{"product_id":"realsimgear-gfc500-autopilot","title":"RealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot\u003c\/strong\u003e brings dedicated Garmin-style autopilot controls into your home cockpit, replacing awkward mouse clicks with the satisfying feel of a physical flight control panel. Its \u003cstrong\u003eGFC500-inspired control layout\u003c\/strong\u003e puts autopilot management directly at your fingertips, while \u003cstrong\u003eilluminated LED mode indicators\u003c\/strong\u003e provide useful visual confirmation of active functions. 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 instrument setup. Because adjusting your autopilot during an approach shouldn't feel like operating a spreadsheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Sets the RealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot apart?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDedicated Garmin GFC500-Style Autopilot Controls\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike generic button boxes that require pilots to memorize unrelated control assignments, the RealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot is designed around the familiar layout of Garmin's GFC500 flight control system. This makes it particularly suitable for general aviation aircraft equipped with compatible autopilot implementations. Having a dedicated physical interface allows pilots to manage supported autopilot functions without searching for small virtual buttons. During instrument approaches or busy departures, that consistent control location can make cockpit management considerably more convenient.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIlluminated Mode Indicators for Clearer Autopilot Awareness\u003c\/strong\u003e The GFC500 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 flight director, navigation, 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 also complement the physical controls, making the unit particularly appealing for instrument flying where understanding the selected autopilot mode is essential.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSingle USB Connection for Straightforward Cockpit Integration\u003c\/strong\u003e The RealSimGear GFC500 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 compact functional approach makes it a useful companion to other flight instruments without requiring an additional graphics connection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocused Support for X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator\u003c\/strong\u003e The GFC500 Autopilot is compatible with X-Plane 11, X-Plane 12, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on Windows PCs. Its greatest value comes from pairing it with aircraft that implement Garmin GFC500-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 the simulator and aircraft integration. Aircraft using unrelated autopilot systems may not support every dedicated function.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros and Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePros\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCons\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDedicated GFC500-style controls reduce dependence on virtual autopilot buttons.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAircraft compatibility depends on supported autopilot software integrations.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLED indicators provide visible feedback for active autopilot modes.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003emacOS and console gaming platforms are not supported.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle USB connection simplifies integration into existing PC cockpits.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupports X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator on Windows.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eValue\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnit Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGFC500 Autopilot Replica\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Category\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlight Simulator Autopilot Control Panel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControl Layout\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarmin GFC500-inspired\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnectivity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLED Indicators\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eActive autopilot mode display\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Operating System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicrosoft Windows, 64-bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Flight Simulators\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX-Plane 11, X-Plane 12, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Aircraft Category\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeneral aviation aircraft with compatible autopilot systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003emacOS Compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded Components\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGFC500 Autopilot unit, USB cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardware or Connection\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindows 64-Bit PC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported using the included USB cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarmin GFC500-Style Autopilot Systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesigned for compatible simulator implementations\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOther Autopilot Systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDedicated functions may require additional mapping or integration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRealSimGear Avionics Hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCan operate alongside separately connected PC avionics devices\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlight Yokes and Joysticks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCan operate alongside independently connected PC flight controls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThrottle Quadrants and Rudder Pedals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCan operate alongside independently connected PC flight controls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDedicated Cockpit Installations\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable where the unit can be physically accommodated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003emacOS Computers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXbox\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlayStation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe RealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot is designed for \u003cstrong\u003e64-bit Windows PCs\u003c\/strong\u003e and connects through \u003cstrong\u003ea single USB cable, included with the unit\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its dedicated controls and LED indicators are intended for \u003cstrong\u003ecompatible Garmin GFC500-style autopilot implementations\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe GFC500 can be used alongside \u003cstrong\u003eseparately connected flight yokes, joysticks, throttle quadrants, and rudder pedals\u003c\/strong\u003e within a PC flight simulator. It also complements dedicated avionics panels, allowing pilots to position autopilot controls separately from primary flight instruments. The \u003cstrong\u003eUSB connection handles communication with the computer\u003c\/strong\u003e, while compatible simulator software determines how autopilot commands and mode indicators behave. The hardware is \u003cstrong\u003enot designed for macOS or direct console use\u003c\/strong\u003e, and aircraft using different autopilot systems may require alternative control mappings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlatform or Flight Simulator\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicrosoft Windows 64-Bit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX-Plane 11\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported with compatible aircraft and autopilot integration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX-Plane 12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported with compatible aircraft and autopilot integration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2020\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported on PC with compatible aircraft and autopilot integration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGarmin GFC500-Equipped Aircraft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesigned for compatible simulator implementations\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOther General Aviation Aircraft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFunctionality depends on autopilot commands and available mappings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommercial Airliner Autopilot Systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDedicated GFC500 functions are not guaranteed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003emacOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicrosoft Flight Simulator on Xbox\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlayStation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe RealSimGear GFC500 Autopilot supports \u003cstrong\u003eX-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12\u003c\/strong\u003e alongside \u003cstrong\u003eMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2020 on Windows PC\u003c\/strong\u003e, with its primary application being general aviation aircraft equipped with compatible GFC500-style autopilot systems. The physical controls and illuminated mode indicators work through the relevant simulator integration, so aircraft-specific support determines which functions are available. Aircraft using unrelated autopilot systems may require additional configuration and may not provide complete functionality. The unit is \u003cstrong\u003enot compatible with macOS, Xbox, or PlayStation\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a dedicated PC flight simulation peripheral.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RealSimGear","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55250207703373,"sku":null,"price":405.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0844\/4271\/0349\/files\/RealSimGear-GFC500-Autopilot601815f0d34b2_600x600_e30db1aa-8a4c-4e54-9602-b02b1b02f9ef.jpg?v=1793529003","url":"https:\/\/simracerzone.com\/el\/products\/realsimgear-gfc500-autopilot","provider":"SimRacerZone","version":"1.0","type":"link"}