I have been trying to find a tutorial video for using the TDS GTNXi with Simbrief and STARS. I have no issue preparing the flightplan in Simbrief and then importing it into the TDS GTNXi and then following the flightplan after take off.

My issue is setting up the STAR approach to my destination airport. I select flight procedures, then choose my arrival and approach. I reference Navigraph charts, but have just not mastered it. My latest flight was from MKJS to MKJP. The final waypoint in the Simbrief flightplan before the destination airport was SALOC, so after refencing Navigraph, I chose the ACEDA approach to ILS 12. Took me way off where I expected to go.

Another question is that when I initially selected the arrival and approach it was placed in the middle of the flightplan (which I deleted when I noticed) and therefore assume I have to insert it after the final waypoint SALOC 

The tutorials I have found cover the importing of a Simbrief flightplan - its the arrival and approach on which I need help.

Any guidance will be very welcomed.

Happy flying

Edited October 27, 2025Oct 27 by SquadronLeader

Try these methods:

 

Method 1: Manual Import

1. Export from SimBrief: After building your flight plan on SimBrief, export it. The TDS GTNXi can import Garmin Flight Plan files (.gfp). 
    
2. Locate the file: Find the exported .gfp file on your computer.
3. Import into GTN750xi: In the simulator, open the GTN750xi.
   • Go to the "Flight Plan" page. 
      
   • Tap the "Menu" button at the bottom. 
      
   • Select "Import". 
      
   • Navigate to and select your .gfp file. 
      
   • Confirm the import when prompted. 
      

Method 2: Automatic Import (with SimBrief Downloader)

This method uses the SimBrief Downloader to automatically place your exported flight plans into the GTN750xi's "SD CARD" folder, making them available for import directly within the simulator. 

 

1. Install the SimBrief Downloader: 

   Download and install the SimBrief Downloader.
2. Configure the Downloader:

   • In the Downloader settings, configure the avionics directories and point the "TDS FPL FOLDER LOCATION" to the correct directory where the GTN750xi looks for flight plans (usually a specific folder on your "SD CARD").
   • Ensure there is at least one .gfp file in the folder to prevent errors when importing new flights.
3. Export from SimBrief: 

   Export your flight plan from SimBrief. The Downloader should automatically download the .gfp file to the specified folder.
4. Import in simulator: 

   In the simulator, access the GTN750xi, navigate to the "Flight Plan" page, and you should see the flight plan available for import, often under the "Import Now" option or by navigating to the "catalog".

Recommendations

• Use the Pro Upgrade: 

  For the most accurate and seamless experience, use the TDS GTNXi Pro Upgrade. This allows you to use up-to-date navdata from Navigraph, which prevents issues with missing waypoints or procedures when importing flight plans from SimBrief.
• Understand the file format: 

  Ensure your flight plan is exported in the correct format (.gfp) for the TDS GTNXi to import it correctly. 

Thanks for your response. I have NO problem importing the Simbrief flight plan - but my question is - do I need to go to the flight procedure page to add in the arrival and approach?

18 minutes ago, SquadronLeader said:

Thanks for your response. I have NO problem importing the Simbrief flight plan - but my question is - do I need to go to the flight procedure page to add in the arrival and approach?

Yes. You need to add procedures as needed after import.  Simbrief will give guidance in FP but you will needed to add departure and arrival/approach.  Good luck, blue skies.

-B

Simbrief flight plans will often include SIDs and/or STARs, but your imported FP won't include them. 

To deal with this in your GTN, note the SID or STAR listed in the plan generated by Simbrief as well as the transition used for each, and add those procedures manually in your GTN.  The transitions should then align with the parts of the flightplan imported from Simbrief. 

Also note that many STARs are "Radar Required" and assume you'll be vectored by ATC before you reach the final fix on the STAR.  Don't expect to have the STAR take you directly to an instrument approach fix, or even to the airport in general if flying to an air carrier airport which has relievers which share the STAR.

Hope that helps,

 

Scott

5 hours ago, SquadronLeader said:

My latest flight was from MKJS to MKJP. The final waypoint in the Simbrief flightplan before the destination airport was SALOC, so after refencing Navigraph, I chose the ACEDA approach to ILS 12. Took me way off where I expected to go.

Can you share your entire route?

SALOC is the final approach fix (FAF) on the ILS 12 approach. ACEDA is an initial approach fix (IAF). Therefore, if after SALOC you added the ILS 12 approach from the ACEDA IAF, that explains the roundabout routing you got.

I can see two options:

• Create or find a route that takes you to ACEDA, then start your approach from there.
• Fly the route you have to SALOC, enter the hold that is depicted there on the chart, descend to 2000 feet in the hold, then proceed inbound on the approach from there. This latter option isn't actually legal in the real world though, I believe.

The reason that SID, STARS and Approaches aren´t in the Flightplan is, that these in Real life are given by ATC.

SID and departure runway are given by ATC when You request Your IFR clearance.

STAR, approach and arrival runway are given by ATC shortly before estimated descend.

You can always prepare the STAR  and Approach to what's most like You will be given, which is also what You can see in Your Simbrief flightplan, but be prepared for that it might change.

1 hour ago, Wothan said:

The reason that SID, STARS and Approaches aren´t in the Flightplan is, that these in Real life are given by ATC.

Yes, but given the state of the various forms of ATC available in MSFS...

What the OP seemed to be struggling with was how to put the plan generated by Simbrief, which does often include SIDs and STARs, into the GTNxi, given the flightplan exported to the GTNxi does not include them - an entirely different question.

 

Scott

With the GTN, imo, it's just best to add everything on your own like you would in the real aircraft...  directly into the GTN itself.

It's pretty quick especially loading airways, IAPs, or STARs/SIDs.

Hello,

Simbrief does not export procedures (SIDs/STARs/IAPs) as part of the GFP flight plan, hence why the TDS GTNXi Pro does not load them. The rest of the flight plan is imported, so we suggest that you manually load the desired procedures, after importing the GFP flight plan.

For technical clarifications, we would suggest contacting Simbrief/Navigraph support.