GNX or GTN to equip your aircraft build for IFR? 

I learned how to fly at sling pilot academy, now fly as a professional and have only flown glass panels and waas. In 4+ years of flying and at 1300+ hrs, I have never had any issues with waas.

It's more money, but I'm old school and they will be ripping the VOR's and ILS's from my cold dead fingertips :) You all do really beautiful work.

Great video. I have a 650 in my panel and would choose the 375 if it would have been available at that time. There will be more GPS approaches in the future, especially at smaller airports. ILS will not go away at bigger airports. VORs are almost obsolete. After owning my RV-10 for 6 years and 400 hrs I only had to fly 2 real IFR approaches to the minimum. I think a lot of people get carried away with all those screens. It also doesn't matter if you're owning the newest equipment. What matters is that you can operate it properly under IFR and a full pattern.

What a great video! I’d like to point out that 125 only applies to large aircraft, 20 seats or more and/or 6000 lb. payload. Still a great idea to have that backup option though. Even in the smallest of aircraft.

Lots of great information, thank you and keep up the good work!

Very informative video. Thanks so much for posting it ! Keep them coming.

This was a fantastic video. Would love to see more like it.

Thank you for putting together this presentation. It opened my eyes to some options that I have not considered

Really well done video, professional and thorough and has been a big help in helping me decide what navigation unit to go with.

Great video as I shop around and try and decide on my panel upgrades!

This vid is great, but it is 3 years old. I’m 99% sure that about 2 years ago the FAA issued a bulletin stating that you can take your IFR check-ride with a GPS-only panel, like the Garmin 175, 375, 625, or even the 400W.

Very nice video, thanks for having all the links to the relevant FAR/AIMs too

You have really good presentation skills!

Very good video, precise, well referenced, down to the point, fast paced, Steve knows GPS and WASS very well.

Awesome presentation sir.

Wow. That was a very thorough explanation. Well Done.

An absolutely great and informative video. Thanks from across the Atlantic

Very informative and I love how you explained the pricing points and reasons why pricing can vary with functionality, etc. I think you just saved a lot of pilots a lot of money.

Excellent presentation. Thank you, Steve.

Fantastic info and presentation, thank you.

This is by far the best video I have found on this topic. Thank you! Great work.

Very informative. I went with the GTN 650 for the very reasons you brought up

Much needed video explaining the differences in these models

Might I add that you are awesome at doing these videos. Garmin and the other companies would be wise to have you review all their products.

THANKS for the explanation.

I really like this video. I have no idea what all the different models cover and this clears up a bunch of that. Thanks

Exactly the video I was looking for. Thanks!!

Outstanding video! Thank you! 🙏🏻

Excellent overview!

Very nice detailed explanation. Thanks

OUTSTANDING video SteveO ! You really did your research.

Good stuff. Helps clear up some 'important' things when considering which way to go. Thanks for the post. Cheers, Chuck (NE Florida) : +)

Excellent video

Wow - a wealth of helpful information as I attempt to figure out what my IFR panel needs will be for my RV14A. Many thanks..!

Great video. Though I've watched it before, in prep for which gps nav to buy for my BE35, I now need new comm radio too

Excellent video and information.

Good video, well done!

Great video, awesome information. I'm a student pilot getting ready to build a Zenith Super Duty and this video shows me some options

My head is about to explode! Young man did an excellent job explaining Garmin's offerings and knowledge on the WAAS/GPS relationship. My present stack was modern when they transitioned from soup cans and string. Hell I still have an ADF on board. Mucho dinero to replace 😢. Refinance the house and get a 650xi...lol

Excellent detailed rational information. Thank you

Great details simply explained. Thanks

GOOD JOB! Yes, 375 is my choise.

Thanks for doing this. I was whining over on FB about the lack of space for a 750 over the 650 (I’m sure I was trying the patience of whomever was responding to me). The demo of what the G3X can do with the 650 pretty much answered all of the questions as to why I would want to stop complaining.

You are an excellent presenter of knowledge, sir. I appreciate your video and teaching presentations.

Working on my instrument rating, flying my plane with a 375. This cleared up so much. Thanks!

Incredible level of detail and professional approach, even reviewing FAA regs on screen. Thank you!

Thanks for this presentation. I chose a G175 which will allow me to perform RNAV/LPV approaches. My plan for the plane is to be a VFR Plane with IFR capability. This will allow me to either get on the ground if weather comes in, or get out of somewhere to get to VFR conditions.

Fantastic explanation!

Great video, thank you!

Great video! I think my decision will be the 375. Having the transponder built in is a great feature. I honestly thought about getting a separate NAV radio, but I don't think it will get used enough to justify the cost. The small screen is a little annoying, but it can be loaded onto the G3X.

Another great video. Thanks again.

outstanding insight for keeping decisions real thanks

Great video. GPS does not use triangulation, it uses trilateration.

Excellent sir! I just went GPS only on my Aerostar. Pulled a bunch of '75 Collins out. and I went the GNC355a plus two KY196's and the new 3 com 345 Audio Panel. Additionally I have a stand alone GDL 50 and Aerra 760...... My mistake was using a 330esd instead of the 345 transponder. I may add a 375 thus giving me redundant transponders and the traffic and weather on all devices.

Great presentation...!!!

Thanks for the info

Very informative. Thankyou

Good Info! I already have a good KT-76C digital transponder with GDL82 ADS B. Additionally, a GNS430w and a KX155 with glideslope. So... just add a GPS 175 and a newer generation iPad with Garmin Pilot for the nice big display and Bluetooth connectivity, creating a great setup for under 5k! The nice thing about iPad display is with the right mount, it can be right at your fingertips and have an even bigger and in some ways more versatile display than a GTN 750. Basically, the 175 and KX155 give you everything for a #1 GPS/Nav/Com, and the 430w becomes the #2 backup. Cool thing is that you can Bluetooth your flight plans from the iPad with either Garmin Pilot or Foreflight apps to the 175 and it can then cross fill them to the 430w. I'm also considering some of the GI 275 stuff that also connects with Bluetooth when upgrading round instruments or getting rid of a vacuum system. Lots of info for relatively small bucks (in avionics terms) and can keep the round gauges for backups and retain the retro look in my classic.

One great video, expertly done with poignant and relevant information given .thank you

Great video!

I think I made the right decision…dual g5 with a 375…great video!

Very helpful Thankyou

Thank you for your information, we want to replace the KLN 90B in a bell 430 and i think GNX 375 is the only one GPS (+ ads-b) will fit with small space at pedestal.

Awesome video!

Excellent presentation. I'm planning on a Sling TSi. I wish you guys were here in the UK to build the panel! (subscribed)

14CFR125 applies to no homebuilt. What it does apply to would require a second navigation source. A GPS with WAAS is ONE source. To encourage IFR operations with one navigation source is ill advised particularly when it is your com source as well. One box quits (and they do quit from time to time) and you wont be shooting any approach ASR or otherwise. And yes the ACS require more than a GPS approach for the rating. Good overview of the garmin offerings though.

nice job Sir,,,

GPS175 can be used for an instrument check ride. To execute a non precision approach, you turn WAAS to shoot a LNAV non precision approach.

Another great video!

Excellent! Thanks!

Great video and explanation!! I've been trying to decide whether to go GTN or GNX375 + GTR255 and this confirmed what I suspected. Costs is a few hundred more than the GTN650xi for the GNX375 + GNC 255, but you get a transponder. Add in one more com radio and you have redundant GPS + Nav and redundant com including separate chassis so no single point of failure for everything.

Just stumbled across this video. This is fantastic! Being 3 years old, I wonder how much is out of date now? At '23 AirVenture, we were talking to the Garmin rep about Garmin's 355, 375, 650, and 750. I have had 3 CFIIs and 2 pilot friends, 1 of which is ATP, helping me understand which is right for me with differing answers across the board. Building an RV-10 and about halfway right now, waiting on QB Cabin and starting my IFR training hoping to better understand this. I would be flying VFR 99% of the time, with occasional light IFR to get through clouds and out of Denver. Heavy IFR here is ice and that accumulates quickly on the Van's thick wings. Overall, I want to be /G and able to do approaches to numerous airports, many of which don't have ILS anyways. Your GPS is the redundancy to WAAS makes me think I don't need the Garmin G5 either?

great information!

Very informative vid, thanks for taking the trouble.

Great Video!

Nice job! Confirms my thoughts on having only a WAAS GPS for light IFR in my experimental. I really appreciate the objectivity. I'd like to hear a discussion on the 375 VS a 175 with an EchoUAT out, and a 327 and GDL 50 to feed the G3-x,

What a fantastic and clear explanation of the options. I have a 375 in a Husky and it almost seems like I could add two 275s and a magnetometer to be certified IFR capable. Do I read that right?

I went with the GTX-375 with GNC-255a. The 255 was a better value than a 650 plus a transponder. Although I'm surprised that the 375 doesn't push frequencies to the 255.

that was a great video

Great video...watched the whole thing and realized you are out of my airport!!! D95

👍good job!

I like all those “hunerds” being saved. I have an existing 430w and probably going to add the 375 for a transponder and backup nav.

Awesome presentation with excellent information. Question Do you build panels fro certified AIRCRAFT?

Steve and Adam, I recently discovered your channel and I've thoroughly enjoyed videos and the information. I am getting ready to build an aircraft (model not decided yet) and this video triggered a question which I've not been able to find an answer. I'm hoping you guys can help. I've noticed that most people using the G3X system will pair a GTN device with a GTR200 or GTR20 as their second comm. If I went with a GNC 255 for both the second radio and Nav, I know the G3X can control both the radio and nav portions. However, is there a way for the G3X to display VOR/ILS information from both Navs (like a cross radial identifying a fix on an ILS approach)?? Or would a secondary display like a G5 or GI-106 be required?? I know I'm thinking old school by wanting a second Nav radio but I can't shake the question and capability. Thanks for your thoughts.

This is a great video but I do have one question. I have an older non-gps IFR stack with DME and a KX155 with glide slope and another KX155 without glideslope. I'm thinking of getting either a gtn650 or the gnc355. I'm wondering if I should get the gnc355 and install a g3x to get more real estate or if I should get the gtn650 with G5s?

I’ve been flying an arrow a lot that my club owns and on a IFR flight yesterday my alternator went without warning then within two minutes everything went dark including the 375. Because of the 375 having the transponder in it I couldn’t even squawk 7600. Luckily the wx was pretty much VFR had a alternate in mind but I decided to flicker the master switch one more time and the lights back on and used that opportunity to lower the gear and radioed atc to inform them of my situation. These units are a great when everything is working but one must be prepared to utilize those pilotage and dead reckoning skills.

great video/ I enjoyed your take and presentation. I did however find that when you were talking about the gnx375 at the 15:18, you had showed and commented on the gtr 20 paired with it when this is not possible. My understanding is its only compatible with a g3x. I can not find any documentation or menus in the gnx375 to support this.

Also two big thumbs up... I really appreciated the clarification on the regs regarding 'contination / redundancy' that helped me a great deal in understanding what is perceived vs true loss of functionality. ILS can also break or get damaged, so takes a lot of steam out of arguments regarding duplicate capability. Also, todays equipment is inherently more reliable than older gear with many aging sensitive components. Taken to the extreme i suppose some gear heads out there would have the panel so loaded the tail would need ballast...lol.

great video.. I'm planning on installing a GNC 355 along with a G5 HSI to satisfy IFR flying. Many pilots, avionics shops and FAA DE's etc are unsure of the requirements for IFR flying and IFR check rides only using a GPS WASS navigator. Can an instrument student take the IFR check ride with only a GNC 355? 3 different approaches required, For example, the same plate can be used to do an LNAV, LNAVVNAV or LPV approach in many cases. Three different approaches. Just in case, my backup plan is to install a Navcom unit tied into the G5 HSI along with a previously installed GNC 355... Just heard your last comments on IFR Checkrides. I will still install a separate Navcom if needed to satisfy IFR check rides plus gain additional redundancy with a second comm radio and second non gps nav source.

Wow, I'm old. When I first started looking into getting my pilot's license GPS wasn't allowed for IFR at all.

Great video but you want to be careful saying that you can use the G3X to manipulate any navigators as this renders your IFR navigation illegal because the only way to do this is to revert to the internal GPS (G3X) which is not IFR certified. You can however use a peripheral such as an IPad to input, change or add anything on your flight plan. This can be done without ever switching from your Navigator GPS. I have been asking Garmin Aviation since 2020 to please add the functionality of the second G3X to use as an MFD to add or modify flight plans. Nearly 4 years later, this is still not a functionality available on the 3X with any Navigator.

Great explanation, thanks! Does the GNX 375 need a separate CDI to be IFR certified? Doesn’t it have vertical and horizontal bugs right on the screen for a gps approach?

I'm in the US but plan to fly to Canada and also the Caribbean. Is GPS-WAAS with a GNX acceptable or will I need a GTN with the VHF nav capability? Thanks, and GREAT videos!

One point that is missing is that VNAV is only available on the GTN 650 (and 750). While this relies on a capable autopilot, it is worth mentioning as part of the discussion.

If I may ask, in regards to taking the IFR check ride. Will a G3X, GTX375, GTR20 and a GNC 255 Nav/Com meet the requirements of being able to fly an ILS. I think so but wanted to get your thoughts. We are looking at matching the panel of the Piper 100i on our Piper Cherokee. Figured Piper did enough research in coming up with the most economical IFR panel on that trainer. We would also install the GFC 500 and one G5. Thank you

Good information on the various WAAS GPS navigators. Regarding the legalities of installing only one WAAS GPS navigator for IFR you reference Part 125.203, however, this regulation is not applicable to GA aircraft. Part 125.203 is specific to AIRPLANES HAVING A SEATING CAPACITY OF 20 OR MORE PASSENGERS OR A MAXIMUM PAYLOAD CAPACITY OF 6,000 POUNDS OR MORE. Part 91.205 which you cite earlier uis the applicable code governing instrument and equipment requirements for powered civil aircraft with standard category U.S. airworthiness certificates. Two-way radio communication and navigation equipment suitable for the route to be flown is all that is required. Navigation equipment, however, is addressed under the applicable Technical Standard Order (TSO). A WAAS navigator certified to TSO C-145\146 does not require alternate equipment. Therefore, only one WAAS navigator is required for IRF.

Excellent video. Lots of great information. Wouldn’t a GNX 375 + GNC255(instead of a GTR20) be a better option since it allows you have a Nav/Com? I think it would be more equivalent to the GTN650 + GTX 45R. 1 GPS, 1 Nav, 1 Com, 1 ADS-B In/out Xpdr. Or am I missing something?

If I added a 650 to a ELSA Light sport aircraft would that allow the aircraft to fly IFR and pursue instrument training in the plane?

You're good

You can use GPS in leu of DME. Other than that excellent video!