Learning Garmin’s TXi

You just dropped a bundle of money on your panel upgrade that includes Garmin’s G500 TXi full EFIS complete with engine monitoring. Know how to use it?

Frank Bowlin

Monday, November 20, 2023 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Most lessons start with a brief intro by the talking head, then a split screen where the talking head walks through some big-picture information.

Key Takeaways:

Achieving expert proficiency with a Garmin TXi system requires a multi-faceted training approach beyond just "getting by," involving dedicated study and hands-on practice.
Key resources for mastering the TXi include the free Garmin TXi Trainer application, in-aircraft practice using ground power, and the comprehensive Garmin TXi Essentials eLearning Course (often complimentary with purchase).
It is highly recommended to undertake the TXi Essentials eLearning Course early in the training process, as it offers valuable insights and streamlines operations, making a significant difference even for experienced users.
For those also upgrading to Garmin GTN Xi navigators, it's crucial not to assume prior knowledge of older Garmin systems will suffice; utilize the dedicated GTN Essentials 2.0 eLearning Course to learn the new interface.

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Having undertaken a major panel upgrade that I justified to myself as being for the most redundancy—not just backup—I could get, maximizing the offered safety demanded that I study the systems carefully. Garmin has that covered with both a desktop trainer and an eLearning course, specifically on their TXi system. Here’s how I undertook to transform myself from getting by to a confident user under marginal conditions.

Oh, and don’t kid yourself. If you have any experience flying behind an EFIS of any type, you can probably fly with Garmin’s TXi right after installation. But, “can probably” doesn’t mean “should” and definitely isn’t the same as “can expertly.”