This isn't just another software add-on—it's a fundamental transformation of how we experience helicopter simulation.
The Review
For rotorcraft enthusiasts, avionics have long been the weak link in our simulation chain. While fixed-wing aircraft enjoyed increasingly sophisticated GPS and flight management systems, helicopter cockpits often felt dated, incomplete, or simply non-functional. TDS Sim Software has changed that equation entirely.
The GTNXi Pro Rotorcraft upgrade brings authentic Garmin GTN 750 Xi and GTN 650 Xi functionality to your virtual helicopter fleet. This is the same avionics suite you'll find in real-world Robinson R66s, Bell 407s, and countless other modern rotorcraft.
What makes this significant:
- ▸Touchscreen functionality that mirrors real Garmin hardware
- ▸Authentic helicopter-specific navigation features
- ▸Integration with flight simulation platforms
- ▸Professional-grade flight planning capabilities
- ▸Real-world procedure compatibility
What Sets the Rotorcraft Version Apart
Helicopter-Specific Navigation
The Rotorcraft edition isn't just a port of the fixed-wing version—it's purpose-built for helicopter operations:
Low-altitude navigation: Optimized routing that acknowledges helicopters don't need to follow airways or climb to cruise altitudes. Your flight plans can include direct routings at 500 feet AGL if that's your mission profile.
Heliport database: Comprehensive heliport information including landing zone coordinates, frequencies, and approach procedures. If it exists in the real-world navigation database, it's here.
Obstacle awareness: Enhanced terrain and obstacle displays crucial for low-level helicopter operations. The system provides visual and aural warnings when you're operating near terrain or obstacles.
Hover performance: Unlike fixed-wing GPS units, the GTNXi Rotorcraft maintains full functionality at zero groundspeed, supporting hover operations, pinnacle landings, and confined area approaches.
Authentic Touch Interface
The touchscreen implementation is remarkably faithful to the real hardware:
- ▸Swipe gestures for map panning
- ▸Pinch-to-zoom functionality
- ▸Context-sensitive menus
- ▸Realistic button press feedback
- ▸Proper bezel button integration
For those of us who've trained on real GTN units, the muscle memory transfers directly. The interface responds exactly as you'd expect from actual Garmin hardware.
Integration and Compatibility
Supported Helicopters
The TDS GTNXi Pro Rotorcraft works with a growing list of helicopter add-ons across Microsoft Flight Simulator. At the time of this review, compatibility includes:
- ▸Bell 407
- ▸Robinson R66
- ▸Airbus H135
- ▸H145 (various variants)
- ▸Bell 206 Series
- ▸And many more through community integration
The TDS team actively works with helicopter developers to ensure seamless integration with new releases.
Platform Performance
Running on modern hardware, the GTNXi Pro adds minimal performance overhead. On my mid-range system (RTX 3070, 32GB RAM), I measured less than 2 FPS impact with both GTN 750 and 650 units active.
Memory footprint is reasonable at approximately 400MB additional RAM usage. The system loads quickly and responds without noticeable lag during flight operations.
Real-World Workflow Integration
Flight Planning
The GTNXi Pro excels at professional flight planning workflows:
- **Pre-flight planning:** Build complex multi-leg routes with fuel stops, alternates, and custom waypoints
- **Weather integration:** Real-time METAR and TAF displays for destination planning
- **Fuel calculations:** Plan your fuel load based on distance, winds, and reserve requirements
- **Weight and balance:** Input your helicopter's loading for performance calculations
This mirrors the workflow used by professional helicopter operators, making it invaluable for serious simulation training.
In-Flight Operations
During flight, the GTNXi Pro provides everything you need:
Moving map display: High-resolution terrain, obstacles, airspace, and navigation aids clearly displayed with helicopter-appropriate zoom levels.
Nearest function: Instantly find the nearest heliport, airport, VOR, or NDB—critical for emergency planning.
Flight plan modifications: Edit your route on the fly with intuitive touch controls. Insert waypoints, create holds, or completely re-route without leaving the map screen.
Communication management: Integrated frequency database with auto-tuning capabilities. Look up and load frequencies without touching your radio stack.
Professional Training Value
For those using simulation as part of their professional helicopter training, the GTNXi Pro is transformative:
Procedure practice: Practice real-world GPS approaches, holds, and navigation procedures exactly as published in actual helicopter approach plates.
Emergency management: Realistic failure modes allow practice of GPS-loss scenarios, backup navigation, and emergency diversion planning.
Currency maintenance: Instrument-rated helicopter pilots can use the system to maintain procedural currency between real-world flights.
Type-specific training: If you're training on a specific helicopter type equipped with GTN avionics, you can now practice at home with identical avionics behavior.
Areas for Improvement
No review is complete without honest assessment of limitations:
Learning curve: The GTNXi Pro is as complex as the real hardware. New users will need time to master its extensive feature set. TDS provides documentation, but expect a learning investment.
Price point: At its current pricing, this is a premium product. For casual helicopter flyers, the investment may be steep. However, for serious rotorcraft enthusiasts or professional training, the value is evident.
Helicopter coverage: While growing, the list of supported helicopters is still limited compared to fixed-wing aircraft. Some popular helicopter add-ons don't yet have integration.
The Verdict
The TDS GTNXi Pro Rotorcraft edition represents the gold standard for helicopter avionics simulation. It transforms capable helicopter add-ons into professional training platforms.
Recommended for: - Serious rotorcraft enthusiasts - Professional helicopter pilots maintaining currency - Flight training organizations using simulation - Anyone wanting authentic helicopter navigation
Skip if: - You're a casual helicopter pilot who doesn't focus on navigation - Your favorite helicopter isn't yet supported - Budget constraints make the investment difficult
For me, this is the single most impactful upgrade I've added to my virtual hangar. The GTNXi Pro Rotorcraft doesn't just improve the simulation—it fundamentally changes what's possible in helicopter training and practice.
Final Thoughts
Aviation simulation has reached a point where the line between training and entertainment has blurred. The TDS GTNXi Pro Rotorcraft sits firmly on the training side of that line—and that's exactly where serious helicopter simulation belongs.
If you fly helicopters seriously in the simulator, if you value authentic procedures, or if you're using simulation as part of your professional development, the GTNXi Pro Rotorcraft isn't just recommended—it's essential.
See it in action in my full video review below, where I demonstrate real-world flight planning, navigation, and approach procedures using the GTNXi Pro in the Bell 407.
—Q8Pilot