Trio Pro Pilot Autopilot for Cessna Aircraft | FAA-Certified

Trio Pro Pilot certified autopilot installed in a Cessna 150 panel with Garmin G5 and GTN650

Modern Autopilot. Vintage Airframe. No EFIS Required.

Whether you're flying steam gauges or have upgraded to a modern EFIS, the Trio Pro Pilot works with your current panel — not against it. Built-in pitch and roll sensors mean no required EFIS purchase, unlike the Garmin GFC 500.

The complete installation kit includes a factory-built wiring harness specific to your Cessna model. Your A&P/IA doesn't need to fabricate wiring — it's built and tested before it ships. Any A&P holding Inspection Authorization can complete the install under the STC.

No EFIS Required Any A&P with IA GPS Approach Capable Complete Kit Included

Real 2026 Numbers

What Does a Cessna Autopilot Actually Cost?

The most common question — and the one nobody publishes honestly. Here's the full picture.

Trio Pro Pilot — Typical Installed

$11,000 – $14,000

Clean-sheet install · any A&P/IA · your GPS

Unit + STC kit $6,640

Labor — 40–45 hrs $4,000 – $6,750

EFIS required No

Installer Any A&P/IA

Use existing GPS Yes

Garmin GFC 500 — Typical Installed

$32,000 – $40,000+

Clean-sheet · no existing Garmin EFIS · Lafayette Avionics pricing

GFC 500 base installed $18,995

G5 attitude (if not owned) + $5,995

G5 HSI + GAD29B + GMU11 + $7,995

EFIS required Yes — mandatory

Installer Garmin dealer only

The honest answer: If you fly coupled ILS approaches to minimums regularly and already own a Garmin panel, the GFC 500 may be worth the premium — it does things the Trio does not. For the other 80% of Cessna owners who want a modern certified autopilot without rebuilding their entire panel, the Trio Pro Pilot delivers the same daily capability at a fraction of the cost. Both fly coupled GPS approaches with vertical guidance.

Making the Decision

Trio Pro Pilot vs Garmin GFC 500 for Cessna Owners

Two capable certified autopilots. Very different price points. Here's how to choose.

Choose the Trio Pro Pilot if…

You own a legacy Cessna 150, 152, 172, 177, 182, or other STC-covered model and want a modern two-axis certified autopilot without a full panel rebuild.

You have a trusted local A&P or avionics shop and want the flexibility to use them. The Trio installs under the STC with any A&P holding Inspection Authorization — no Garmin dealer required.

You already have a GPS — whether a Garmin 430W, 530W, Avidyne IFD, or a portable — the Trio works with what you own. No new GPS purchase required to fly coupled GPS approaches with vertical guidance.

Consider the GFC 500 if…

You fly ILS approaches to minimums regularly and need full coupled instrument approach capability including ILS. The GFC 500 provides this — the Trio Pro Pilot does not couple to ILS approaches.

You're already invested in the Garmin ecosystem with a G5 or GI-275 installed, a GTN navigator, and a Garmin-authorized shop you trust. In that configuration the GFC 500's cost premium shrinks because the mandatory EFIS hardware is already installed.

Budget is not a primary constraint and you want the most capable aftermarket autopilot available for certified light singles regardless of cost.

Questions about your specific Cessna? Jeff reviews your aircraft model, existing avionics, and mission before making any recommendation. The consultation is free and there's no obligation to buy. Call 540-309-6427 or visit the panel consultation page.

Select Your Model

Find Your Cessna

Each model ships with an aircraft-specific Trio Pro Pilot installation kit. Select yours to view pricing and order.

Cessna

150 / 152

The Cessna 150 and 152 are among the most-flown trainers in history. The Trio Pro Pilot brings modern certified autopilot capability to both models — two-axis GPS tracking, altitude hold, and approach capability without touching the existing instrument panel.