Garmin G900X Manual

G900XTM
Integrated Flight Deck
Pilot’s Guide

Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
190-00726-00 Rev. A
Copyright © 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
This manual reflects the operation of System Software version 718.00 or later. Some differences in operation may be observed when
comparing the information in this manual to earlier or later software versions.
Garmin International, Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Garmin AT, Inc., 2345 Turner Road SE, Salem, OR 97302, U.S.A.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Garmin (Europe) Ltd., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, Hampshire S051 9DL, U.K
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Garmin Corporation, No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Website Address: www.garmin.com
Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored
in any storage medium, for any purpose without the express written permission of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download
a single copy of this manual and of any revision to this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for
personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice
and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.
Garmin® is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, and G900X™, FliteCharts™, and SafeTaxi™ are trademarks of
Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
NavData® is a registered trademark of Jeppesen, Inc.; Avidyne® and TCAD® are registered trademarks of Avidyne Corporation; S-TEC® is a
registered trademark of S-TEC; CO Guardian is a trademark of CO Guardian, Inc.; and XM® is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio,
Inc.
April 2007 Printed in the U.S.A

190-00726-00 Rev. A
Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
i
LIMITED WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY
This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. Within this
period, Garmin will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made
at no charge to the customer for parts and labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty
does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or unauthorized alterations or repairs.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO
STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do not
allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software, or to offer a full refund of the purchase price, at its sole
discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
Products sold through online auctions are not eligible for rebates or other secial offers from Garmin. Online auction confirmations are not
accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty service, an original copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is required.
Garmin will not replace missing components from any package purchased through an online auction.
To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin Authorized Service Center. For assistance in locating a Service Center, visit the Garmin
website at www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Customer Service at one of the numbers listed below:
Garmin International, Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
Toll free: 800/800.1020 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Garmin AT, Inc., 2345 Turner Road SE, Salem, OR 97302, U.S.A.
Toll free: 800/525.6726 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Garmin (Europe) Ltd., Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, Hampshire S051 9DL, U.K
Toll free (within U.K.): 0808 238 0000 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Refer to the G900X Installation Manual for warranty registration instructions.
Note: Record product serial numbers on reverse side and retain for your records.

Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
190-00726-00 Rev. Aii
LIMITED WARRANTY
List all Garmin products and serial numbers and retain this document for your records.
Product Serial Number

190-00726-00 Rev. A
Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
iii
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
WARNING: To reduce the risk of unsafe operation, carefully review and understand all aspects of the
G900X Pilot’s Guide documentation. Thoroughly practice basic operation prior to actual use. During flight
operations, carefully compare indications from the G900X to all available navigation sources, including
the information from other NAVAIDs, visual sightings, charts, etc. For safety purposes, always resolve any
discrepancies before continuing navigation.
WARNING: The Garmin G900X has a very high degree of functional integrity. However, the pilot must
recognize that providing monitoring and/or self-test capability for all conceivable system failures is not
practical. Although unlikely, it may be possible for erroneous operation to occur without a fault indication
shown by the G900X. It is thus the responsibility of the pilot to detect such an occurrence by means of
cross-checking with all redundant or correlated information available in the cockpit.
WARNING: For safety reasons, G900X operational procedures must be learned on the ground.
WARNING: The United States government operates the Global Positioning System and is solely responsible
for its accuracy and maintenance. The GPS system is subject to changes which could affect the accuracy
and performance of all GPS equipment. Portions of the Garmin G900X utilize GPS as a precision electronic
NAVigation AID (NAVAID). Therefore, as with all NAVAIDs, information presented by the G900X can be
misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.
WARNING: The altitude calculated by G900X GPS receivers is geometric height above Mean Sea Level and
could vary significantly from the altitude displayed by pressure altimeters, such as the GDC 74A Air Data
Computer, or other altimeters in aircraft. GPS altitude should never be used for vertical navigation. Always
use pressure altitude displayed by the G900X PFD or other pressure altimeters in aircraft.
WARNING: The displayed minimum safe altitudes (MSAs) are only advisory in nature and should not be
relied upon as the sole source of obstacle and terrain avoidance information. Always refer to current
aeronautical charts for appropriate minimum clearance altitudes.
WARNING: Navigation and terrain separation must NOT be predicated upon the use of the terrain function.
The G900X Terrain Proximity feature is NOT intended to be used as a primary reference for terrain avoidance
and does not relieve the pilot from the responsibility of being aware of surroundings during flight. The
Terrain Proximity feature is only to be used as an aid for terrain avoidance and is not certified for use
in applications requiring a certified terrain awareness system. Terrain data is obtained from third party
sources. Garmin is not able to independently verify the accuracy of the terrain data.
WARNING: Do not use outdated database information. Databases used in the G900X System must be updated
regularly in order to ensure that the information remains current. Pilots using any outdated database do so
entirely at their own risk.

Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
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WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
WARNING: Do not use basemap (land and water data) information for primary navigation. Basemap data is
intended only to supplement other approved navigation data sources and should be considered as an aid to
enhance situational awareness.
WARNING: Traffic information shown on the G900X Multi Function Display is provided as an aid in visually
acquiring traffic. The aircraft should be maneuvered based only upon ATC guidance or positive visual
acquisition of conflicting traffic.
WARNING: XM Weather should not be used for hazardous weather penetration. Weather information
provided by the GDL 69/69A is approved only for weather avoidance, not penetration.
WARNING: NEXRAD weather data is to be used for long-range planning purposes only. Due to inherent
delays in data transmission and the relative age of the data, NEXRAD weather data should not be used for
short-range weather avoidance.
WARNING : Do not use the G900X to attempt to penetrate a thunderstorm. Both the FAA Advisory Circular,
Subject: Thunderstorms, and the Airman’s Information Manual (AIM) recommend avoiding “by at least 20
miles any thunderstorm identified as severe or giving an intense radar echo.”
CAUTION: The Garmin G900X does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by
an authorized Garmin service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void both the warranty
and the pilot’s authority to operate this device under FAA/FCC regulations.
CAUTION: The GDU 1040 PFD and MFD displays use a lens coated with a special anti-reflective coating that
is very sensitive to skin oils, waxes, and abrasive cleaners. CLEANERS CONTAINING AMMONIA WILL HARM
THE ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING. It is very important to clean the lens using a clean, lint-free cloth and an
eyeglass lens cleaner that is specified as safe for anti-reflective coatings.
NOTE: All visual depictions contained within this document, including screen images of the G900X panel
and displays, are for example only, are subject to change, and may not reflect the most current G900X
System. Depictions of equipment may differ slightly from the actual equipment.
NOTE : The GDU 1040 PFD/MFD may require a warm-up time of up to 30 minutes when exposed to -40˚C for an
extended period. A warm-up time of up to 15 minutes may be required when exposed to -30˚C for an extended
period.
NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

190-00726-00 Rev. A
Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
v
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
NOTE : This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This notice is being provided in accordance with
California’s Proposition 65. For additional information, refer to the website at www.garmin.com/prop65.
NOTE: Interference from GPS repeaters operating inside nearby hangars can cause an intermittent loss of
attitude and heading displays while the aircraft is on the ground. Moving the aircraft more than 100 feet
away from the source of the interference should alleviate the condition.

Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
190-00726-00 Rev. Avi
REVISION INFORMATION
Record of Revisions
Part Number Revision Date Page Range Description
190-00726-00 A 04/04/07 i – I-6 Initial release

190-00726-00 Rev. A
Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.1 Line Replaceable Units ........................................1-2
1.2 Secure Digital (SD) Cards ....................................1-7
1.3 System Power-up ..................................................1-8
1.4 System Operation .................................................1-9
Display Operation ......................................................1-9
G900X System Annunciations ...................................1-10
System Status ..........................................................1-11
AHRS Operation ......................................................1-13
GPS Receiver Operation ...........................................1-14
1.5 G900X Controls ..................................................1-18
PFD/MFD Controls ...................................................1-18
MFD/PFD Control Unit (Optional) ..............................1-20
Softkey Function ......................................................1-22
1.6 Accessing G900X Functionality ........................1-28
Menus ....................................................................1-28
Data Entry ..............................................................1-28
Page Groups ...........................................................1-30
System Settings .......................................................1-34
System Utilities ........................................................1-42
Electronic Checklists (Optional) .................................1-46
1.7 Display Backlighting ..........................................1-48
SECTION 2 FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS
2.1 Flight Instruments ................................................2-4
Airspeed Indicator .....................................................2-4
Attitude Indicator ......................................................2-6
Altimeter ..................................................................2-7
Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) ......................................2-8
Vertical Deviation, Glideslope, and Glidepath Indicators 2-9
Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) ...........................2-10
Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) ...............................2-15
2.2 Supplemental Flight Data .................................2-22
Generic Timer ..........................................................2-22
Outside Air Temperature ...........................................2-23
Wind Data ..............................................................2-23
System Time ............................................................2-24
Vertical Navigation (VNV) Indications ........................2-25
2.4 PFD Annunciations and Alerting Functions .....2-26
System Alerting .......................................................2-26
Traffic Annunciation .................................................2-27
TAWS Annunciations (Optional) ................................2-27
Marker Beacon Annunciations ..................................2-28
Altitude Alerting ......................................................2-28
Low Altitude Annunciation .......................................2-29
Minimum Descent Altitude/Decision Height Alerting ...2-29
2.5 Abnormal Operations ........................................2-31
Abnormal GPS Conditions ........................................2-31
Unusual Attitudes ....................................................2-32
SECTION 3 ENGINE INDICATION SYSTEM
3.1 EIS Display .............................................................3-3
3.2 Engine Page ..........................................................3-8
Electrical .................................................................3-13
Temperatures ..........................................................3-14
CO Alert Reset (Optional) .........................................3-14
Fuel Calculations .....................................................3-15
3.3 Leaning Assist Mode ..........................................3-17
Turbocharged ..........................................................3-17
Normally-aspirated ..................................................3-18
3.4 EIS Display in Reversionary Mode ....................3-19
Lean Display ...........................................................3-21
System Display ........................................................3-26
SECTION 4 AUDIO PANEL AND CNS
4.1 Overview ...............................................................4-1
PFD/MFD Controls and Frequency Display ....................4-2
Audio Panel Controls .................................................4-4
4.2 COM Operation .....................................................4-6
COM Transceiver Selection and Activation ....................4-6
COM Transceiver Manual Tuning .................................4-7
Quick-Tuning and Activating 121.500 MHz ...................4-8
Auto-Tuning the COM Frequency .................................4-9
Frequency Spacing ...................................................4-13
Automatic Squelch ...................................................4-14
Volume ...................................................................4-14
4.3 NAV Operation ....................................................4-15
NAV Radio Selection and Activation ..........................4-15
NAV Receiver Manual Tuning ....................................4-16
Auto-Tuning the NAV Frequency ................................4-18
Marker Beacon Receiver ...........................................4-23
4.4 GTX 33 Mode S Transponder .............................4-24
Transponder Controls ...............................................4-24
Transponder Mode Selection .....................................4-25

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Entering a Transponder Code ....................................4-27
IDENT Function .......................................................4-29
4.5 Additional Audio Panel Functions ....................4-30
Power-Up ................................................................4-30
Mono/Stereo Headsets .............................................4-30
Speaker ..................................................................4-30
Intercom .................................................................4-31
Passenger Address (PA) System .................................4-32
Clearance Recorder and Player ..................................4-33
Entertainment Inputs ...............................................4-34
4.6 Audio Panel Preflight Procedure ......................4-35
4.7 Abnormal Operation ..........................................4-36
Stuck Microphone ....................................................4-36
COM Tuning Failure ..................................................4-36
Audio Panel Fail-Safe Operation ................................4-36
Reversionary Mode ..................................................4-36
SECTION 5 GPS NAVIGATION
5.1 Introduction ..........................................................5-1
5.2 Navigation Map (MFD) ........................................5-2
No-eis Option ............................................................5-4
Navigation Map Setup .............................................5-10
5.3 PFD Inset Map and Windows ............................5-35
Inset Map ...............................................................5-35
PFD Windows ..........................................................5-37
5.4 Direct-to-Navigation (MFD) .............................5-38
Selecting a Direct-to Waypoint ..................................5-39
Clearing Vertical Constraints ....................................5-41
Specifying a Course to a Waypoint ............................5-42
Canceling Direct-to Navigation ................................5-42
Direct-to Navigation Shortcuts .................................5-43
Direct-to Navigation Shortcuts Using the FMS Knob ....5-44
5.6 Direct-to-Navigation (PFD) ..............................5-46
Operations ..............................................................5-46
5.7 Airport Information (MFD) ................................5-50
5.8 Intersection Information (MFD) ........................5-55
5.9 NDB Information (MFD) .....................................5-57
5.10 VOR Information (MFD) .....................................5-59
5.11 User Waypoint Information (MFD) ...................5-61
5.12 Nearest Airports (MFD) .....................................5-65
5.13 Nearest Intersections (MFD) .............................5-68
5.14 Nearest NDB (MFD) ............................................5-69
5.15 Nearest VOR (MFD) ............................................5-70
5.16 Nearest User Waypoint (MFD) ..........................5-72
5.17 Nearest Frequencies (MFD) ...............................5-74
5.18 Nearest Airspaces (MFD) ...................................5-77
General Notes on Airspace Alerts ..............................5-78
Airspace Type and Controlling Agency .......................5-79
General Notes on Associated Frequencies ..................5-80
5.19 Nearest Airports (PFD) .......................................5-81
Operations ..............................................................5-81
5.20 Flight Planning (MFD) .......................................5-83
Flight Planning Operations .......................................5-83
Airways/Jetways ......................................................5-93
Display of Airways on the Flight Plan Page ...............5-101
Vertical Navigation (VNV) .......................................5-104
Navigating an Example Flight Plan ..........................5-112
Parallel Track (PTK) ................................................5-140
5.21 Flight Planning (PFD) ......................................5-143
Operations ............................................................5-143
5.22 Procedures (MFD) .............................................5-148
Leg Types Supported by the G900X .........................5-148
Departures ............................................................5-149
5.23 Procedures (PFD) ..............................................5-161
5.24 Abnormal Operation ........................................5-166
Dead Reckoning ....................................................5-166
SECTION 6 HAZARD AVOIDANCE
6.1 XM Satellite Weather (Optional) ........................6-1
Activating Services .....................................................6-1
Using XM Satellite Weather Products ...........................6-3
6.2 Terrain Proximity ................................................6-25
Displaying Terrain Proximity Data ..............................6-26
Terrain Proximity Page ..............................................6-28
6.3 Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS
- Optional) .....................................................................6-30
Displaying TAWS Data ..............................................6-31
TAWS Page .............................................................6-33
TAWS Alerts ............................................................6-35
System Status ..........................................................6-41
6.4 Traffic Information Service (TIS) .......................6-42
Displaying TRAFFIC Data ..........................................6-43

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Traffic Map Page ......................................................6-45
TIS Alerts ................................................................6-46
System Status ..........................................................6-47
6.5 Avidyne TAS600-series Traffic Advisory System
(Optional) ......................................................................6-50
Displaying TRAFFIC Data ..........................................6-51
Traffic Map Page ......................................................6-53
TAS Alerts ...............................................................6-55
System Status ..........................................................6-56
SECTION 7 AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM
SECTION 8 ADDITIONAL FEATURES
8.1 SafeTaxi .................................................................8-1
SafeTaxi Cycle Number and Revision ...........................8-4
8.2 ChartView ..............................................................8-7
ChartView Softkeys ....................................................8-7
Terminal Procedures Charts ........................................8-8
Chart Options ..........................................................8-18
Day/Night View .......................................................8-23
ChartView Cycle Number and Expiration Date ............8-25
8.3 FliteCharts ...........................................................8-29
FliteCharts Softkeys .................................................8-29
Terminal Procedures Charts ......................................8-30
Chart Options ..........................................................8-38
Day/Night View .......................................................8-41
FliteCharts Cycle Number and Expiration Date ............8-43
8.4 XM Radio Entertainment (Optional) ................8-47
Activating XM Satellite Radio Services .......................8-47
Using XM Radio ......................................................8-49
8.5 Abnormal Operation ..........................................8-53
APPENDICES
Annunciations and Alerts ..............................................A-1
SD Card Use and Databases ..........................................B-1
Glossary ...........................................................................C-1
Frequently Asked Questions .........................................D-1
General TIS Information ................................................ F-1
Map Symbols ................................................................. G-1
INDEX

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BLANK PAGE

190-00726-00 Rev. A
Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
1-1
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
SECTION 1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The G900X Integrated Flight Deck System presents flight instrumentation, position, navigation, communication,
and identification information to the pilot using flat-panel color displays. The system is distributed across the
following Line Replaceable Units (LRUs):
• GDU 1040 Primary Flight Display (PFD)
• GDU 1040 Multi Function Display (MFD)
• GMA 1347 Audio Panel with Integrated Marker
Beacon Receiver
• GIA 63W Integrated Avionics Units (IAU)
• GDC 74A Air Data Computer (ADC)
• GEA 71 Engine/Airframe Unit
• GTX 33 Mode S Transponder
• GRS 77 Attitude and Heading Reference System
(AHRS)
• GMU 44 Magnetometer
Figure 1-1 shows interactions between the LRUs. Additional/optional equipment are shown in Figure 1-2. The
G900X is capable of interfacing with the following optional equipment:
• GCU 476 MFD/PFD Control Unit
• GDL 69A Data Link Receiver
• CO Guardian Aero 353R/452R Remote Carbon
Monoxide Detector
• Avidyne TAS600-series Traffic Advisory System
• Artex ELT 406-N Emergency Locator Transmitter
• S-TEC 55X Autopilot
• TruTrak Digiflight I/Sorecerer/DFC Series autopilots
• TruTrak Digiflight II-series autopilots
• TruTrak Digitrak/Pictorial Pilot autopilots
• TruTrak Altrak Altitude Hold Autopilot
• TruTrak ADI
• Trio Avionics EZ Pilot Autopilot
• Trio Avionics EZ Altitude Control Autopilot

Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.1 LINE REPLACEABLE UNITS
• GDU 1040 (2) – The left-hand GDU is configured as a Primary Flight Display (PFD) and the right-hand GDU
as a Multi Function Display (MFD). Both feature 10.4-inch LCD screens with 1024 x 768 resolution. The
displays communicate with each other through a High-Speed Data Bus (HSDB) Ethernet connection. Each
display is also paired with an Ethernet connection to an IAU.
• GMA 1347 – The Audio Panel integrates navigation/communication radio (NAV/COM) digital audio, intercom,
and marker beacon controls, and is installed between the displays. This unit also provides manual control of
display reversionary mode (red DISPLAY BACKUP Button; see Section 1.5, System Operation) and communicates
with both IAUs using an RS-232 digital interface.
• GIA 63W (2) – The Integrated Avionics Units (IAU) function as the main communication hubs, linking all
LRUs with the on-side display. Each IAU contains a GPS WAAS receiver, VHF COM/NAV/GS receivers, and
system integration microprocessors, and is paired with the on-side display via HSDB connection. The IAUs are
not paired together and do not communicate with each other directly.

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
• GDC 74A – The Air Data Computer (ADC) processes data from the pitot/static system and outside air temperature
(OAT) sensor. The ADC provides pressure altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and OAT information to the
G900X System, and it communicates with the primary IAU, displays, and AHRS using an ARINC 429 digital
interface.
• GEA 71 – The Engine Airframe Unit receives and processes signals from the engine and airframe sensors. This
unit communicates with both IAUs using an RS-485 digital interface.
• GTX 33 – The solid-state Transponder provides Modes A, C, and S capability and communicates with both IAUs
through an RS-232 digital interface.
• GRS 77 – The Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) provides aircraft attitude and heading information
via ARINC 429 to both the PFD and the primary IAU. The AHRS contains advanced sensors (including
accelerometers and rate sensors) and interfaces with the Magnetometer to obtain magnetic field information,
with the ADC to obtain air data, and with both IAUs to obtain GPS information. AHRS operation is discussed
in Section 1.4, System Operation.

Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
• GMU 44 – The Magnetometer measures local magnetic field and sends data to the AHRS for processing to
determine aircraft magnetic heading. This unit receives power directly from the AHRS and communicates with
it via an RS-485 digital interface.
• GCU 476 – The optional Control Unit provides MFD/PFD and radio tuning control through an RS-232 digital
interface
• GDL 69A – The optional Data Link Satellite Radio Receiver provides real-time weather information to the
G900X MFD and PFD Inset Map, as well as digital audio entertainment. The Data Link Receiver communicates
with the MFD via a HSDB connection. A subscription to XM Satellite Radio Service is required to enable the
GDL 69A capability.

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1-5
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Figure 1-1 Basic G900X System Block Diagram
GTX 33
Transponder
Reversionary
Control
GEA 71
Engine/Airframe
Unit
GDC 74A
Air Data
Computer
OAT
Airspeed
Altitude
Vertical Speed
GMU 44
Magnetometer
Heading
Reversionary
Control
GMA 1347
Audio Panel
No. 2 GIA 63W
Integrated Avionics Unit
System Integration Processors
I/O Processors
VHF COM
VHF NAV/LOC
GPS
Glideslope
GPS Output
No. 1 GIA 63W
Integrated Avionics Unit
System Inegration Processors
I/O Processors
VHF COM
VHF NAV/LOC
GPS
Glideslope
GPS Output
GRS 77
AHRS
Attitude
Rate of Turn
Slip/Skid
GDU 1040
Primary Flight Display
GDU 1040
Multi Function Display

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Avidyne
TAS600-series
Provides Traffic
Information
(optional)
CO Guardian
Carbon Monoxide
Detection
(optional)
STEC/
TruTrak/
Trio
Autopilot
(optional)
ELT
Emergency Locator
Transmitter
(optional)
No. 1 GIA 63W
Integrated Avionics Unit
System Integration Processors
I/O Processors
VHF COM
VHF NAV/LOC
GPS
Glideslope
No. 2 GIA 63W
Integrated Avionics Unit
System Integration Processors
I/O Processors
VHF COM
VHF NAV/LOC
GPS
Glideslope
GDL 69A
Data Link
Real-time Weather and
Digital Audio Entertainment
(optional,
subscription-based service)
GCU 476
MFD/PFD Control Unit
(optional)
Figure 1-2 G900X With Optional/Additional Equipment
NOTE: For information on non-Garmin optional/additional equipment shown in Figure 1-2, consult the
applicable optional interface user’s guide. This document assumes that the reader is already familiar with
the operation of this additional equipment.

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1-7
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.2 SECURE DIGITAL (SD) CARDS
NOTE: Ensure the G900X System is powered off before inserting an SD card.
NOTE: Refer to Appendix B for instructions on updating the aviation database.
The PFD and MFD data card slots use Secure Digital (SD) cards and are located on the upper right side of the
display bezels. Each display bezel is equipped with two SD card slots. SD cards are used for aviation database
and system software updates as well as terrain database storage.
Installing an SD card:
1) Insert the SD card in the SD card slot (the front of the card should be flush with the face of the display bezel).
2) To eject the card, gently press on the SD card to release the spring latch.
Figure 1-3 Display Bezel SD Card Slots
SD Card Slots

Garmin G900X Pilot’s Guide
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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.3 SYSTEM POWER-UP
NOTE: Refer to Appendix A for system-specific annunciations and alerts.
The G900X System is integrated with the aircraft electrical system and receives power directly from electrical
busses. The PFD, MFD, and supporting sub-systems include both power-on and continuous built-in test features
that exercise the processor, RAM, ROM, external inputs, and outputs to provide safe operation.
During system initialization, test annunciations are displayed, as shown in Figure 1-4. All system annunciations
should disappear typically within the first minute of power-up. Upon power-up, key annunciator lights also
become momentarily illuminated on the Audio Panel, the MFD/PFD Control Unit, and the display bezels.
On the PFD, the AHRS begins to initialize and displays “AHRS ALIGN: Keep Wings Level”. The AHRS should
display valid attitude and heading fields typically within the first minute of power-up. The AHRS can align itself
both while taxiing and during level flight.
When the MFD powers up, the splash screen (Figure 1-5) displays the following information:
• System version
• Copyright
• Land database name and version
• Obstacle database name and version
• Terrain database name and version
• Aviation database name, version, and effective dates
Current database information includes valid operating dates, cycle number, and database type. When this
information has been reviewed for currency (to ensure that no databases have expired), the pilot is prompted to
continue.
Pressing the ENT Key (or right-most softkey) acknowledges this information, and the Navigation Map Page is
displayed upon pressing the key a second time. When the system has acquired a sufficient number of satellites to
determine a position, the aircraft’s current position is shown on the Navigation Map Page.
Figure 1-4 PFD Initialization Figure 1-5 Example MFD Power-up Splash Screen