1. C182T Nav III GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System Module I
Welcome to CAP’s online orientation to the Garmin GFC 700 automatic flight control system, which is installed as part of the Nav III package in CAP’s new Cessna 182 aircraft. This module will give you a basic introduction to the features and VFR functions of the GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System, which is perhaps the most capable and integrated system you can find in a light general aviation aircraft.
Module I

2. Introduction and Outline
1.0 Anatomy of the GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS)
1.1 Control Interface
1.2 Flight Director
1.3 Autopilot
1.4 Flight Director and Autopilot Relationship
2.0 Using the GFC 700
2.1 Preflight Action
2.2 Before Takeoff
2.3 After Takeoff
2.4 Cruise
2.5 Descent
2.6 Go-Arounds
In this module, we will begin with the anatomy of the system, including the control interface on the bezel. Next, we will discuss how to use the GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System in various phases of VFR flight.
One important reminder: this module is intended to assist in basic familiarization with the features and functions of the Automatic Flight Control System. It does not, and cannot, substitute for the detailed information in the approved Airplane Flight Manual and supplements, which you need to study carefully before you fly.
Now, let’s get started!

3. 1.0 Anatomy of the GFC 700
The “Garmin autopilot” is more correctly known as the GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).
The terminology matters because the GFC 700 AFCS is not just an autopilot. It fact, it includes both a flight director and an autopilot.
For consistency and convenience, this module will use the term GFC 700 to refer to the entire Automatic Flight Control System.
You might hear people talk about the “Garmin autopilot,” but – as you may have noticed on the previous slide – the formal, and more correct, name for the system is the GFC 700 “automatic flight control system.”
The terminology matters because the GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System is not just an autopilot. In fact, it has two components: a flight director, and an autopilot. We will discuss both components shortly.
In the AFM, you may see “GFC 700” or “AFCS.” Both terms refer to the same system. In this course, though, we will use the term “GFC 700” for consistency and convenience.

4. 1.1 GFC 700 Control Interface Used to steer when in heading mode
Engages Flight Director
Engages Autopilot & FD
Holds altitude
Tracks selected heading
Arms vertical path (VPTH) mode for approaches with vertical guidance
Captures/tracks course
Captures/tracks lateral & vertical guidance
Captures/tracks backcourse approach
The control interface for the GFC 700 is located on the lower left side of the Multi-Function Display (MFD) bezel. In some aircraft configurations, the GFC 700 control interface is also included on the PFD bezel. Let’s take a tour of the keys.
In the top center is the heading bug, which is of course part of the G1000 bezel you already know. We include it here because the GFC 700, like the KAP 140, follows the heading bug when the system is in HDG mode. As with the KAP 140, the HDG knob is used to steer when the GFC 700 is in HDG mode. It is a good practice to always keep the heading bug synced to the current heading unless you are using it to steer to a new course.
The top right key, labeled “FD,” engages the flight director. As we will discuss shortly, the flight director is the system’s “brain.”
The top left key, labeled “AP,” engages both the flight director – the brain – and the autopilot, which provides the “muscle.” Note that in this system you can engage the FD without the AP, but you cannot engage the AP without the FD.
Next is the “HDG” key, which engages the system’s heading mode.
Pressing “NAV” key instructs the system to capture and track the course on the selected navigation source.
The “APR” key is used to engage the system’s approach mode for instrument approaches. We will discuss this key in detail in another module.
The “VS” key engages the system’s vertical speed capture and tracking mode. Use the “Nose Up” and “Nose Down” keys on the lower right side to adjust the rate of climb or descent in 100 fpm increments.
The key labeled “FLC” is the “flight level change” function, sometimes pronounced “filch.” The FLC mode captures and tracks a selected airspeed for climb or descent, so you can think of it as the constant airspeed climb or constant airspeed descent key. Use the “Nose Up” or “Nose Down” keys on the lower right side to adjust the selected airspeed value in 1 knot increments.
At the bottom of the display is another familiar knob: “ALT,” which sets the selected altitude in the window on the PFD altitude tape. In the GFC 700, use this knob to set the altitude you want the system to capture.
Moving up the right hand side...”BC” stands for “back course,” and is used for certain instrument approaches. We will discuss this mode in another training module.
The “VNV” key stands for “Vertical Navigation.” The GFC 700 is capable of capturing and tracking vertical paths, both those programmed into the database and those programmed by the pilot. Again, we will cover this mode in detail in a separate training module.
Last, but not least, is the altitude hold function, labeled “ALT” on the control interface. Pressing the ALT key captures and holds the current altitude.
Maintains selected vertical speed
Changes values for VS (increments of 100 fpm) or FLC (increments of 1 knot)
Maintains selected
airspeed for climb/descent
Altitude pre-select (ALTS)

5. 1.1 GFC 700 Control Interface Lateral modes are on left.
AP/FD status is in center
Vertical modes are on right.
Armed modes are in WHITE on outside.
Armed modes are in WHITE on outside.
Engaged modes are in GREEN on inside of status bar.
The second part of the GFC 700 control interface is the status bar, which is located on the PFD directly underneath the waypoint information.
The center/left box displays the status of the GFC If you see “AP” in green, as is shown in this illustration, both parts of the system (flight director and autopilot) are engaged. If you see only the magenta “flying wedge,” with no “AP” annunciation in the status bar, then only the flight director mode is engaged.
The status of all lateral, or roll, modes is displayed on the left side. You might remember it as “lateral on the left.” Take a closer look at the box on the left side. Note that “HDG” is in green on the inside of the left side box, and “LOC” is in white on the outside of the left side box. The position and color of the “HDG” annunciation both indicate that HDG mode is active. The position and color of the “LOC” annunciation shows that LOC mode is armed.
The status of all vertical modes is displayed on the right side. Just as on the lateral mode status indicator, the inside position and green color of the “ALT” annunciation informs you that the system is holding altitude at 3,300 feet. The outside position and white color of the “GS” annunciation lets you know that the glideslope mode is armed.
Note that the GFC 700 gives you a lot of very specific information. Unlike the KAP 140, which simply says “NAV,” the GFC 700 tells you which navigation source and/or pitch mode is active, and which specific modes are armed.
Very important: You must develop the habit of immediately checking the GFC 700 status bar after you press a key on the control interface. The point is to verify that the system is doing what you want it to do…it will always do what you told it to do – and those things may be different if you made a programming mistake.

6. 1.2 Flight Director
The “brain” of the GFC 700 AFCS is the flight director (FD).
The Flight Director uses software in the primary flight display (PFD) and the number one integrated avionics unit (GIA 1) to develop pitch and roll cues.
It then generates magenta “flying wedge” command bars, which appear above the inverted “V” on the PFD.
The command bars provide cues for the desired flight attitude:
The “brain” of the GFC 700 AFCS is the flight director (FD). The FD uses software contained in the primary flight display (PFD) and the number one integrated avionics unit (GIA 1) to generate pitch and roll cues. It then generates magenta “flying wedge” command bars, which appear above the inverted “V” on the PFD.
The command bars move vertically to indicate a pitch command, and bank left and right to indicate a roll. The command bars are removed from the display if attitude data becomes invalid or the Flight Director is turned off.
They move vertically to indicate a pitch command, and bank left and right to indicate a roll.
The command bars are removed from the display if attitude data becomes invalid, or the Flight Director is turned off.

7. 1.3 Autopilot The autopilot is the “muscle” of the GFC 700 AFCS.
The autopilot uses servos to move the control surfaces in accordance with commands generated by the flight director.
The second component of the GFC 700 is the autopilot.
Think of the autopilot as the “muscle.” The autopilot uses servos to move the control surfaces of the airplane in accordance with commands generated by the flight director.

8. 1.4 Flight Director and Autopilot
Pressing the “FD” key engages only the flight director.
The FD will generate “flying wedge” cues according to the modes you select.
For example, using FD with HDG will generate cues to follow the heading bug, and using FD with NAV will generate cues to follow the course on the selected navigation source.
Similarly, using FD with ALT, VS, or FLC will generate cues to maintain or follow the selected pitch mode.
You need to make sure you understand how the flight director and autopilot work together to help you fly the airplane.
Pressing the “FD” key engages only the flight director.
The FD will generate “flying wedge” cues according to the modes you select.
For example, using FD with HDG will generate cues to follow the heading bug, and using FD with NAV will generate cues to follow the course on the selected navigation source.
Similarly, using FD with ALT, VS, or FLC will generate cues to maintain or follow the selected pitch mode.
With FD only, the flight director provides cues…YOU provide the muscle to follow the cues, by moving the controls as necessary to keep the inverted “V” tucked under the magenta “flying wedge.”
With FD only, the flight director provides cues…YOU provide the muscle to follow the cues, by moving the controls as necessary to keep the inverted “V” tucked under the magenta “flying wedge.”

9. 1.4 Flight Director and Autopilot
Pressing the “AP” key engages both the flight director and the autopilot. In this case:
The FD will generate “flying wedge” commands according to the modes you select.
The autopilot will provide the muscle to follow the commands generated by the flight director.
Important: Be sure you understand the difference, and that you always know who is providing the “muscle” to follow flight director cues.
Pressing the “AP” key engages both the flight director and the autopilot. In this case:
The FD will generate “flying wedge” commands according to the modes you select.
The autopilot will provide the muscle to follow the commands generated by the flight director.
Important: Be sure you understand the difference, and that you always know who is providing the “muscle” to follow flight director cues.

10. 2.0 Using the GFC 700
The GFC 700 is a very capable system. It is intended to be used to help you in your duties as pilot in command. By tending to basic aircraft control functions, the GFC 700 frees you for other duties – such as weather evaluation and decision-making, and programming – that only you can do.
Never, ever forget that you are still pilot in command…don’t fall into the trap of being passenger in command while the GFC 700 drives the airplane. You are the pilot, and you are the one flying the airplane.
Always remember that YOU are pilot in command, and perform accordingly!

11. 2.1 Using the GFC 700 Preflight Action:
Follow the checklist procedures to verify that the system is functioning properly.
Be certain that you know how to disengage both the flight director and the autopilot.
As with all other systems, follow the procedures shown in the preflight checklist to verify that the GFC 700 is functioning properly. An important item to review before every flight is how to disengage the system.
Be very sure that you know the various ways to disengage both the flight director and the autopilot (which, as you remember, includes the flight director component).
Pressing the red disconnect button on the control yoke will provide both visual cues, such as the flashing yellow box around the AP annunciation, and aural cues, such as a warning tone.
Note: Pressing the red disconnect button on the control yoke will provide both visual cues, such as the flashing yellow box around the AP annunciation, and aural cues, such as a warning tone.

12. 2.2 Before Takeoff
Use HDG knob to set the heading bug to runway heading.
Use ALT knob to set the selected altitude reference (ALTS).  
As always, the pre-takeoff briefing should include a review of the assigned or selected headings and altitudes. The GFC 700 can be a very valuable cockpit resource. Recommended steps include the following:
Use the HDG knob to set the bug to runway heading as a reminder.
Use the ALT knob to set the bug to the initial altitude. The annunciation for the pre-selected altitude is ALTS (for “selected altitude”). Note that setting the altitude bug automatically arms the GFC 700’s altitude capture mode.

13. 2.3 After Takeoff Press the “FD” key to engage the Flight Director.
FD mode engages in “ROL” and “PIT,” which signifies that the FD is providing cues for you to maintain (“hold”) the present roll and pitch attitudes. 
To engage the Flight Director after takeoff, press the “FD” key on the GFC 700 control interface. When you check the system status bar, you will see that the active lateral mode is ROL, and the active pitch mode is PIT.
An important note: the manual refers to this annunciation as “ROLL HOLD” and “PITCH HOLD” mode. Earlier we talked about the importance of knowing who is providing the muscle to control the airplane. This terminology can be a little confusing, because the term “hold” suggests that the system is doing the work for you. Not so! When you are using only the Flight Director – and you can see from the system status bar that the autopilot has not been engaged – you are the one providing the muscle. The Flight Director command bars are merely providing CUES that, if followed by the pilot, will maintain the attitude (both roll and pitch) that existed when you pressed the CWS switch.
There are some exceptions, so be sure to review the manual.

14. 2.3 After Takeoff
Press the “AP” key and verify activation on system status bar.
Check heading bug, then engage HDG mode.
Press FLC to establish constant airspeed climb.
Use NOSE UP and NOSE DOWN keys to set target climb airspeed (recommended 105).
When you have climbed to an altitude of at least 800 AGL and completed the after takeoff and climb checklists, now it’s time to put the GFC 700’s autopilot component to work.
First, press the “AP” key and verify that “AP” appears in green in the GFC 700 status bar. The autopilot is now providing the muscle to hold the roll and pitch attitude cues that the Flight Director provided when you pressed the CWS switch.
Next, check to make sure the heading bug is either synced to your current heading or set to the desired heading. Press the HDG key, and verify that the HDG annunciation appears in green on the left (lateral) side of the status bar. Remember that the green color and inside position indicate that the mode is engaged and active.
Then press the FLC (“filch”) key to have the autopilot capture and maintain a constant airspeed climb. Since airspeed is especially critical in a climb, it is a good practice to use the FLC mode for climbs. Verify that “FLC” appears in green on the vertical side of the GFC 700 status bar. Note the airspeed value on the right of the FLC annunciation, and use the nose up or nose down key to adjust this value to the desired climb airspeed – 105 knots in this case.
Finally, after ensuring that the appropriate leg or waypoint in your flight plan is active and that you have used the “CDI” soft key to select the desired navigation source, press “NAV.” Since your navigation source in this illustration is GPS, note that a “GPS” annunciation appears in white on the outside of the left (lateral) side of the GFC 700 status bar. This annunciation means that the autopilot is armed to capture, and then track, the selected GPS course.
Press NAV to engage nav capture/tracking mode.
After each action, check the GFC 700 status bar to verify proper operation.

15. 2.4 Cruise Lateral Navigation Vertical Navigation
As long as the GFC 700 AP is engaged in NAV mode, the system will continue to track the selected course.
To climb or descend to another altitude once you are in ALT hold mode, use the ALT knob to select the new target altitude (note that “ALTS” appears in white on the outside of the vertical side of the GFC 700 status bar.
If you change the NAV source (e.g., from GPS to VOR), you must reengage the GFC 700 NAV mode.
Changing the NAV source while the AP is engaged will cause the annunciation (e.g., GPS) to flash, and then turn white and move back to the “armed” position on the outside of the lateral (left) side of the status bar.
Press “VS” to start a constant rate climb or descent, and use the NOSE UP/DN keys to set the desired rate.
Let’s look at changes that you might need to make during the cruise portion of the flight. We’ll start with lateral modes. A few key points:
As long as the GFC 700 AP is engaged in NAV mode, the system will continue to track the selected course.
If you change the NAV source (e.g., from GPS to VOR), you must reengage the GFC 700 NAV mode.
Changing the NAV source while the AP is engaged will cause the annunciation (e.g., GPS) to flash, and then turn white and move back to the “armed” position on the outside of the lateral (left) side of the status bar.
If you are being vectored by ATC, put the AP into HDG mode and use the HDG knob to steer.
Now let’s look at changes to vertical navigation.
To climb or descend to another altitude once you are in ALT hold mode, use the ALT knob to select the new target altitude (note that “ALTS” appears in white on the outside of the vertical side of the GFC 700 status bar.
Press “VS” to start a constant rate climb or descent, and use the NOSE UP/DN keys to set the desired rate.
Alternatively, press “FLC” to select a constant airspeed climb or descent, and use the NOSE UP/DN keys to set the desired airspeed. Note, though, that FLC will not engage until you change either power or the airspeed reference.
We can’t say it often enough: always check the GFC 700 status bar immediately after you press any key on the GFC 700 control interface, and verify that you have armed or engaged the appropriate mode.
Alternatively, press “FLC” to select a constant airspeed climb or descent, and use the NOSE UP/DN keys to set the desired airspeed. Note, though, that FLC will not engage until you change either power or the airspeed reference.
If you are being vectored by ATC, put the AP into HDG mode and use the HDG knob to steer.

16. Cruise
During autopilot operation, you can use the control wheel steering (CWS) button on the yoke to hand fly the airplane without having to disengage the autopilot.
CWS functions by momentarily disengaging the pitch and roll servos from the flight control surfaces and synchronizing the Flight Director command bars with the current aircraft attitude.
During autopilot operation, you can use the control wheel steering (CWS) button on the yoke to hand fly the airplane without having to disengage the autopilot. CWS functions by momentarily disengaging the pitch and roll servos from the flight control surfaces and synchronizing the Flight Director command bars with the current aircraft attitude.
In most scenarios, releasing the CWS button will reengage the autopilot with a new reference – but refer to the Flight Director modes section of the manual for specific CWS behavior in each mode.
When you are using CWS, the GFC 700 status bar will replace the green “AP” annunciation with at white “CWS” annunciation until you release the CWS button.
When you are using CWS, the GFC 700 status bar will replace the green “AP” annunciation with at white “CWS” annunciation until you release the CWS button.

17. 2.5 Descent
Descent using the GFC 700 autopilot is simply a matter of selecting and verifying the appropriate lateral and vertical modes.
For VFR flight, disengage the AP no lower than 800 AGL.
At pilot’s discretion, disengage the Flight Director as well.
Descent using the GFC 700 autopilot is simply a matter of selecting and verifying the appropriate lateral and vertical modes.
For VFR operations, you should disengage the AP no lower than 800 AGL. At pilot’s discretion, disengage the Flight Director as well. Just press the “FD” key, and the magenta “flying wedge” command bars will disappear from the PFD.
To do so, simply press the “FD” key, and the magenta “flying wedge” command bars will disappear.

18. Press GA switch to activate Flight Director’s GA (go-around) mode.
2.6 Go Arounds
Press GA switch to activate Flight Director’s GA (go-around) mode.
Press the “GA” (go-around) switch to activate the Flight Director’s go-around mode. Note that the command bars will provide a 7° pitch up cue, and that the GFC 700 system status bar will show “GA” as the active lateral and vertical mode.

19. C182T Nav III GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System Module I
Congratulations! You have now completed Module I, basic orientation to the features and functions of the GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) for VFR flight. The next module will introduce and discuss the use of the GFC 700 in flying IFR and instrument approach procedures.
Module I