE ALERTS 53
NAV Key 7 VOR. See
NOSE UP/DN Wheel 7 VS 27
O Y
Overspeed Protection 42, 44 YD. See Yaw Damper

YD Key 6
Index-2 Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

Index
190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide Index-3

Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street
Olathe, Kansas, 66062, U.S.A.
Garmin AT Inc.
2345 Turner Road SE
Salem, OR 97302, U.S.A.
Garmin (Europe) Ltd.

Liberty House, Hounsdown Business Park
Southampton, Hampshire SO40 9LR U.K.
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Zhangshu 2nd Road
Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Contact Garmin Product Support at www.flygarmin.com.
For warranty information refer to

https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/support/warranty-information/
© 2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries 190-02081-04 Rev. A

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GFC 600H ™ Pilot’s Guide

Copyright © 2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Garmin AT, Inc.,2345 Turner Road SE, Salem, OR 97302, U.S.A.

Web Site Address: www.garmin.com

Contact Garmin Product Support at: www.flygarmin.com

For warranty information refer to:

January, 2019 190-02081-04 Rev.A Printed in the U.S.A.

WARNING: Perform a thorough preflight control check to verify that there is

WARNING: For safety reasons, system operational procedures must be learned

WARNING: The Garmin system, as installed in this rotorcraft, has a very

Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE WARRANTIES AND

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide

International purchases: A separate warranty may be provided by international distributors

Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

BY USING THE DEVICE, COMPONENT OR SYSTEM MANUFACTURED OR SOLD BY GARMIN

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide

Rev Date Description

Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

Section 1 System Overview................................................................................................... 1

Section 2 Helicopter Flight Control System............................................................... 15

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide i

Section 3 Annunciations & Alerts..................................................................................... 49

Section 4 Abnormal Operation.......................................................................................... 55

Section 5 Terms & Conventions......................................................................................... 57

ii Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

SECTION 1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW

1.1 BASIC FUNCTIONS

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 1

1.2 HFCS EQUIPMENT

GMC 605H MODE CONTROLLER

GMC 605H (For Installations with Flight Director Display)

2 Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

GMC 605H (For Installation without Flight Director Display)

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 3

GFS 83 (Mechanically Clutched) GFS 83 (Direct Drive)

ATTITUDE AND AIR DATA SENSORS

4 Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

COLLECTIVE POSITION SENSOR

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 5

1.3 HFCS CONTROLS

GMC 605H (3-AXIS)

Lateral Mode Pitch Mode

GMC 605H (3-AXIS) HFCS Mode Controller

1 FCS Key Engages/disengages the Flight Control System

6 Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

8 NAV Key Selects/deselects Navigation Mode. Cancels GS Mode if LOC

NOTE: The position of switches/controls may vary per installation. Refer to

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 7

8 Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

External Controls Summary

EXTERNAL CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS BY MODE

External Control Adjustments By Mode

190-02081-04 Rev. A Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 9

1.4 SYSTEM INDICATIONS

Armed Lateral Armed Vertical

10 Garmin GFC 600H Pilot’s Guide 190-02081-04 Rev. A

FCS (ATT/AP Engage) LED