Upgrading your avionics isn’t just about adding new tech. It’s also about transforming how you interact with your aircraft. (Although, if we’re being honest, adding tech is a lot of fun too.) Today’s navigation systems do more than guide you from point A to point B; they streamline your entire flight experience
The evolution in cockpit technology over the past decade has been dramatic and according to industry pros, the difference is like trading in an old flip phone for an advanced smartphone — faster, smarter and far more capable.
Early generation Garmin navigators, such as the GNS™ series, were revolutionary for their time. But the GTN™ Xi series took that innovation even further, delivering the power and performance modern pilots expect — with an intuitive touchscreen design, ultrafast processing speeds and seamless system integration.
“I view it as the hub of the airplane,” said John Zimmerman, president of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, a longtime authorized Garmin avionics dealer. “It connects to the primary flight display, multifunction display, autopilot, weather receiver — and it does it in a way the older GNS series just couldn’t do.”
The GTN Xi series combines GPS, NAV and COMM capabilities into a single all-in-one unit, offering advanced functionality. And because it’s a slide-in upgrade — executed by an authorized Garmin dealer — from previous GTN 650 and 750 models, installation is straightforward.
Garmin navigators: Which is right for you?
If you’re considering an upgrade, you might be wondering which Garmin navigator is best for your aircraft. The answer? It depends on your flying style and personal preferences.
“It goes back to understanding who they are, what their mission is and what they want to get out of their airplane,” Zimmerman said. “There’s a right answer for everybody.”
For occasional weekend flyers, the more basic GPS navigation avionics might check all the boxes. But for those who fly more frequently, operate IFR or simply want a higher level of situational awareness in the cockpit, the GTN Xi lineup is tough to beat.
With a higher screen resolution (187 DPI versus 134 on the original GTN), faster processing speeds, a more intuitive interface and relocated controls for improved ergonomics, the GTN Xi is built for today’s demanding flying environments. It’s also lighter, draws less current and is designed to work seamlessly with other Garmin avionics.
GTN Xi 650 vs. 750: What’s the difference?
Another common question: Should you go with the GTN Xi 650 or the 750? Both upgrades can dramatically improve your cockpit experience. That’s when space considerations and price point may come into play.
“The 650 is a great replacement of the GNS™ 430 — phenomenal upgrade,” Zimmerman said. “And for a 750, we’re typically seeing a (GNS) 530 come out with an audio panel or maybe a transponder.”
Grayson Barrows, general manager of Precision Support Services, says customers often gravitate toward the GTN Xi 750 for its versatility and ability to consolidate key functions into one unit.
“We have the capability to go 750 with remote audio panel, remote transponder and give them all the functionality they need while maintaining that smaller real estate that’s available,” Barrows said.
Are you looking to upgrade your avionics? Check out the video below for more information.
Why Garmin?
Garmin has been at the forefront of aviation technology for more than three decades. Trusted by general aviation pilots and professional flight crews, our reputation for reliability and innovation continues to set the standard in the industry.
“If a customer is on the fence between brand X and Garmin, we just talk about the comparisons head-to-head,” Barrows said. “Nine times out of 10 — the choice is Garmin.”
With industry-leading integration, intuitive interfaces and world-class support, Garmin is more than a brand pilots trust — it’s a co-pilot they rely on. Hear directly from the experts in the following video and explore how the GTN Xi series could transform your cockpit.
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