Why Aircraft Owners Choose Trio Autopilots Over Garmin
Before we discuss your specific situation, here’s what makes Trio different—and why it might (or might not) be right for your mission.
The Trio Advantage: Four Key Differences
1. No EFIS Required Garmin GFC500 forces you to buy G5, GI 275, or G3X displays—adding $5,000-8,000 to your cost. The trio Pro-pilot includes built-in pitch and roll sensors and works with steam gauges and most EFIS brands, and only requires a GPS source. (It can even be a portable unit for VFR applications)
2. Installation Flexibility Any certified A&P/IA can install Trio. Garmin requires authorized dealers, creating 4-6 month backlogs. Some Trio owners even assist under supervision to reduce labor costs.
3. Open Ecosystem Trio works with Aspen, Dynon, Garmin, Avidyne, uAvionix GPS, and EFIS systems. Garmin locks you into its ecosystem exclusively.
4. Lower Total Cost Typical Trio installation: $11,000-14,000 Typical Garmin GFC500 installation: $20,000-25,000
But here’s what matters more than price: Does it fit your mission, your panel, and your budget? That’s what we figure out together.
trio
How Most Trio Installations Actually Begin
Installing a certified autopilot in a legacy aircraft is rarely as simple as choosing a model and placing an order. Aircraft configuration, mission profile, existing equipment, and installer capabilities all play a role in determining what makes sense—and what doesn’t.
As the exclusive authorized distributor for Trio and STC Group, LLC, I serve as your technical coordinator throughout the entire process.
What We Confirm Before You Buy:
- Your Mission & Requirements: How you fly determines which features matter. IFR pilot? VFR weekend flyer? Building time for commercial? This drives everything else.
- Aircraft Configuration: Not all panels are the same. We review your specific setup, existing equipment, and what’s realistic for your aircraft.
- Installation Considerations: I help you understand what’s involved and discuss installation considerations. Your AP/IA or installer recommendations.
- Future Upgrade Path: Today’s decision shouldn’t limit tomorrow’s options. We can help you plan for your complete panel, not just sell you the autopilot.
- We are also approved dealers for uAvionix and can source Garmin GPS, Aspen, Avidyne. Trig, EI, JPI and more though our sister site: Grumman-Parts.com
Trio Pro Pilot vs. Garmin GFC500 Side by Side: What Makes the Trio Autopilot 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.
Only Trio delivers true flexibility, a lower total cost of ownership, and customer-friendly support that Garmin 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 |
The Real Cost Difference
| Trio Pro Pilot | Garmin GFC500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Autopilot System | $6,340-7,045 | $6,995-8,995 |
| Required EFIS | $0 (optional) | $5,000+ (mandatory) |
| Installation | $5,000-6,000 | $7,000-9,000 |
| Typical Total | $11,000-14,000 | $20,000-25,000 |
But remember: The right system isn’t just about cost—it’s about fit. Some aircraft benefit from a full Garmin ecosystem. Others don’t. Let’s discuss what makes sense for you.
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:
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Aspen Evolution, E5, ProMax – Approved
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Garmin G5 – With GAD29 B/D
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Dynon SkyView – Unlock available
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Garmin GI 275 – Expected 2026
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uAvionix AV-30C – Expected 2026
- *** 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:
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Garmin – GTN, GNS, AERA, GPSMAP, G3X, and legacy series
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Avidyne – IFD Series
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Dynon – SkyView HDX (via ARINC-429 converter)
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Aspen Avionics – EFD1000 Series
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IFLY GPS – Compatible portable solutions
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Other brands supported – Including AVMAP, BendixKing, Lowrance, AnywhereMap, and more
📄 View the Full GPS & Avionics Compatibility List (PDF)
Trio Installs in the Wild: Flexible! Upgradeable! Uniquely Yours!
From the most basic steam guages VFR panels to fully loaded IFR stacks, Trio’s Certified Autopilot adapts to your aircraft, your avionics, and your mission. No dealer lock-ins. No boxed-in bundles. Just the freedom to build your panel your way—on your timeline.
Certified for the Aircraft We Fly
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.
The Trio ProPilot is FAA-approved for the following Cessna aircraft and series:
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✔️ 150 / 152
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✔️ 170B
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✔️ 172
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✔️ 175
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✔️ 177
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✔️ 180
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✔️ 182
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✔️ 185
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✔️ 190 / 195
The Trio ProPilot is FAA-approved for the most popular Grumman airframes.
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✔️ AA-5 Traveler
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✔️ AA-5A Cheetah
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✔️ AA-5B Tiger
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✔️ AG-5B Tiger
The Trio ProPilot is FAA-approved for multiple legacy Piper models and series.
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✔️ PA-24 Comanche
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✔️ PA-28 Series
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✔️ PA-32-260
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✔️ PA-32-300
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✔️ PA-32S-300
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✔️ PA-32R-300
See the Trio System in Action
How it Works
