VERO BEACH, Fla. -October 29, 2014 - Piper Aircraft, Inc. has received Type Certificate change approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to incorporate the Garmin GFC700 flight control system in the Garmin G1000-equipped twin-engine Seminole aircraft.
"Moving the Seminole aircraft equipped with G1000 avionics to the Garmin GFC700 is another step in giving buyers of new Piper airplanes the most modern cockpit experience possible," said Piper Vice President of Sales and Marketing Drew McEwen. "The G1000 and GFC 700 will provide Seminole pilots a more sophisticated level of integration for this class of training aircraft."
Fully integrated with the G1000 glass flight deck, the GFC700 is an advanced Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) based automatic flight control system that provides flight director, autopilot, automatic and manual electric trim capabilities and brings a high level of digital sophistication to general aviation flight control. Originally designed to fly on turbine aircraft - and incorporating the top-level safety and performance features found on that class of aircraft - the GFC700's scalable architecture enables exceptional flight automation, precision and value in piston aircraft.
A fully digital, dual-channel flight control system capable of using the depth and breadth of data available in the G1000 system, the GFC700 offers inherent advantages in safety, redundancy and reliability - while optimizing performance over the airspeed envelope. Providing crisp flight maneuvering in response to Garmin's solid-state MEMS-based AHRS data, the GFC700 is built to inspire confidence while ensuring optimum smoothness and comfort.
About the Piper Seminole
The Piper Seminole is a piston-powered aircraft that seats four and is powered by two Lycoming O-360-A1H6 engines each generating 180 hp. Its cruising speed at 75 percent power is 162 ktas / 300 km/h. Its overall range with 45 minute reserve is 700 nm / 1,296 km. Equipped with the Garmin G1000, the Piper Seminole starts at $683,400.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single-engine and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series - the Meridian, Mirage and Matrix - offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca V and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Archer TX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. All Piper airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
