Garmin aera 500 User Manual

™

models: 500, 510, 550, 560

Pilot's Guide

OVERVIEW

GPS NAVIGATION

FLIGHT PLANNING

HAZARD AVOIDANCE

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

APPENDICES

INDEX

Copyright © 2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

This manual reflects the operation of System Software version 0002.0 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, Liberty House, Bulls Copse Road, Hounsdown Business Park,
Southampton, SO40 9RB, U.K.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Garmin Corporation, No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Web Site 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.

®

and SafeTaxi® are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. aera™ is

Garmin
a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the
express permission of Garmin.

®

Jeppesen
XM

is a registered trademark of Jeppesen, Inc.

®

is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.

October 2009 190-01117-02 Rev. A Printed in the United States or Taiwan

Warnings, Cautions & Notes

WARNING: When installing the aera™, place the unit so it does not obstruct
the field of view or interfere with operating controls.

WARNING: The indicators represented on the Panel are based on GPS-derived
data and may differ from the instruments in the aircraft.

WARNING: Navigation and terrain separation must NOT be predicated upon
the use of the terrain function. The aera 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: 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: The altitude calculated by aera GPS receivers is geometric height
above Mean Sea Level and could vary significantly from the altitude displayed
by pressure altimeters. Always use pressure altitude displayed by the aircraft
altimeter when determining or selecting aircraft altitude.

WARNING: Do not use outdated database information. Databases used in the
aera 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.

WARNING: XM Weather should not be used for hazardous weather
penetration. Weather information 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.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

190-01117-02 Rev. A

Warnings, Cautions & Notes

WARNING: The illustrations in this guide are only examples. Never use the
aera to attempt to penetrate a thunderstorm. Both the FAA Advisory Circular,
Subject: Thunderstorms, and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
recommend avoiding “by at least 20 miles any thunderstorm identified as
severe or giving an intense radar echo.”

WARNING: To reduce the risk of unsafe operation, carefully review and
understand all aspects of the aera Pilot’s Guide documentation and the Pilot’s
Operating Handbook of the aircraft. Thoroughly practice basic operation
prior to actual use. During flight operations, carefully compare indications
from the aera 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 aera 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 aera. 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, aera 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 aera utilize GPS as a precision
electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID). Therefore, as with all NAVAIDs,
information presented by the aera can be misused or misinterpreted and,
therefore, become unsafe.

WARNING: The data contained in the terrain and obstacle databases comes
from government agencies. Garmin accurately processes and cross-validates
the data, but cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the data.

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

Warnings, Cautions & 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.

CAUTION: Avoid using any chemical or abrasive cleaners on the touchscreen
and/or plastic casing. Clean the touchscreen with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth.
Use water, isopropyl alcohol, or eyeglass cleaner, if needed.

CAUTION: The Garmin aera 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.

NOTE: All visual depictions contained within this document, including screen
images of the aera panel and displays, are subject to change and may not
reflect the most current aera system and aviation databases. Depictions of
equipment may differ slightly from the actual equipment.

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. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please
refer to our web site 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 yards away from the
source of the interference should alleviate the condition.

NOTE: Use of polarized eyewear may cause the flight displays to appear dim
or blank.

NOTE: Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) data is provided by the FAA and
may not be updated outside of normal business hours. Confirm data currency
through alternate sources and contact your local FSS for interpretation of TFR
data.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

190-01117-02 Rev. A

Table of Contents

Section 1 Overview ........................................................................................ 1

1.1 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................1

1.2 Getting Started .........................................................................................................2

Battery Installation ............................................................................................................... 2

Charging the Battery ............................................................................................................ 3

Mounting the aera in the Aircraft .......................................................................................... 3

Turning the Unit On/Off ........................................................................................................ 4

Changing Modes .................................................................................................................. 4

GPS Receiver Status ............................................................................................................. 5

1.3 Operation ...................................................................................................................7

Basic Navigation Controls ..................................................................................................... 7

‘Home’ Screen ...................................................................................................................... 8

Selecting a Function ........................................................................................................... 14

Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 14

1.4 Accessing System Functionality .............................................................................15

Option Menus .................................................................................................................... 15

Data Entry .......................................................................................................................... 15

Waypoint Information Tabs ................................................................................................. 17

1.5 Using Map Displays .................................................................................................17

Map Range ........................................................................................................................ 18

Map Panning ..................................................................................................................... 19

Map Overlays ..................................................................................................................... 21

Map Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 22

1.6 System Settings ......................................................................................................23

Display ............................................................................................................................... 23

Sound ................................................................................................................................ 24

Additional Settings ............................................................................................................. 26

1.7 Nearest Airport Criteria Settings ..........................................................................27

1.8 Present Position ......................................................................................................28

Position .............................................................................................................................. 28

New Location ..................................................................................................................... 29

Simulator Mode ................................................................................................................. 29

Section 2 GPS Navigation ............................................................................ 31

2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................31

Data Fields ......................................................................................................................... 32

Numeric Flight Data ...........................................................................................................35

Compass Arc ...................................................................................................................... 36

2.2 HSI/Panel ..................................................................................................................37

Changing the CDI Scale ...................................................................................................... 38

Setting the Bug Indicator .................................................................................................... 38

Manually Setting a Course .................................................................................................. 39

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2.3 Vertical Navigation (VNAV) ....................................................................................40

Using the VNAV Feature ..................................................................................................... 41

2.4 Map Display Setup ..................................................................................................43

Map Orientation................................................................................................................. 43

Airports, Navaids, Cities & Roads ........................................................................................ 44

Airways .............................................................................................................................. 45

2.5 Waypoints ................................................................................................................46

Nearest Information ........................................................................................................... 49

Weather Information .......................................................................................................... 51

Accessing Additional information ........................................................................................ 52

2.6 Direct-to Navigation ...............................................................................................64

Section 3 Flight Planning ............................................................................. 67

3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................67

Data Fields ......................................................................................................................... 67

3.2 Flight Plan Creation ................................................................................................68

Adding Waypoints to an Existing Flight Plan ........................................................................ 70

3.3 Flight Plan Storage .................................................................................................71

3.4 Flight Plan Activation .............................................................................................72

Editing Speed and Fuel Flow ............................................................................................... 72

Copying Flight Plans ........................................................................................................... 73

Deleting Flight Plans .......................................................................................................... 73

Inverting a Flight Plan ........................................................................................................ 74

3.5 Approaches ..............................................................................................................75

Selecting an Approach ........................................................................................................ 76

Activating Vectors-to-Final .................................................................................................. 78

Section 4 Hazard Avoidance ......................................................................... 79

4.1 XM® Weather (aera 510 & 560) ...............................................................................79

Activating Services .............................................................................................................79

XM Satellite Weather Products ............................................................................................ 80

Using XM Satellite Weather Products .................................................................................. 91

4.2 Terrain ......................................................................................................................94

Terrain Information ............................................................................................................. 95

Obstacle Information .......................................................................................................... 95

Terrain and Obstacle Color Code......................................................................................... 96

Terrain Views ...................................................................................................................... 97

Terrain Alerts & Setup ......................................................................................................... 98

4.3 Traffic Information Service (TIS) ..........................................................................101

TIS Symbology .................................................................................................................. 101

TIS Alerts ......................................................................................................................... 102

Traffic Ground Track ......................................................................................................... 103

Displaying Traffic Data ...................................................................................................... 103

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Table of Contents

Section 5 Additional Features ................................................................... 105

5.1 SafeTaxi ..................................................................................................................105

SafeTaxi Cycle Number and Revision ................................................................................. 106

5.2 AOPA Data (aera 500 & 560 Americas) ................................................................107

5.3 XM® Radio (aera 510 & 560) .................................................................................109

Activating XM Satellite Radio Services .............................................................................. 110

Using XM Radio ............................................................................................................... 111

Section 6 Appendices ................................................................................. 119

Appendix A: Messages, Alerts & Data Field Options ...............................................119

Miscellaneous Message Advisories .................................................................................... 119

Airspace Messages ........................................................................................................... 121

Data Field & Numeric Data Options ..................................................................................121

Aural Alerts ...................................................................................................................... 123

Appendix B: Abnormal Operation ..............................................................................125

Loss of GPS Position ......................................................................................................... 125

Hazard Display with Loss of GPS Position .......................................................................... 125

Appendix C: Managing Files and Databases .............................................................127

Connecting to a Computer ............................................................................................... 127

Managing Files ................................................................................................................ 128

MicroSD™ Card Use (Optional) ......................................................................................... 130

Databases ........................................................................................................................ 131

Appendix D: Installation and Interfacing .................................................................135

Mounting the aera in the Aircraft ...................................................................................... 135

Connecting to a Garmin VHF Comm Radio ........................................................................ 139

Information about USB Drivers ......................................................................................... 141

Connecting the GXM 40 Antenna (aera 510 & 560) .......................................................... 141

Connecting to a GTX 330 Mode S Transponder ................................................................. 142

Interfacing ....................................................................................................................... 143

Using an external GPS Antenna (Optional) ........................................................................ 145

Appendix E: Battery and Care Information ..............................................................147

Battery Information .......................................................................................................... 147

Changing the Fuse ........................................................................................................... 147

Cleaning the Casing ......................................................................................................... 148

Cleaning the Touchscreen ................................................................................................. 148

Protecting the Unit ........................................................................................................... 148

Avoiding Theft .................................................................................................................. 149

Registering the Unit ......................................................................................................... 149

Appendix F: General TIS Information ........................................................................151

TIS vs. TAS/TCAS ............................................................................................................... 151

TIS Limitations ................................................................................................................. 151

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Table of Contents

Appendix G: Utilities ...................................................................................................155

Flight Log ......................................................................................................................... 155

Track Log ......................................................................................................................... 156

Heading Line .................................................................................................................... 159

E6B Calculator ................................................................................................................. 160

Aircraft Profile .................................................................................................................. 162

Weight & Balance ............................................................................................................163

EPE Circle ........................................................................................................................ 164

Proximity Waypoints ......................................................................................................... 165

Appendix H: Display Symbols ....................................................................................167

VFR Symbols .................................................................................................................... 167

IFR Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 168

Airspace Symbols ............................................................................................................. 170

Appendix I: Map Datum and Location Formats ........................................................173

Map Datums .................................................................................................................... 173

Location Formats .............................................................................................................. 173

Appendix J: Glossary ...................................................................................................175

Appendix K: License Agreement and Warranty ........................................................181

Contact Garmin................................................................................................................ 181

Software License Agreement ............................................................................................. 181

Limited Warranty .............................................................................................................. 181

AOPA Airport Directory Notice ..........................................................................................182

XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement ............................................................................... 182

Weather Data Warranty .................................................................................................... 183

FCC Compliance............................................................................................................... 184

Industry Canada Compliance ............................................................................................ 184

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

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Overview

SECTION 1 OVERVIEW

1.1 UNIT OVERVIEW

In aviation mode the aera presents GPS-derived analog flight instrumentation,
position, navigation, and hazard avoidance information to the pilot using a 4.3”
QWVGA color display with Touch Screen.

Power Button

Headphone/audio-out Jack

(Under Weather Cap)

External Antenna Connec-

tor (Under Weather Cap)

Microphone

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

MicroSD™ Slot

Battery Contacts

Release Key: Slide and

Release to Open the Battery

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Cover

Mini-USB Connector

Serial Number (Under
the Battery)

Unit Overview

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

GPS Antenna

Speaker

1

Overview

1.2 GETTING STARTED

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

BATTERY INSTALLATION

NOTE: Refer to Appendix E for additional battery information.

CAUTION: Always keep the battery installed when the unit is on.

WARNING: The product contains a lithium-ion battery. To prevent damage,

remove the unit from the aircraft or vehicle when exiting or store it out of
direct sunlight.

Installing the battery:

1)

Locate the lithium-ion battery that came in the product box.

2)

Slide the release key until the battery cover on the back of the aera opens
up.

3)

Remove the battery cover.

4)

Locate the metal contacts on the end of the lithium-ion battery.

5)

Insert the battery so that the metal contacts on the battery line-up with the
metal contacts inside the battery compartment.

6)

Slide the top of the battery cover into the groove on the inside of the
battery compartment, and press down.

Installing the Battery

2

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

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Overview

CHARGING THE BATTERY

NOTE: While in Charge Mode, the unit draws a current from the aircraft. To
avoid discharging the aircraft’s battery, disconnect the external power cable

from the unit when not in use for several days.

Charge the aera for at least 4 hours before using on battery power. Charge the
battery by connecting the vehicle or aviation power cable, the USB cable, an AC adapter
(optional accessory), or use a battery charger (optional accessory).

Plug the unit into a 12-Volt or 24-Volt connector to charge. The unit can be used
while it is charging. Charge the unit within the following temperature range

104°F (0° to 40°C).

Charging the unit’s battery using the aircraft's power outlet:

1)

Mount the aera in the aircraft (refer to Appendix D 'Installation and
Interfacing'), and connect the power cable to the aircraft power outlet
(cigarette lighter receptacle).

2)

Route the power cable so that it does not interfere with aircraft operation.
The unit begins charging as soon as external power is applied.

USING CHARGE MODE

: 32° to

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

Applying external power to the aera automatically turns on the unit for full operation.
If the battery is present and needs to be charged, the external power source charges
the battery while the unit is in use.

If you do not want to use the unit, but you would like to charge the battery, you can
put the unit into Charge Mode. Connect the unit to an external power supply. Press
and hold the POWER Button. Instead of completely turning off, the unit now goes
into Charge Mode.

The unit will run cooler and may allow more current to be available while in Charge
Mode, when XM is unplugged, the backlight is turned down, etc.

MOUNTING THE aera IN THE AIRCRAFT

Refer to Appendix D 'Installation & Interfacing' for information on mounting the
aera in the aircraft.

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3

Overview

TURNING THE UNIT ON/OFF

Press and hold the POWER Button to turn the unit on or off.

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

The first time the unit is turned on, the receiver must collect satellite data and
establish its present location. To ensure proper initialization, the aera is shipped from
the factory in AutoLocate mode, which allows the receiver to “find itself” anywhere in
the world.

During initialization, current database information is displayed. 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.

Touching the Press To Accept Button acknowledges this information, and the
'Home' Screen is displayed.

Database Initialization

CHANGING MODES

The aera offers two modes for transportation: automotive and aviation.

Changing modes:

1)

Touch the automotive or aviation icon at the top of the 'Home' Screen.

2)

Touch Yes.

AutomotiveAviation

Or:

1)

From the 'Home' Screen, touch Tools > Automotive or Aviation (from
automotive mode).

2)

4

Touch Yes.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

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Overview

GPS RECEIVER STATUS

The receiver status displays one of the following conditions:

•Autolocate—Receiver is looking for any satellite whose almanac has been
collected, which can take up to 5 minutes

•Searching the Sky—Receiver is looking for satellites

•Acquiring Satellites—Receiver is looking for and collecting data from satellites

visible at its last known or initialized location, but has not acquired a fix

•2D GPS Location—At least three satellites have been acquired and a two-

dimensional location fix has been calculated. “2D Differential” appears when
you are receiving DGPS corrections in 2D mode

•3D GPS Location—At least four satellites have been acquired and a three-

dimensional fix has been calculated. “3D Differential” appears when you are
receiving DGPS corrections in 3D mode

•Lost Satellite Reception—the receiver is no longer tracking enough satellites for a
2D or 3D fix

Constellation

Diagram

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

PRN Number

45° Above

Horizon

Horizon

Receiver Status

GPS Status

Viewing the GPS status:

From the 'Home' Screen, touch Tools > GPS Status.

ACQUIRING SATELLITES

The bars on the 'Home' Screen indicate the GPS signal strength.

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

Signal
Strength Bar

PRN Number
Location

(Lat/Long)

5

Overview

When the receiver is in the process of acquiring enough satellite signals for
navigation, the receiver uses satellite orbital data (collected continuously from the
satellites) and last known position to determine the satellites that should be in view.

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

‘Acquiring Satellites’ is indicated as the solution until a sufficient number of satellites
have been acquired for computing a solution.

When the receiver is in the process of acquiring a 3D differential GPS solution, ‘3D
GPS Location’ is indicated as the solution until the 3D differential fix has finished
acquisition.

SATELLITE INFORMATION

Satellites currently in view are shown at their respective positions on a satellite
constellation diagram. The outer circle of the constellation diagram represents the
horizon, the inner circle represents 45° above the horizon, and the center point shows
the position directly overhead. Each satellite is represented by a square containing the
Pseudo-Random Noise (PRN) number (i.e., satellite identification number).

GPS Status can be helpful in troubleshooting weak (or missing) signal levels
due to poor satellite coverage or installation problems. As the GPS receiver locks
onto satellites, a signal strength bar is displayed for each satellite in view, with the
appropriate satellite PRN number (01-32 or 33-64 for WAAS) below each bar. The
progress of satellite acquisition is shown in three stages, as indicated by signal bar
appearance:

- No bar—Receiver is looking for the indicated satellite

- Gray bar—Receiver has collected the necessary data and the satellite signal can
be used

- Green bar—Satellite is being used for the GPS solution

6

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

190-01117-02 Rev. A

Overview

1.3 OPERATION

BASIC NAVIGATION CONTROLS

The controls on the touchscreen change dynamically depending on the function

displayed.

Touch the following icons to perform the associated function:

Home Returns to the ‘Home’ screen.

Back Displays the previous page; Returns ‘Home’ (touch and hold).

OK Commits a value edited or selected.

Menu Displays the context sensitive option menu.

Menu/ Displays the menu; Displays the Direct-to function (touch and hold).

Up Scrolls up.

Down Scrolls down.

Direct-to Displays the Direct-to function.

Out Zooms out.

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

In Zooms in.

KEYPAD CONTROLS

OK Exits the keypad function and accepts the changes.

BKSP Erases the current data.

Numeric Displays the numeric only keypad.

Alpha Displays the alpha and numeric keypads.

Cancel Cancels a value that has been edited.

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7

Overview

‘HOME’ SCREEN

Touch the

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

icon at any time to access the ‘Home’ Screen.

‘HOME’ SCREEN ICONS

Touch the following icons to perform the associated function:

Map Displays the Navigation Map.

Terrain Displays the Terrain Map.

HSI/Panel Displays the Panel Mode.

Nearest Displays the second-level Nearest Icons.

Numbers Displays flight data.

Active FPL Displays the Active Flight Plan.

WPT Info Displays the Waypoint Information.

Direct To Displays the 'Direct To' function.

Position Displays the aircraft's Present Position.

Weather Displays second-level Weather Icons (aera 510 & 560).

XM Radio Displays XM Radio (aera 510 & 560).

Tools Displays second-level Tools Icons.

8

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

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Overview

NEAREST ICONS

From the ‘Home‘ Screen, touch the Nearest Icon to access the second-level

Nearest Icons.

Touch the following icons to perform the associated function:

Airport Displays nearest airports.

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

Airport WX Displays nearest airport weather.

VOR Displays nearest VORs.

NDB Displays nearest NDBs.

Intersection Displays nearest intersections.

VRP Displays nearest Visual Reporting Point (VRP) (Atlantic).

User WPT Displays nearest user waypoints.

City Displays nearest cities.

ARTCC Displays nearest ARTCCs.

FSS Displays nearest Flight Service Stations (FSS).

Airspace Displays nearest airspace.

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9

Overview

WEATHER ICONS (aera 510 & 560)

From the ‘Home‘ Screen, touch the Weather Icon to access the second-level

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

Weather Icons.

Touch the following second-level Weather Icons to display the weather product on

the Weather Map:

NEXRAD Displays NEXRAD (NEXt-generation RADar).

Satellite Displays Satellite Mosaic cloud cover.

Echo Tops Displays Echo Tops.

Winds Displays Winds Aloft.

Lightning Displays Lightning.

Storm Cells Displays Storm Cells.

METAR Displays METARs.

10

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

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Overview

AIRMET Displays AIRMETs.

SIGMET Displays SIGMETs.

TFR Displays TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions).

PIREP Displays PIREPs.

Freeze Lvl Displays Freezing Levels.

Turb Fcst Displays the Turbulence Forecast.

Icing Fcst Displays the Icing Forecast.

WX Frst Displays Forecast Information (current, 12, 24, 36, & 48).

Pressure Displays Surface Pressure.

Sea Temp Displays Water Temperature.

TOOLS

From the ‘Home‘ Screen, touch the Tools Icon to access the second-level Tools

Icons.

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

11

Overview

Touch the following second-level icons to perform the associated function:

Setup Displays third-level Setup Icons.

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

User WPT Displays User Waypoints and Proximity Waypoints.

Flight Log Displays Flight Logs.

Track Log Displays Track Logs.

FPL List Displays the Flight Plan List.

VNAV Displays Vertical Navigation.

Profile Displays Aircraft Profiles.

E6B Calc Displays the E6B Calculator.

Weight/Bal Displays the Weight & Balance.

Database Displays database and software version information.

Automotive Activates automotive mode.

GPS Status Displays GPS status information.

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

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Overview

Se t u p Ic o n S

From the ‘Home‘ Screen, touch the Tools > Setup to access the third-level Setup

Icons.

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

Touch the following third-level icons to perform the associated function:

Display Displays backlight intensity/timeout and color mode settings.

Sound Displays sound settings.

Units Displays unit settings.

Date/Time Displays date & time settings.

Map Displays Navigation Map settings.

Position Displays position settings.

Interface Displays interface settings.

Alarms Displays alarm settings.

SUA Alarms Displays Special Use Airspace alarm settings.

Power Displays power settings

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13

Overview

SELECTING A FUNCTION

Selecting a function:

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

Touch the desired icon. The icon will momentarily turn blue when selected.

Terrain Icon Selected (‘Home’ Screen)

SCROLLING

Scrolling up/down on the touchscreen:

Touch the Up or Down Arrow Icons (if available).

Or:

If the arrow icons are present, touch and drag your finger up or down.

14

Scrolling (Weather Icons)

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

190-01117-02 Rev. A

Overview

1.4 ACCESSING SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY

OPTION MENUS

The aera has a dedicated Menu Icon that displays a context-sensitive list of options

for the function displayed.

The Option Menu allows the user to access additional features or make setting

changes which specifically relate to the currently displayed function.

Navigating the option menu:

➊

I

f available, touch the Menu or Menu/ Icon

➋

T

ouch the Up/Down Icons if necessary to scroll through the Option Menu.

➌

T

ouch the desired menu option.

➋

➌

➊

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

DATA ENTRY

Alphanumeric data can be entered using the keypad. In some instances, such as
when entering an identifier, the aera tries to predict the desired identifier based on the
characters being entered. In this case, if the desired identifier appears, use the OK Icon
to confirm the entry without entering the rest of the identifier manually. This can save
the pilot from having to enter all the characters of the identifier.

Predetermined data options are entered by touching the
horizontal list, or by touching the button to display a vertical list (if only two options
are available, touching the button will toggle the two data options).

Besides character-by-character data entry using the keypad and predetermined
data entry, the aera also provides a shortcut for entering ‘Flight Plan’, ‘Nearest’, and
‘Recent’ waypoint identifiers.

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

to cycle through a

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Overview

Entering alphanumeric data:

➊

W

hen alphanumeric data can be entered, a keypad will appear after

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

touching the desired button.

➋

T

ouch the keypad to enter the desired data.

➌

T

ouch OK.

➊

➋

Nu

meric data may also be entered using or '+/-' buttons (if

applicable).

Entering predetermined data options:

➊

T

ouch the Data Option Button to display a vertical list of data options (if

applicable), or to toggle two data options

Or

:

To

uch the buttons to cycle through a horizontal list (if more than two

data options are available).

➋

I

f using the vertical list, touch the desired data option from the list.

(i.e., On/Off)

.

➌

➋

Data Option Button

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➊

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

190-01117-02 Rev. A

Overview

WAYPOINT INFORMATION TABS

Waypoint information is broken down into 5 tabs (
510 & 560 only), and

Waypoint Information Tabs:

➊

F

rom the 'Home' Screen, touch the WPT Info Icon.

➋

T

ouch the desired Tab (Info, Freq, Runway, WX

(optional)

).

AOPA

(aera 550 & 560 Americas only)).

➊

1.5 USING MAP DISPLAYS

NOTE: Refer to the GPS Navigation section for more information on Map
Display Setup.

Info, Freq, Runway, WX

(optional)

, AOPA

➋

Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index

(aera

Map displays are used extensively in the aera to provide situational awareness in
flight. Most aera maps can display the following information:

•

Airports, NAVAIDs, airspaces, airways, land data (highways, cities, lakes, rivers,
borders, etc.) with names

•Map Pointer information (distance and bearing to pointer, location of pointer,

name, and other pertinent information)

•Maprange

•Aircrafticon(representingpresentposition)

•Flightplanlegs

•Userwaypoints

•Trackvector

•Topographydata

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

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Overview

MAP RANGE

There are 23 different map ranges available, from 200 feet to 800 nm. The current

OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex

map range is indicated in the lower right. The scale bar represents the map scale. To
change the map range on any map, use the Out or In Icons to zoom ‘out’ (increasing),
or zoom ‘in‘ (decreasing).

Adjusting the map range:

While viewing a Map Display, touch the In or Out Icons.

Range
Icons

Map Range

Navigation Map

When the selected range exceeds the resolution of the map data, ‘overzoom’ appears

below the map range scale.

Scale Bar Rep­resenting a Map
Scale of 3 nm Per
Scale Width.

Map Range/Overzoom

AUTO ZOOM

Auto Zoom allows the aera to change the map display range to the smallest range
clearly showing the active waypoint. Auto Zoom can be overridden by adjusting the
range and remains that way until the active waypoint changes, a terrain or traffic alert
occurs, or the aircraft takes off.

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Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide

190-01117-02 Rev. A