Certified Autopilot Decisions Start With the Aircraft — Not the Box
TrioAutopilots.com helps owners of legacy aircraft confirm compatibility, installation considerations, and next steps before selecting a certified Trio autopilot system.
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 installation considerations all play a role in determining what makes sense — and what doesn’t.
As the authorized distributor for STC Group, LLC, TrioAutopilots.com serves as the primary point of coordination for owners evaluating a Trio autopilot installation. This helps ensure the system selected is appropriate for the aircraft and avoids surprises later in the installation process.
What We Help Owners Confirm Before Purchase
Aircraft Eligibility
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Model and configuration review
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Approved model coverage
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Certification considerations
Installation Considerations
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Common installation factors
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Shop and scheduling realities
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Wiring and configuration context
System Interoperability
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How a Trio autopilot fits into the existing panel
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Considerations with common EFIS and GPS configurations
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Planning today that won’t limit future upgrades
Who This Process Is Designed For
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Owners of legacy certified aircraft considering an autopilot upgrade
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Owners comparing Trio to other certified autopilot options
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Aircraft owners planning incremental panel upgrades
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Installers and IAs supporting owner-driven decisions
This process is focused on pre-purchase evaluation and planning. Technical support for existing systems is handled separately.
Documentation & Education Are Always Available
Official documentation, manuals, wiring diagrams, and certification references are available for owners and installers who want to review the details.
These resources are most helpful once you’ve begun the equipment selection and planning process.
Trio Autopilot System Overview
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:
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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 2025
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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:
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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.
