PilotWorkshops Garmin GTN: Next Level Course

Go Beyond the Fundamentals
The great thing about Garmin GTN navigators is they’re designed to be user friendly . In fact, using a GTN has been compared to using a smartphone, where most functions feel familiar and intuitive.

There’s a catch though . Because it’s easy to start using functions in the GTN, many pilots learn how to do something quickly and the learning stops there. They never dig in to look for a better way of setting up screens, programming procedures, enabling advanced functions, or accessing critical data in a pinch. These are the user tips that can really make a difference, and that’s where this course comes in.

These videos ARE NOT about GTN basics. Instead, they give you a hands-on demonstration of features and functions that you may not be aware of , but can make your life so much easier during a flight (especially IFR). These are the tips and tricks you’ll be glad to know, the ones that will help you unlock the full power and flexibility of your GTN.

Master Your GTN For All Situations
We start with the simple things that are often overlooked (i.e. choosing the right data subscriptions and managing screen real estate). Then we move on to more advanced topics like approach strategies specific to the GTN, departures and arrivals (including vertical navigation), maximizing safety at night and in high terrain, as well as unusual situations that could catch you unaware. In all cases, we point out common gotchas. In case you’re still new to the GTN, we include a GTN function review to help get you going.

Learn Best Practices For:

– Flight Plan Construction (Airways Aren’t Always Best)

– Use of Vectors-to-Final

– Departure Alternate Inclusion

– Safety with +V Approaches and Other Advisory Guidance

– Early Preparation for Missed Approaches

– Shortcuts for Course Reversals, Including Autopilot Use

– Navigation with SIDs and STARs

– VNAV or VCALC on Arrivals

– Cross-checks of Loaded Procedures

– Use of OBS Mode and User Waypoints on Departures

– Advanced Ground Ops

– Terrain Awareness at Night or in IMC

– GTN Visual Approaches

– Radius-to-Fix and Other Curved Approach Courses

– Approach Downgrades and Other GPS Failure Modes

Meet Your Instructor

Ryan Koch

CFII, Director of Product Development

Ryan is responsible for the design and development of our new online training courses and pilot-friendly manuals, and oversees the course development team. He is also an active flight instructor specializing in instrument flight, is a flight simulator expert, and has experience doing remote flight instruction via simulators.

Ryan was the driving force behind the development of several PilotWorkshops online courses, including Instrument Rating Accelerator, IFR: The Missing Lessons, Garmin GTN: Next Level, and Advanced IFR. Ryan is also a contributing expert for PilotWorkshops’ IFR Mastery series and is a regular participant in the Instructor’s Roundtable. He teaches ground schools, runs ATC communications courses for both IFR and VFR pilots, and has developed curriculum for a variety of IFR proficiency programs, and a simulator-centered high school aviation program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this course cover both the Garmin GTN 750 and 650 units?

A: Yes, this course was designed for both GTN 750 and 650 users. We primarily use a GTN 750 in the videos, but if you have a GTN 650 the procedures will be the same (or we’ll specifically call them out where they aren’t).

Q: Is this course applicable to other Garmin units?

A: Yes. While the focus of the training is on the GTN series, this course is also helpful for Garmin GNX 375, GNC 355, and GPS 175 users. Because the GTN 635 and GTN 625 units are functionally similar to the GTN 650, the course is applicable for those users too.

Q: How do I access the Garmin GTN: Next Level course?

A: Your training is available online at Sportys.com/mycourses and in the Pilot Training App available on iOS and Android. You can watch it on any computer, tablet or phone.

Q: Can I watch the videos offline?

A: Yes, you can download the videos for offline viewing from the Sporty’s Pilot Training iOS or Android app.

Q: Will my online access to the program ever expire?

A: No. Once you register your login credentials, they never expire. You will always have access to the program.

Q: Can I access the videos from more than one computer or device?

A: Yes – with your login info, you can access the site from any device as often as you want for personal use.