7/2009: Garmin announces the G500 PFD/MFD and upgrades for the G600.

The G600 now includes SVT (Synthetic vision) and the GAD43 adapter as part of the standard G600 system. Existing G600 customers will receive SVT software from Garmin at no additional charge. The GA43 interface will allow the G600 to replace existing KI-256 horizons and provides analog heading bootstrap for older existing legacy systems.

The G500 is a cost reduced G600 system targeted at aircraft weighing less than 6000 lbs. The G500 list price is $15595.00 The G500 has the same look and feel as the G600, but does not include SVT or the GAD43 as part of the standard package and has a smaller FAA approved model list.

11/2008:

Penn has completed four G600 and four G500 installations  to date. Our first G600 installation was in a Beech F33A, the second in a Piper PA32RT-300 the third was a Beech A36 and the fourth a Beech B58 Barron. Our G500 installations were in a Mooney M20J, Piper Arrow and two Cessna C182s. The M20J G500 installation included the GAD43 autopilot adapter with SVT and Chart view.

We are exited about the G500 / G600 because it offers aircraft owners a great option to upgrade into a glass panel rather than replacing their aircraft. The G600 and G500 are both a PFD (primary flight display) and MFD (multi function display). In essence you are purchasing both an electronic HSI/FD and a high resolution MFD (such as a Garmin GMX200 or Avidyne EX500) display in one unit. This gives the pilot the ability to display Jeppesen Charts, traffic, weather, terrain on the right display while retaining the conventional HSI, flight director, airspeed, altimeter, ect on the left display.  

Penn Avionics has a fully functional G600 on display in our lobby. Stop by and take a look. G500 installations starting at $19500.00. Use our quote request form on line for a written quote.

Below: The Garmin G600 Mooney M20J we had an opportunity to fly earlier this year. 

Below: Beech F33A that Penn Avionics completed a G600 upgrade on

Below: Beech F33A panel before G600 upgrade 

Below Piper PA32RT-300 G600 Panel

Below Piper PA32RT-300. Original panel removed

Below Original Piper PA32RT-300 panel before G600 upgrade

Below Beech A36 G600 upgrade

Below Beech B58 G600 upgrade w/ JPI EDM960 upgrade

Below Mooney M20J with Garmin G500

Below Cessna C182 with G500

Below Piper Arrow. Custom panel, Garmin G500 with JPI EDM930.

Below Cessna C182 with G500.

Garmin G500 / G600 system components: 

G600 FAQ:

What aircraft will the G600 be certified in?

Garmin has an extensive approved model list that includes most popular general aviation aircraft. Both Piston and Turbo prop aircraft have been certified.

What instruments can I remove to make room for the G600 (and still be legal for IFR)?

This will vary by aircraft, but in general an existing DG and/or VSI can be removed. The turn coordinator gyro can also be removed if the autopilot in not interfaced to it.

STEC autopilots, Cessna 200 and 300 autopilots, and King KAP140 autopilots are interfaced to the turn coordinator and therefore it cannot be removed. In these cases the turn coordinator could be relocated to the co-pilot side or "blind" mounted if necessary.

What back-up instruments are required with an G600 installation?

FAR 23.1311 (a)(5) requires that independent secondary instruments be installed for Attitude, Airspeed, Magnetic direction indicator (whisky compass is OK). These must be within the pilots center field of view (see fig 5.2 below). In most cases the existing instruments can be re-located to meet this requirement.

The backup Gyro Horizon must be a vacuum driven unit. If the backup Horizon Gyro is electric, it must be interfaced to a standby battery or to an independent DC bus being driven by an alternator independent of the Garmin G600.

Will the G600 interface to my autopilot?

Most popular GA autopilots will interface with the G600. The G600 will be able to replace the existing  KI-256 autopilot gyro used in King autopilots. Other autopilot systems will require the existing gyro horizon or T/C to be retained . The G600 will be able to provide a  heading input, GPSS input, and nav input to most autopilots.

If your autopilot has a DC Flight Director output, the G600 will display Flight Director command bars. (If you have an existing King KI-256 flight director, you have DC flight director outputs). If your autopilot does not have an existing DC Flight Director output, the Garmin will not display Flight Director command bars.

King KFC200, KFC150 and KFC225 autopilots will be able to provide DC flight director outputs for the Garmin. STEC SYS-55(X) and 60-2 autopilots will be able to provide DC flight director outputs to the Garmin as long as the STEC ST-645 or ST-670 flight director interface is installed.

Will the G600 have a GPSS converter?

Yes. The G600 has an internal GPSS converter and will provide GPSS functionality between your GPS and autopilot.

What GPS Navigation systems will drive the G600? 

The only GPS systems that are compatible with the G600 are the Garmin 430W/530W series systems and the Garmin GNS-480.  At least one GNS430W or 530W or 480 is required. The Garmin SL-30 nav-com and various ADF systems (King KR87, KDF806 or Collins ADF60A) can also display navigation information on the G600 as an optional input.

Does the G600 have an internal backup battery?

No. Optional external battery backup systems are available.

Will the G600 display data link weather?

Yes. The G600 is compatible with the Garmin GDL-69/69A data links.

Will The G600 display terrain information?

Yes. The G600 has an updatable terrain database and will provide advisory terrain alerts. 

Will The G600 display traffic information?

Yes. The G600 is compatible with the Garmin GTX33/330 TIS transponder, L-3 Skywatch and Honeywell KTA870/970

Can I install a pilot and co-pilot display for the G600?

Yes. The G600 system supports up to 2 GDU620 displays. 

Will The  G600 display Jeppesen Electronic Charts?

Yes. The G600 has the Jeppesen chart view option. Charts are displayed on the right hand G600 screen.

Will The  G600 display the 7 required Garmin WAAS annunciations?

Yes. The G600 will display the 7 required Garmin WAAS annunciations (VLOC, GPS, TERM, APR, WPT, MSG,INTG). (This is only relevant for customers whose Garmin is mounted outside the pilot's field of view such as pre 1984 Beech A36, all F33 aircraft, Grumman AA5, etc).

Is the G600 compatible with my King KX155/165 nav-com?

No. The G600 can only interface to the Garmin GNS-430W, 530W, GNS480 or SL-30 systems.

Can the G600 provide analog bootstrap top legacy systems?

Yes. The G600 comes standard with the GAD43 adapter which will provide analog bootstrap outputs and KI-256 emulation.  

What is the story with the altitude preselect option?

This is only relevant to customers that have an STEC SYS-55X autopilot installed. Customer's with an STEC SYS-55X autopilot can purchase the G600 altitude preselect upgrade. This will allow them to set a target altitude on the G600 display. The STEC SYS-55X autopilot will then automatically transition from the VS (vertical speed) mode to altitude hold when that target altitude is reached (climb or decent).

Penn Avionics can evaluate the customer's aircraft and provide a written quote for the Garmin G600. Please use our on line quote request form.