Ahead of HAI Heli-Expo 2024, Bell shared that Garmin’s GFC™ 600H flight control system on the Bell 505 has been approved by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In addition to EASA approval, GFC 600H for Bell 505 has previously received FAA and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approval. Bell has delivered more than 505 Bell 505s globally and recently announced a signed purchase agreement for a 505 to a Polish customer. The GFC 600H will also be available for viewing in Bell 505, showcased in Bell’s booth at HAI Heli-Expo 2024.

“The Bell 505 has seen great success in Europe, especially for private and corporate travel,” said Jacinto Monge, Managing Director, Europe. “We are always thrilled to bring new capabilities to these customers and add to this incredible avionics suite.”

The GFC 600H features a console-mounted mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display. Integrated smart servos provide pitch and roll inputs as commanded by the system, with yaw axis control capability optionally available. The GFC 600H offers safety benefits including attitude hold with speed stability, an innovative hover assist mode (with the optional yaw system), Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP™), dedicated return-to-level (LVL) mode, as well as overspeed and low-speed protection, and more.

“We are pleased to provide this highly capable flight control system to even more Bell 505 owners and operators. The GFC 600H provides a number of helicopter-specific safety features as well as advanced capabilities to aid in reducing inflight workload. We are confident that 505 operators in Europe will appreciate the value this autopilot brings while conducting their important missions.”

–Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing

In addition to the GFC 600H, on Friday, Feb. 23 Bell received a supplemental type certificate from the FAA for an auxiliary fuel system for the Bell 505. This new feature includes 20 US gallons of additional fuel to 505 to increase customer flight time. Bell’s Aeronautical Accessories brand will have its own dedicated booth at HAI, Booth #3643, to engage with customers and provide further information about the newly certified aux fuel tank.

Learn more about the Garmin’s GFC™ 600H flight control system and the Bell 505’s full avionics suite at the Bell’s booth #3936 at HAI Heli-Expo 2024.