Description
The RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot brings dedicated Garmin-style autopilot controls into your flight simulator, replacing fiddly mouse clicks with the satisfying feel of a physical flight control panel. Its GFC700-inspired control layout puts supported autopilot functions directly at your fingertips, while illuminated LED mode indicators provide clear visual confirmation of active modes. Designed for general aviation flying in X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator, the unit connects through a single USB cable and fits naturally into a dedicated cockpit setup. Because managing an instrument approach shouldn't involve chasing tiny buttons around your monitor.
What Sets the RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot apart?
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Dedicated Garmin GFC700-Style Autopilot Controls Unlike generic button boxes that require pilots to memorize unrelated control assignments, the RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot is designed around the familiar interface of Garmin's GFC700 flight control system. This makes it particularly suitable for general aviation aircraft equipped with compatible autopilot implementations, including supported Cirrus SR20 and SR22 configurations. Having a dedicated physical panel allows pilots to manage supported autopilot functions without searching for virtual controls. During instrument approaches or busy departures, that consistent control location can make cockpit management considerably more convenient.
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Illuminated Mode Indicators for Clearer Flight Management The GFC700 Autopilot includes LED indicators designed to display active autopilot modes, providing an immediate visual reference for supported functions. This is especially useful when managing changes between heading, navigation, altitude, and approach-related modes in compatible aircraft. Instead of relying entirely on the simulator's instrument panel, pilots gain another location for checking autopilot status. The indicators complement the physical controls, making the unit particularly appealing for instrument flying where understanding the selected autopilot mode is essential.
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Single USB Connection for Straightforward Cockpit Integration The RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot connects to a compatible Windows computer through USB, keeping the hardware connection relatively simple. The included USB cable allows the panel to become part of an existing desktop simulator or a larger general aviation cockpit. Unlike dedicated avionics displays that require separate video outputs, this unit focuses on physical autopilot controls and LED indications. Its focused design makes it a useful companion to other flight instruments without requiring an additional graphics connection.
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Support for X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator The GFC700 Autopilot supports X-Plane 11, X-Plane 12, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on compatible Windows PCs. Its greatest value comes from pairing it with aircraft that implement Garmin GFC700-style autopilot functions, where the physical layout corresponds closely to the aircraft's controls. This specialization is useful for pilots who regularly fly general aviation aircraft, although functionality depends on simulator and aircraft integration. Aircraft using unrelated autopilot systems may not support every dedicated function.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Dedicated GFC700-style controls reduce dependence on virtual autopilot buttons. |
Aircraft compatibility depends on supported autopilot software integrations. |
| LED indicators provide visible feedback for active autopilot modes. |
macOS and console gaming platforms are not supported. |
| Single USB connection simplifies integration into existing PC cockpits. |
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| Supports X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator on Windows. |
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Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Product Name |
RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot |
| Unit Type |
GFC700 Autopilot Replica |
| Product Category |
Flight Simulator Autopilot Control Panel |
| Control Layout |
Garmin GFC700-inspired |
| Connectivity |
USB |
| LED Indicators |
Active autopilot mode display |
| Supported Operating System |
Microsoft Windows, 64-bit |
| Supported Flight Simulators |
X-Plane 11, X-Plane 12, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 |
| Primary Aircraft Category |
General aviation aircraft with compatible autopilot systems |
| Relevant Aircraft |
Compatible Cirrus SR20 and SR22 configurations |
| macOS Compatibility |
Not supported |
| Included Components |
GFC700 Autopilot unit, USB cable |
RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot Compatibility
| Hardware or Connection |
Compatibility |
| Windows 64-Bit PC |
Supported |
| USB Connection |
Supported using the included USB cable |
| Garmin GFC700-Style Autopilot Systems |
Designed for compatible simulator implementations |
| Cirrus SR20 and SR22 Aircraft |
Compatible configurations with supported GFC700 autopilot integration |
| Other General Aviation Aircraft |
Functionality depends on the aircraft's autopilot implementation |
| Other Autopilot Systems |
Dedicated functions may require additional mapping or integration |
| Other Avionics Hardware |
Can operate alongside separately connected PC avionics devices |
| Flight Yokes and Joysticks |
Can operate alongside independently connected PC flight controls |
| Throttle Quadrants and Rudder Pedals |
Can operate alongside independently connected PC flight controls |
| macOS Computers |
Not supported |
| Xbox |
Not supported |
| PlayStation |
Not supported |
The RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot is designed for 64-bit Windows PCs and connects through a single USB cable, included with the unit. Its dedicated controls and LED indicators are intended for compatible Garmin GFC700-style autopilot implementations, making it particularly suitable for general aviation cockpit arrangements. The unit does not require a separate HDMI display connection. However, its physical controls do not automatically provide full compatibility with every aircraft autopilot, since individual functions depend on the simulator and available integration.
The GFC700 can operate alongside separately connected flight yokes, joysticks, throttle quadrants, and rudder pedals within a compatible PC flight simulator. It can also complement dedicated avionics panels, allowing pilots to position autopilot controls separately from primary flight instruments. The USB connection handles communication with the computer, while compatible simulator software determines how autopilot commands and mode indicators behave. The hardware is not designed for macOS or direct console use, and aircraft using different autopilot systems may require alternative control mappings.
| Platform or Flight Simulator |
Compatibility |
| Microsoft Windows 64-Bit |
Supported |
| X-Plane 11 |
Supported with compatible aircraft and autopilot integration |
| X-Plane 12 |
Supported with compatible aircraft and autopilot integration |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 |
Supported on PC with compatible aircraft and autopilot integration |
| Garmin GFC700-Equipped Aircraft |
Designed for compatible simulator implementations |
| Cirrus SR20 and SR22 |
Supported where compatible GFC700 autopilot integration is available |
| Other General Aviation Aircraft |
Functionality depends on autopilot commands and available mappings |
| Commercial Airliner Autopilot Systems |
Dedicated GFC700 functions are not guaranteed |
| macOS |
Not supported |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox |
Not supported |
| PlayStation |
Not supported |
The RealSimGear GFC700 Autopilot supports X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 alongside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on Windows PC, with its primary application being general aviation aircraft equipped with compatible GFC700-style autopilot systems. This includes supported Cirrus SR20 and SR22 configurations, although available functions depend on the aircraft and simulator integration. The physical controls and illuminated mode indicators work through the relevant software configuration, so support varies between aircraft models. The unit is not compatible with macOS, Xbox, or PlayStation, making it a dedicated PC flight simulation peripheral.
