# Garmin GTN Trainer — user reviews > 94 indexed App Store user reviews of Garmin GTN Trainer by Digital Cyclone, rated 3.30/5 from 6 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-trainer/id479670018/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-gtn-trainer/id479670018.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 2 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 1 ## What do users think of Garmin GTN Trainer? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Great training tool - 👍 Authentic functionality - 👍 Useful for learning - 👍 Good for practice - 👍 Handy portable version **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes frequently - 🐛 Blank/black screen - 🐛 Unit does not turn on - 🐛 App is broken/unusable - 🐛 Outdated database - 🐛 Does not work with latest iPadOS - 🐛 Does not work with iPad mini 6 - 🐛 App loads but no functionality - 🐛 Crashing when finding frequency - 🐛 Airplane starts on other side of country - 🐛 Manual does not work - 🐛 Does not recognize purchase - 🐛 Trial period expired issue - 🐛 Reinitializes when switching apps - 🐛 Limited utility - 🐛 Older version of software - 🐛 Missing X-Plane integration - 🐛 No autopilot controller - 🐛 VNAV function does not work - 🐛 Does not have even basic autopilot controller - 🐛 GTN 750XI app crashes - 🐛 GTN trainer app crashes - 🐛 GTN 650 just gets spinning circle - 🐛 GPS screen blank/black - 🐛 GPS screen doesn't turn on - 🐛 Controller loads but zero functionality - 🐛 Garmin unit does not power on - 🐛 App opens to black screen - 🐛 Useless app - 🐛 Slow loading screen - 🐛 App unusable - 🐛 Forgottenware - 🐛 Limited use - 🐛 Cannot change simulator start location - 🐛 Simulator does not run in background - 🐛 Graphically Edit Flight Plan Mode does not operate correctly - 🐛 Jeppesen data out of date - 🐛 Approaches do not exist or are hamstrung - 🐛 GTN 650 starts at 51k in CA - 🐛 Cannot permanently delete initial fix - 🐛 No updated procedures for Europe - 🐛 RNAV approaches not updated - 🐛 ILS will not descend on autopilot - 🐛 Manual does not work - 🐛 Database with Europe seems to have gone away - 🐛 Needs 6.5x update - 🐛 Needs 6.50 or 6.51 update - 🐛 GTN 750 looks old fashioned - 🐛 Needs update for latest software version - 🐛 Won't download or install - 🐛 Unsupported app - 🐛 Database age - 🐛 Missing X-Plane integration - 🐛 Does not recognize purchase - 🐛 Trial period expired - 🐛 Not recognizing paid purchase - 🐛 Does not agree with PC trainer - 🐛 Some utilities missing - 🐛 Layout is different - 🐛 Sync with X-Plane needed - 🐛 App is a trial - 🐛 Reinitializes anytime you switch away - 🐛 Loses flight plan and all inputs - 🐛 Starts all over with initialization - 🐛 Current session/flight/function is forever lost - 🐛 Expensive for limited functionality **Commonly reported bugs** - VNAV function does not work - Airplane starts on the other side of the country - GTN 750XI app crashes when start button is pushed - GTN 650 closes out and stops when going to find frequency, recent - App starts with a blank black screen on display - 750 screen is black on startup - 650 just gets a spinning circle - Nothing comes on the screen - Loads but will not turn on - No button or toggle to turn on the app - Shows an off GPS - Screen is all black - Screen won't turn on when loading up - GPS Screen Blank/Black - Nothing loads on the display - App does not load anymore - Loads, but leaves you on a black screen with no functionality - App seems to be broken for the iPad - App doesn’t show anything on the simulated screen - Loads to black screen - Unit does not power on - Doesn’t work with iPadOS 17.4.1 - GPS screen doesn’t turn on - Controller loads but has zero functionality - Garmin unit does not power on - App is broken - Slow and doesn't work - GTN screens are black and nothing works - GPS is just a black screen - App is unusable - Newest iPad version seems to have broken the entire software - Apps are not kept up to date - Simulator freezes - App constantly crashes - Airplane doesn’t start flying the route when you add airspeed and altitude - Airplane’s starting location can’t be moved - Manual doesn’t explain how to do things - Graphically Edit Flight Plan Mode does not seem to operate correctly - Jeppesen data is 2018 - Approaches don’t exist or are hamstrung - GTN 650 starts at 51K in CA - Cannot permanently delete initial fix - No updated procedures for Europe - RNAV approaches not updated - ILS will not descend on autopilot - Manual does not work - Database with Europe seems to have gone away - Needs 6.5x update - Needs 6.50 or 6.51 update - GTN 750 looks old fashioned - Needs update for latest software version - Won’t download or install - Unsupported app - Database age - Missing X-Plane integration - Does not recognize purchase - Trial period expired - Not recognizing paid purchase - Does not agree with PC trainer - Some utilities missing - Layout is different - Sync with X-Plane needed - App is a trial - Reinitializes anytime you switch away - Loses flight plan and all inputs - Starts all over with initialization - Current session/flight/function is forever lost - Expensive for limited functionality - Crashes when opening app - Does not work with OS 11 - App does not recognize paid purchase after upgrade - App switched to subscription without tracking previous payments - App turned paid app into a trial - App reinitializes when switching away - App loses place if you switch out of it **Most requested features** - Integrate GFC 500 AP - Integrate GFC 600/700 AP - Add autopilot controller head - Add annunciation display showing AP, HDG, ALT status - Add fields for actual IAS and ALT of simulated airplane - Add second radio option to audio panel - Add start-up field for 'Starting Location' - Update Jeppesen database - Update European procedures - Add linked/synchronized G5 HSI simulator - Add VNAV support to iPad version - Update app to actual current version - Add support for X-Plane integration over WiFi - Add support for Lockheeds Martin Prepar3D flight simulation - Add ability to sync with X-Plane - Add Turboprop icon - Add High-Wing Prop icon - Allow two iPads connected over WiFi/Bluetooth - Run GTN trainer on MacOS - Add dark mode option - Add advanced analytics dashboard - Add vertical (Portrait mode) or Horizontal display mode support - Update to GTN ver. 5.0 with HTAWS - Make it like the $25 CD version - Add support for GNS430 WAAS ## Newest reviews (19 of 94) ### 3/5 — Limited Usefulness *2025-02-01, version 6.73.1* Okay for practicing how to move to around to different pages & learning where information can be found, but has several limitations. For example, VNAV function does not work (will not descend using altitude constraints in flight plan, even in the flight plan + vertical mode). Does not have even a very basic autopilot controller like the GNS trainer had. It would be awesome if it had the GFC 500 AP integrated and if VNAV worked. ### 3/5 — 650 trainer app *2025-01-19, version 6.73.1* After putting in a flight plan the airplane starts out on the other side of the country…can’t get it to start where t.he flight plan is. ### 4/5 — Great training tool *2024-06-20, version 6.72.0* I used for my primary training and now for my students. Great tool. Having trouble with app lately though. 750 screen is black on startup and won’t turn on? 650 just get a spinning circle. Hope Garmin gets this resolved. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2024-05-28, version 6.72.0* Please fix this. Nothing loads on the display. ### 1/5 — No longer working *2024-05-22, version 6.72.0* This app does not load anymore. It just loads the bezel with no running software and no way to turn it on. ### 1/5 — Broken *2024-05-21, version 6.72.0* Blank screen on simulated unit ### 1/5 — Useless *2024-05-15, version 6.72.0* Loads, but leaves you on a black screen with no functionality. ### 1/5 — App seems to be broken *2024-05-11, version 6.72.0* Currently the App seems broken for the iPad - will there be an update ? ### 1/5 — Seems to no longer work *2024-05-04, version 6.72.0* I’ve tried this on three separate iPads and the app doesn’t show anything on the simulated screen. ### 1/5 — Not functioning *2024-04-29, version 6.72.0* Loads to black screen. Unit does not power on. ### 3/5 — Doesn’t work with iPadOS 17.4.1 *2024-04-25, version 6.72.0* The app was great until the latest iPad OS update, but it doesn’t work the OS 17.4.1. I use the app all the time for training pilots. Please fix it! ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work with iPad mini6 *2024-04-25, version 6.72.0* GPS screen doesn’t turn on ### 1/5 — Doesn’t turn on *2024-04-24, version 6.72.0* Like the other reviews, the controller loads but has zero functionality. Nothing works. ### 1/5 — iPadOS 17.4.1 *2024-04-24, version 6.72.0* Garmin unit does not power on, app is broken. ### 1/5 — Not working *2024-04-23, version 6.72.0* Not working ### 1/5 — Slow and doesnt work *2024-04-13, version 6.72.0* I just see a black screen in the gps unit on my ipad 6. No controls to turn on. Also very slow loading screen when switching any settings. Seems like something is broken ### 1/5 — Black screen *2024-03-24, version 6.72.0* App opens up but Gtn screens are black and nothing works. ### 1/5 — Black Screen *2024-03-22, version 6.72.0* Fire up the app, get to the GPS and it’s just a black screen. Doesn’t do anything. lol. It’s unusable. ### 1/5 — Warning: app is unusable *2024-03-14, version 6.72.0* Warning: app is unusable. Go find the GTN trainer online for desktop. It is fully functioning with a paired autopilot. Windows for the win!! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — GTN750XI use to work till latest upgrade *2024-11-12, version 6.73.1* GTN750 app works and loads GTN 750XI app crashes when start button is pushed and takes me back to my IPAD home screen. IPAD mini 4 software 15.8.3. To bad an option is not available to roll back to the version before this that worked for me. Even on the Garmin product line you do not know what damage or functionality is lost with software updates. ### 1/5 — GTN750XI use to work till latest upgrade *2024-11-11* GTN750 app works and loads GTN 750XI app crashes when start button is pushed and takes me back to my IPAD home screen. IPAD mini 4 software 15.8.3. To bad an option is not available to roll back to the version before this that worked for me. Even on the Garmin product line you do not know what damage or functionality is lost with software updates. ### 1/5 — Does Not Work *2024-07-29, version 6.72.0* I’ve attempted to download and redownload the app several times to no dismay once the app starts it’s able to show the GPS but only with a blank black screen on display ### 1/5 — Useless *2024-06-17, version 6.72.0* Started it up and nothing comes on the screen, useless. ### 1/5 — Loads but will not turn on. *2024-06-03, version 6.72.0* This app is useless. It loads up, but the device will not turn on in the app. I have deleted the app a few times and re-downloaded the app with no change. ### 1/5 — Won’t turn on *2024-06-02, version 6.72.0* There is no button or toggle to turn on the app. The GTN unit looks real nice but it’s inoperable as no button or setting will make it come on. I tried every different settings option available. ### 1/5 — Does not work *2024-06-01, version 6.72.0* I have 5e Garmin GPS trained app which works great, but tithe one doesn’t work. No functional demo or usability ever occurs. Just shows an off GPS. ### 1/5 — It doesn’t work *2024-05-31, version 6.72.0* I have this app to train and I couldn’t even use it because the screen is all black. I downloaded the app like 5 times and still not working. Disappointed with this app. ### 1/5 — Black screen *2024-05-29, version 6.72.0* The screen won’t turn on when loading up. I just get a black screen. I just started flying with a GTN650 and would like something to practice on… this app failed big time. ### 1/5 — GPS Screen Blank/Black *2024-05-29, version 6.72.0* Unfortunately, no matter if I delete and power my iPad mini 6 off/on the trainer shows a blank screen like it is off. It works on my other IPad Pro 11 when I had it. Please fix this! It’s too expensive to learn in the plane ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — 650 Trainer shuts off *2024-08-25, version 6.73.0* Gtn 650 closes out and stops when going to find frequency, recent. ### 5/5 — A great learning aid *2021-01-21, version 6.62.2* It can be tough to learn a new radio and fly the helicopter at the same time. This was a huge help. I was able to learn and practice relevant features so I didn’t have to think about them in the air. ### 5/5 — Great Trainer *2019-01-29, version 6.41.0* I use it all the time for recurrence training, you ca even practice the approach procedure on this app to get familiar with the local areas that you will fly the next day. Highly recommending it fo pilots that will fly aircraft equipped with gtn750. ### 5/5 — Good for what it's intended for. *2018-03-01, version 6.41.0* I like this app, as it allows me to explore all the different buttons and sub menus of my GTN 650, from the comfort of my easy chair. I am particularly glad this new version lets you choose a GTN 650 interface, whereas the old version you were stuck with just the 750. ### 5/5 — Advantageously Flying the Garmin GTN *2018-01-30* With the 6.41 version of this trainer when you open it you are presented with a selections screen for Model [GTN 650 or GTN 750], Navigation Database [Garmin (N.America) or Jeppesen (Worldwide)], ☑️ Show Flight Controls, Aircraft Type [Fixed-Wing or Rotorcraft], and Continue. With the flight controls ticked, after pressing the Continue button you are presented with the model that you have selected. Left of the model is the IAS (speed)+&-. Right of the model is the ALT (altitude)+&-. Immediately below the model is the HDG (heading)+&-. To the left of HDG is Track Mode Manual and when pressed replaces HDG with Track Mode Flight Plan. Congratulations Garmin for using +&- controls and not sliders for the flight simulator. Also note that both IAS and ALT commence at zero, and the screen touch equals Apple in sensitivity and accuracy. When you close the trainer and reopen it again, it will still be in the part of the world where you left it last. We have NDB and VOR gauges because we have the corresponding networks that they work with. In my locality that’s not the case with numerous navigation aids being replaced with GPS waypoints. As a consequence of this aircraft and trainers that rely on NDB and VOR for flying and training will experience a gradual degrading of their usefulness. GPS commenced at 2D GoTo, where today with the Garmin GTN trainer and instrument have progressed into the GPS 3D stage with Visual Approach Guidance providing both horizontal and vertical alignment approaches to all sorts of airfields and airports. NOTAMS: All horizontal navigation can be automatic. Visual, LNAV+V, VCALC, and Ascent / Descent are the only Procedures that work vertically automatically. Ascent / Descent will always work vertically automatically with HDG selected, and TRK Mode only if an Arrival HAS NOT BEEN LOADED with an Approach Procedure. You can load an Arrival and use Visual when it activates for the Approach, and you can load an Approach where an Arrival is not available. Think of this one as resetting your altimeter. After you commence descent with VCALC to a target altitude, use ALT to reset it to the target altitude. Also after you commence descent with any of the automatic procedures on approach, use ALT to reset them to the field altitude. For either of these descents the consequence of not resetting ALT is when your Aircraft has finished descending it will climb again. If the topography screen goes black, just touch home and map to reset, also to pause the simulator, enter Demo, NAV, and Time Scale and select 0x -Freeze Position. I am impressed with frequencies identifying in relation to their GPS location, however while in cruise at level altitude I noted a VOR which was within 200 nm had not identified. The workaround I found was to enter Demo, GPS, and Solution. In Solution I selected No SOLN and then received a MSG which I cleared. I then selected Solution again and selected my original setting 3D DIFF, and then returned to the Map where my VOR had identified. I tried this Solution again on an LNAV+V approach and immediately received an APPROACH DOWNGRADE with an LNAV result and numerous TERRAIN icons and warnings. It’s one thing to have a simulation of an instrument only where you can just play with the controls, and another where with a flight simulator, experience dynamic actions and reactions. Regarding reactions, when on an automatic descent and adjusting speed the program immediately reacts by readjusting the angle of descent, and no matter what, you arrive at your target waypoint and altitude together. Programming accuracy can also be seen after you have landed with an automatic approach, zoom in and even with the narrowness of runways your aircraft is dead in the centre of the runway over the centreline. You know this app is free, but if you have not downloaded it yet, it is also free of adds. I suggest when you download this app, you also download from Garmin the “Cockpit Reference Guide”, and the “Pilot’s Guide” for both the 650 and 750 models. In the guide’s front pages there is a title “Product Registration and Support” heading with a table of revisions below where you should find “Updates for software v6.30” is the Guide you require. Flying a Cirrus SR22 at 30000 ft at 500 knots is not exactly realistic, and with this app having a top speed of 990, altitude 99,900 and time scale of up to 15x, Garmin could you please add to this simulator the Turboprop icon (that looks more swept wing than the single engine jet) for a jet and the High-Wing Prop to complete the immersion experience. In conclusion thanks to Jeppesen for graciously providing the Worldwide Navigation Database for this simulator, and Garmin for graciously supplying free of cost a cutting-edge instrument simulator. Happy Flying. ### 5/5 — One step away from perfect *2017-10-23, version 6.41.0* Authentic functionality great use for budding pilots , Feature rich too To Garmin developers , please add support for a tie in to Lockheeds Martin Prepar3D flight simulation training software. A app designed to send the the position speed etc to the console over wifi , would be fantastic. Please please do this...... and you will make many students very happy ### 5/5 — New update is nice *2017-10-05, version 6.41.0* I'm hoping Garmin is working on an update that will allow two iPads connected somehow over or Bluetooth...so we can run GTN trainer on one iPad and TXi trainer on the other and have them work together like in the airplane. Now that would be awesome training! ### 5/5 — Perfect training tool *2017-09-16, version 6.0.3* Works exactly like the real box. Great trainer for those new to the GTN boxes. ### 5/5 — Does support the 650 *2016-05-16, version 6.0.2* This app is a useful learning tool for the GTN series. One point of clarification, this does support the 650. It defaults to the 750, but you can change it in the settings. (Settings App->GTN Trainer) ### 5/5 — GTN TRAINER *2015-01-11* Excellent simulator. Aside from data base age, the simulator behaves exactly like the real unit, great way to learn its use before climbing in your airplane. As a highly experienced Master Flight Instructor with over 8,000 flight hours and thousands of hours in glass, I can vouch for this app unequivocally! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-04.*