“Smarter Autopilot. Certified. Proven.”

Official distributor of FAA-approved Trio Pro Pilot autopilot systems for legacy Cessna, Grumman, and Piper aircraft — delivering tailored solutions and bundle packages to support your mission profile and flying goals.

Certified for the Aircraft You Fly — Not Just the Ones Garmin Supports

Trio Pro Pilot is FAA-certified for a wide range of legacy Cessna, Grumman, and Piper aircraft—including models that Garmin doesn’t support.
Click your manufacturer below to explore supported models and approved installations.

Trio Pro Pilot vs. Garmin GFC500: What Makes Us a Better Choice

When comparing the Trio Pro Pilot with Garmin’s GFC500 autopilot system, the differences go far beyond price.
Trio is designed for real pilots in real aircraft — not just the newest airframes and all-glass panels.
It delivers true flexibility, a lower total cost of ownership, and customer-friendly support that Garmin simply doesn’t match.
Here’s how the two systems stack up where it really matters.

Feature	Trio Pro Pilot	Garmin GFC500
FAA Certification	STC’d for more legacy Cessna, Piper, Grumman models	STC’d for fewer legacy airframes
EFIS Requirement	❌ Not required — works with almost any GPS only	✅ Requires additional purchase G5, GI 275, or G3X
Avionics Compatibility	Works with Aspen, Dynon, uAvionix, Avidyne, Garmin GPS	Garmin-Only ecosystem
Kit Contents	Controller, servos, prebuilt harness, installion hardware, brackets, full docs	Controller, servos — all harnesses, brackts etc. must be fabricated or purchased separately, limited install doc availability
Installation Path	Any A&P with an IA can install	Must use Garmin-certified installer
Safety Features	Auto Level, 180 Turn, PCS, Track Offset, Envelope Protection	ESP, Level, Pitch/Roll Hold
Customer Support	Direct from Trio Autopilots, STC Group, LLC, + Robust, enthusiastic. user community	Through authorized dealers, or long wait Garmin phone support
Total Ownership Cost	Lower — no EFIS needed, no dealer fabrication and markup	Higher — Garmin EFIS Required, Higher Price Point, Longer Installation Time
System Flexibility	Open — works with many panel setups	Closed — Garmin ecosystem only

See the Trio System in Action

Trio Works with the Panel You Have — Not the One the Garmin Dealer Wants to “Sell” You

Legacy Steam Gauges and Almost Any GPS Source

Trio’s Pro Pilot Autopilot is engineered for real-world flexibility. It integrates with your existing panel—even legacy steam gauges—and connects seamlessly to popular EFIS and GPS systems including Aspen Evolution, Dynon SkyView, and Avidyne IFD.

You don’t need to buy a full glass cockpit or rip out your panel just to fly safer. With built-in pitch and roll sensors, Trio eliminates the need for an external AHRS—simplifying installation and keeping costs down. Whether you’re flying with a Garmin 396 handheld, a GNS 430/530, Avidyne GPS, or a uAvionix solution, Trio delivers reliable, certified performance without locking you into a closed ecosystem.

EFIS and GPS Compatibility***

✅ Compatible EFIS Systems Include:

Aspen Evolution, E5, ProMax – Approved
Garmin G5 – With GAD29 B/D
Dynon SkyView – Unlock available
Garmin GI 275 – Expected 2025
uAvionix AV-30C – Expected 2025
*** Not Required – No EFIS is Required for the Trio

✅ Compatible GPS Units – Ultimate Flexibility

Trio Autopilot works with a wide range of panel-mounted and portable GPS systems from leading manufacturers:

Garmin – GTN, GNS, AERA, GPSMAP, G3X, and legacy series
Avidyne – IFD Series
Dynon – SkyView HDX (via ARINC-429 converter)
Aspen Avionics – EFD1000 Series
IFLY GPS – Compatible portable solutions
Other brands supported – Including AVMAP, BendixKing, Lowrance, AnywhereMap, and more