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:

Mastering a new Garmin TXi panel requires a multi-faceted training approach beyond basic EFIS experience, including simulator practice, in-aircraft ground time, and real-world flying.
Key training tools include the free Garmin TXi Trainer application, dedicated ground practice in your specific aircraft using ground power, and the comprehensive Garmin TXi Essentials eLearning Course.
The Garmin TXi Essentials eLearning Course is highly recommended for deeper understanding and is often complimentary with purchase; ideally, complete it early in your training process.
For GTN Xi navigators, do not assume prior experience with older Garmin GNS or GTN units will suffice; utilize the GTN Essentials 2.0 eLearning Course to learn significant interface and default action changes.

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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.”