Why the Database Matters
Every time you enter a flight plan, load an approach, or follow a procedure in the G1000, you're relying on a navigation database that defines how the world looks to your avionics: waypoints, airways, procedures, and frequencies.
Garmin databases update on a 28-day cycle (AIRAC). This provides:
- Procedures and approaches that match current charts
- Up-to-date frequencies and fix changes
- Consistency between airplane and simulator environments
💡💡 Key Point
Using the official Worldwide database means our sims reflect the same data pilots use in their aircraft.
What We Installed
- G1000 (Legacy): ADB1 format (avtn_db.bin)
- G1000 NXi: ADB2 format (nav_db2.bin)
Both run the same cycle, so switching between legacy and NXi is seamless, including when you bring your own data card.
What's Inside the Garmin Database Package
| Database Type | Description | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation Data | Core nav data: waypoints, airways, SIDs, STARs, approaches, and frequencies. Updated every 28 days; sourced from Jeppesen and encoded by Garmin. | Worldwide |
| FliteCharts | FAA-style terminal procedure charts on the MFD. Separate subscription. | — |
| Obstacles | Man-made obstacles such as towers and wind turbines. Supports alerts and vertical awareness. | Worldwide |
| SafeTaxi | Airport diagrams with labeled taxiways and runways on the moving map. | Full coverage |
| Airport Directory | Runway data, services, and comm frequencies for quick reference. | Worldwide |
| Terrain | Elevation model for terrain awareness and synthetic vision. | Worldwide (9-arc-second) |
| Basemap | Coastlines, borders, and background land features. | Worldwide |
| Jeppesen Charts | Optional IFR/VFR charts delivered through Jeppesen. | — |
What Each Database Adds to Your Training
| Database | Training Enhancement |
|---|---|
| Navigation Data | The backbone of IFR training. Load and fly current RNAV, VOR, and ILS procedures exactly as published. Essential for holds, course reversals, and database-driven autopilot modes. |
| FliteCharts | Charts on the MFD for systems that use them. We primarily teach with iPads (Jeppesen Mobile FD or ForeFlight), but this helps pilots transitioning to aircraft that display charts in-panel. |
| Obstacles | Practices risk management at night and in marginal VMC. See and understand obstacle alerting behavior and learn proper responses before you encounter them in the airplane. |
| SafeTaxi | Builds ground situational awareness and runway-incursion prevention. Great for complex NYC-area airports and low-vis taxi practice. |
| Airport Directory | Speeds up diversions and alternates. Check runway lengths, surfaces, lighting, and comms without leaving the cockpit workflow. |
| Terrain | Powers SVT and terrain color bands. Train to interpret cautions and warnings and to brief terrain/MEA risks on IFR routes. |
| Basemap | Makes cross-country training feel familiar with coastlines and land references. Helps orientation when practicing pilotage plus GPS. |
| Jeppesen Charts | When installed, supports a full in-panel chart workflow. We provide Jeppesen coverage on training iPads to mirror how most pilots fly today. |
Our Configuration at Aviator.NYC
✅✅ Currently Installed
- Navigation Data
- Obstacles
- SafeTaxi
- Airport Directory
- Terrain
- Basemap
Not installed: FliteCharts and Jeppesen Charts, because most clients use iPads with Jeppesen Mobile FD or ForeFlight for charts.
Our training iPads carry Jeppesen worldwide coverage, so you can brief and fly procedures exactly like you would in the airplane, without duplicating charts on the G1000 screen.
Behind the Scenes: Compatibility Notes
Garmin moved from ADB1 to ADB2 beginning with GDU 15.10 (and NXi). For us that meant confirming software versions, using the correct file names, and testing both platforms with the same cycle.
- Legacy G1000 (v14 or earlier): avtn_db.bin plus supporting files
- G1000 NXi (v20 or newer): nav_db2.bin with an /active folder structure
File Structure Reference
Legacy G1000 (PC Trainer v14 or older)
Garmin Data/ ├─ avtn_db.bin ├─ apt_dir.gca ├─ bmap.bin ├─ safetaxi.bin ├─ terrain.adb ├─ terrain.odb ├─ terrain_gas.tdb ├─ charts.img └─ fc_tpc/
G1000 NXi (PC Trainer v20 or newer)
Garmin Data/ ├─ nav_db2.bin └─ active/ ├─ apt_dir.gca ├─ bmap.bin ├─ safetaxi.bin ├─ standard.odb ├─ trn.dat ├─ charts.img ├─ fc_tpc/ └─ rasters/ ├─ HI/ ├─ LO/ └─ SECT/
⚠️⚠️ Update Frequency
Every 28 days. We track AIRAC cycles so your procedures, fixes, and frequencies remain current across both simulators.
Why Not Use Navigraph or Direct Jeppesen Files?
PC flight sims often use Navigraph or Jeppesen feeds, but Garmin trainers and certified units require Garmin-encoded formats (ADB1/ADB2). Direct cross-loading isn't supported, which is why we purchase through Garmin to maintain data integrity and licensing compliance.
What This Means for Pilots
- Worldwide coverage on both G1000 and G1000 NXi with the same cycle
- Approaches and procedures that match your charts
- Smoother transition from simulator to cockpit
- Confidence that fixes, airways, and frequencies are current
Current avionics data is a simple upgrade that pays off every flight. We'll keep investing in realistic environments that prepare you for real operations, not just simulator proficiency.
Ready to Experience Current Avionics Data?
Book a session in our upgraded G1000/NXi simulator and train with the same navigation database used in real aircraft.
Book Your SessionReady to Enhance Your Skills?
Book a training session with our experienced airline pilot instructors.
Book Now