FAA OKs Autopilot System for Air Tractor Planes
Air Tractor has received federal approval to equip its AT-802 series aircraft with a new Garmin digital autopilot system, a development company officials say will improve safety and efficiency, particularly for aerial firefighting operators.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently granted Supplemental Type Certification for the Garmin GFC 600 autopilot system in Air Tractor’s AT-802 and AT-802A aircraft. The certification allows the system to be installed in existing aircraft and offered as a factory-installed option on new aircraft.
Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch said the company pursued the certification largely with the aerial firefighting industry in mind.
“We’re excited to bring this capability to the AT-802 fleet,” Mr. Hirsch said. Firefighting aircraft are frequently dispatched long distances to battle wildfires, often crossing state lines and even international borders. The new autopilot system is designed to reduce pilot workload during those lengthy ferry flights while improving operational efficiency.
The Garmin GFC 600 incorporates advanced flight-control technology, including altitude preselect, airspeed hold, and vertical navigation capabilities. The system also features safety enhancements such as underspeed protection and a dedicated “LVL” button that can automatically return the aircraft to straight-and-level flight. When paired with compatible Garmin avionics, it can activate a feature known as Smart Glide, which assists pilots in the event of an engine power loss.
Mr. Hirsch noted that modern firefighting aircraft already rely heavily on sophisticated navigation equipment when traveling between assignments. Integrating the autopilot with Garmin’s flight displays and GPS navigation systems creates a more streamlined cockpit environment for pilots operating on long-distance missions.
Manufactured in Olney, the AT-802 is widely used worldwide for agricultural aviation and aerial firefighting. The FAA certification marks another step in the continuing modernization of the aircraft’s avionics systems and further strengthens its role in wildfire suppression operations across North America and beyond.