Columbia Avionics of Columbia, MO, just announced this which might be of interest for anyone considering a straight CJ.

Pretty sweet. The GFC600 was the last piece of the puzzle to bring that panel together. I still think the CJ with that panel, and the tamaracks, is a hell of a machine for the money. However the wingspan takes it out of the running for many due to hangar width.

Passing this on to the owners now, this would be a fantastic upgrade!

Wow! That is the sexiest looking panel of any legacy jet I’ve seen. Legacy jets always seem to come with tired, clunky avionics which reduces their appeal, at least to me. This is an AWESOME setup especially with the 600 autopilot.

Any idea what the price tag is?

Jet Tech also has this panel for the 525s and the 500 series. The GFC is approved for the 525 (or soon to be) and I had my 560 prewired for the GFC.

Amusingly, I was with Lance at Columbia when he got the email from the FAA that the STC was approved (Tue Dec 22).

I sat in the 525 with the GFC 600. Nice.

Many folks have been pestering Garmin to approve the GFC 600 for the legacy series. A potential problem is that what works for a sub 12,500 lbs part 23 airplane (like a 525 CJ) may simply not work for a heavier airplane that is part 25 (like a 560).

If the GFC 600 (or something like it) makes it to the part 25 airplanes and the legacy series, it will open up HUGE volume of panel retrofits for Garmin. All those Citation V, Ultras, Encores are just waiting to dump $300K into their panels. I think the autopilot is the key to perhaps $300M in future Gamin revenue. Seems weird they aren't seemingly going after that market.

Mike C.

Amusingly, I was with Lance at Columbia when he got the email from the FAA that the STC was approved (Tue Dec 22).

I sat in the 525 with the GFC 600. Nice.

Many folks have been pestering Garmin to approve the GFC 600 for the legacy series. A potential problem is that what works for a sub 12,500 lbs part 23 airplane (like a 525 CJ) may simply not work for a heavier airplane that is part 25 (like a 560).

If the GFC 600 (or something like it) makes it to the part 25 airplanes and the legacy series, it will open up HUGE volume of panel retrofits for Garmin. All those Citation V, Ultras, Encores are just waiting to dump $300K into their panels. I think the autopilot is the key to perhaps $300M in future Gamin revenue. Seems weird they aren't seemingly going after that market.

Mike C.

I am contractually prohibited from answering that question.

Mike C.

I am contractually prohibited from answering that question.

Mike C.

I peeked inside a V a couple of days ago that had twin G700txi's and GTN 750's. Now that was one sweet setup!! I did not even realize there was such a thing as a G700txi, but it is very close to a G3X as far as the user is concerned.

I am contractually prohibited from answering that question.

Mike C.

anyone know what this STC cost?

Mike

Email Lance at Columbia and ask.

lance@columbiaavionics.com

Then report back here so everyone can know.

Mike C.

Add in the GFC600, and a couple of other goodies, and I bet your north of 400k. I believe the G1000 with the black panel option back in the day for the straight CJ was close to 500k. Seeing how those g1000’s in the CJ are frozen in time, this is a great deal.

Well, I'm both confused and contractually restricted! But take a look at the location for 2021 PROP ...

-J