Dispatches & Bulletins
— from the RWAS avionics desk —
Blog Articles, Product Updates, and Shop Dispatches
Garmin updates, service bulletins, shop notes, and industry memos — current as of 2026-08-19.
Lead Article
Garmin Expands GFC 600 Approval for Cessna 310 Models
Garmin has received FAA STC approval for GFC 600 autopilot installations in additional Cessna 310-series twins, including the 310P/T310P, 310Q/T310Q, and 310R/T310R serial numbers 310R0002 through 310R0500.
This approval gives operators of these Cessna 310 models access to Garmin’s GFC 600 digital autopilot architecture, subject to the aircraft configuration, approved equipment list, and installation data applicable to the individual airplane. Eligibility should be confirmed by model, serial number, existing avionics, and prior modifications before quoting or scheduling an installation.
The approval also supports Smart Rudder Bias. Garmin specifies that Smart Rudder Bias requires both a G600 TXi flight display and TXi EIS, along with the equipment identified in the latest GFC 600 STC Equipment List. That distinction matters: approval of the autopilot does not mean every aircraft automatically qualifies for the rudder-bias function without the required TXi display and engine-indication architecture.
Filed Under
garmin · gfc-600 · cessna-310 · autopilot · smart-rudder-bias
Recent Dispatches
AXIS Build-A-System Planner by RWAS
Compare certified and experimental AXIS components, follow Garmin's system-building sequence, and send your preliminary panel plan to RWAS for a compatibility review and special pricing.
Custom Aircraft Panels, Printed In-House: Carbon Fiber, Wood, Leather, Abstract Art, and Beyond
See how Roger Wilco Aviation Services can transform aluminum into a coordinated custom avionics-panel finish using in-house UV printing.
How to Rig Your Piper Aircraft
Purpose-built Papa Alpha tools help mechanics inspect flight-control travel and rigging against the applicable Piper maintenance data.
Garmin SB 26091A: Part 23 GTX 3X5(R) Software Approval
AML STC SA01714WI Revision 24 approves GTX 3X5 main software 2.90 and ADS-B software 3.62.
Garmin SB 26019A: GTN Xi Software 21.04
Garmin recommends the GTN Xi update at the next maintenance interval.
More From The Desk
product update
AXIS Build-A-System Planner by RWAS
A modern glass panel is a system, not a shopping list. Roger Wilco Aviation Services has introduced an online AXIS Build-A-System Planner that helps aircraft owners and builders work through Garmin's certified or experimental AXIS architecture in the same logical order used by the official Garmin guides.
fabrication
Custom Aircraft Panels, Printed In-House: Carbon Fiber, Wood, Leather, Abstract Art, and Beyond
An aircraft panel should do more than hold instruments. It should bring the cockpit together with a clean, professional appearance that complements the aircraft and reflects its owner.
maintenance
How to Rig Your Piper Aircraft
Ask your IA: “Do you have the rigging tools to inspect the travels of my flight controls at this annual inspection?” Most owners assume the answer is yes. In practice, many shops do not make or buy the model-specific tooling needed to measure Piper flight-control travel and neutral positions accurately.
service bulletin
Garmin SB 26091A: Part 23 GTX 3X5(R) Software Approval
Garmin Service Bulletin 26091A provides the Part 23 approval path for GTX 3X5(R) transponders installed under ADS-B AML STC SA01714WI. Master Data List Revision 24 approves GTX 3X5 main software version 2.90 and ADS-B software version 3.62, with compliance optional at the owner’s discretion.
service bulletin
Garmin SB 26019A: GTN Xi Software 21.04
Garmin Service Bulletin 26019A introduces GTN Xi main software version 21.04 and recommends compliance at the next maintenance interval for covered non-certified-aircraft installations.
service bulletin
Garmin SB 26089A: GPS 175, GNC 355 and GNX 375 Software 3.30
Garmin Service Bulletin 26089A calls for affected GPS 175, GNC 355 and GNX 375 navigators running main software version 3.22 or earlier to be upgraded to version 3.30 no later than January 29, 2027. Garmin classifies compliance as mandatory for the non-certified-aircraft installations covered by the bulletin.
product update
Introducing AXIS, A New Generation of Flight Displays
Garmin has introduced AXIS, a new family of flight displays aimed at certified piston singles and twins, experimental aircraft, and LSA panels. The headline is integration: AXIS can combine modern touchscreen flight displays with optional built-in IFR GPS, NAV/COM, and audio panel capability in a cleaner, lighter installation package.
product update
Garmin Announces 2026 Autopilot Rebate Program
Garmin has announced a 2026 autopilot rebate program, creating a useful planning window for aircraft owners who have been considering a certified Garmin autopilot upgrade.
product update
Electroair Electronic Ignition Installations Now Available Through RWAS
Roger Wilco Aviation Services is working with Electroair to support aircraft owners interested in upgrading from traditional magneto-only ignition to modern electronic ignition systems. For eligible aircraft, an Electroair installation can bring variable spark timing, high-energy ignition, and a more efficient piston-engine ignition package into a properly documented shop workflow.
product update
New D2 Mach 2 Aviator Smartwatch Promotion
Garmin is running a limited-time D2 Mach 2 aviator smartwatch promotion: customers can save $150 on qualifying D2 Mach 2 and D2 Mach 2 Pro models through June 29, 2026.
product update
Build Your Garmin Panel Concept with the New RWAS Panel Planner
Roger Wilco Aviation Services has launched a customer-facing Panel Planner that gives aircraft owners a simple way to sketch a Garmin avionics panel concept before the formal design and quote process begins.
service bulletin
Are Mandatory Service Bulletins Required?
For most Part 91 aircraft owners, a manufacturer's mandatory service bulletin is not automatically a legal requirement unless an Airworthiness Directive or another approved requirement incorporates it. Commercial operations and adopted inspection programs can differ, and safety, warranty, insurance, and resale considerations may still make compliance prudent.
regulatory
Part 145 Repair Station vs. A&P Mechanic
An A&P is an individual FAA-certificated mechanic. A Part 145 repair station is an FAA-certificated organization with approved procedures, quality control, designated inspection authority, and documented capabilities. Both can perform valuable work; the difference is the organizational system behind the work and its records.
product update
Auto Flight Logging Now Available for G3X Touch
Garmin has expanded automatic flight log integrations for G3X Touch, giving owners a cleaner path to wireless data capture, cloud storage on flyGarmin.com, and analysis through partners including FlySto, Savvy Aviation, Navi AI, Jet-Care, and Brazos Safety Systems.
memo
Garmin Pilot Promotion Adds Value for New Subscribers
A newly released Garmin dealer memo highlights a limited-time Garmin Pilot promotion for new subscribers, paired with a Right Seat Rewards offer available during the same campaign window. The promotion is aimed at helping pilots adopt Garmin Pilot with added subscription value while supporting spring and summer flying activity.
product update
Roger Wilco Aviation Services Launches New Website — and Introduces Captain Jerry, Your On-Call AI Avionics Expert
Roger Wilco Aviation Services has launched a completely redesigned website at rogerwilcoaviation.com — built in the style of a classic newspaper broadsheet, with a focus on substance over flash. And riding right seat on every page is Captain Jerry, the shop's AI avionics expert, ready to help aircraft owners think through Garmin upgrades, maintenance questions, Papa-Alpha rigging tools, and next steps with real technical grounding behind every answer.
product update
Garmin Offers GMA 350c Audio Panel for Cirrus Perspective+ Flight Deck Upgrades
Garmin has announced a new option to upgrade to the GMA 350c audio panel when performing the Perspective+ Flight Deck Upgrade on Cirrus SR22T, SR22, and SR20 G3 and G5 series aircraft equipped with the original Cirrus Perspective system. The GMA 350c (P/N 010-00871-41) is the only approved audio panel version for this upgrade path, listed at $2,995.
press release
Garmin Expands GFC 500 Autopilot STC Coverage to Additional Airframes
Garmin International has announced expanded STC coverage for its popular GFC 500 digital autopilot system, adding approved installations for the Beechcraft Bonanza 33/35/36 series and Mooney M20J/M20K aircraft. The expansion brings Garmin's modern autopilot technology to a broader range of the general aviation fleet.
product update
Garmin G3X Touch Software Version 8.20 Released with Enhanced Engine Monitoring
Garmin has released software version 8.20 for the G3X Touch flight display system, delivering improvements to the engine information system (EIS) pages, lean-assist functionality, and fuel flow totalizer accuracy. The update is available as a free download for all G3X Touch installations.
memo
Garmin Spring 2026 Pricing Now in Effect Across All Aviation Product Lines
Garmin's spring 2026 pricing is now active across all aviation product lines. As an authorized Garmin dealer, Roger Wilco Aviation Services has updated its pricing to reflect the new manufacturer schedules. Operators planning panel upgrades or new installations should review current pricing as part of their project planning.
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