Garmin AERA 660 Manual

model: 660
™
Pilot's Guide

OVERVIEW
NAVIGATION
FLIGHT PLANNING
HAZARD AVOIDANCE
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
APPENDICES
INDEX

Copyright © 2016-2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
This manual reflects the operation of System Software version 3.50 or later. Some differences
in operation may be observed when comparing the information in this manual to earlier or
later software versions.
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Web Site Address: www.garmin.com
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BY USING THE DEVICE, COMPONENT OR SYSTEM MANUFACTURED OR SOLD BY GARMIN
(“THE GARMIN PRODUCT”), YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT
CAREFULLY. Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“Garmin”) grants you a limited license to use
the software embedded in the Garmin Product (the “Software”) in binary executable form
in the normal operation of the Garmin Product. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual
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You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and/or its third-party providers
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the Software in source code form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin and/or its
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TRA
REGISTERED No:
DEALER No:
ER47757/16
0015955/08
TA-2016/375
APPROVED
March, 2019 190-02017-20 Rev. E Printed in the U.S.A.

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E
Warnings, Cautions & Notes
WARNING: When installing the aera 660
™
, 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 660 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 the GPS and GLONASS receivers is
geometric height above Mean Sea Level and could vary significantly from
the altitude displayed by pressure altimeters.
WARNING: Do not use outdated database information. Databases used in
the aera 660 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: Do not use data link weather information for maneuvering in,
near, or around areas of hazardous weather. Information contained within
data link weather products may not accurately depict current weather
conditions.

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E
Warnings, Cautions & Notes
WARNING: Do not use the indicated data link weather product age to
determine the age of the weather information shown by the data link weather
product. Due to time delays inherent in gathering and processing weather
data for data link transmission, the weather information shown by the data
link weather product may be significantly older than the indicated weather
product age.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of unsafe operation, carefully review and
understand all aspects of the aera 660 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 660 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 660 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 660. 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 660 operational procedures must be
learned on the ground.
WARNING: The government entities operating the satellite-based navigation
systems (GPS/GLONASS) are solely responsible for their accuracy and
maintenance. The satellite-based navigation systems are subject to changes
which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS/GLONASS
equipment. Portions of the system utilize GPS/GLONASS as a precision
electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID). Therefore, as with all NAVAIDs,
information presented by the system can be misused or misinterpreted and,
therefore, become unsafe.

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E
Warnings, Cautions & Notes
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.
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: Do not rely solely upon the display of traffic information for col-
lision avoidance maneuvering. The traffic display does not provide collision
avoidance resolution advisories and does not, under any circumstances or
conditions, relieve the pilot’s responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft.
WARNING: Do not rely solely upon the display of traffic information to
accurately depict all of the traffic within range of the aircraft. Due to lack
of equipment, poor signal reception, and/or inaccurate information from
aircraft or ground stations, traffic may be present that is not represented on
the display.
CAUTION: The display uses a lens coated with a special coating that is very
sensitive to abrasive cleaners. AVOID CHEMICAL CLEANERSAND SOLVENTS
THAT WILL HARM THE SPECIAL COATING. It is very important when cleaning
the touchscreen to use a clean, lint-free cloth (lightly dampened with water,
if necessary).
CAUTION: The Garmin aera 660 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 660 panel and displays, are subject to change and may not
reflect the most current aera 660 system and aviation databases. Depictions
of equipment may differ slightly from the actual equipment.

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E
Warnings, Cautions & 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 questions or additional information, please refer to our web site at
www.garmin.com/prop65.
NOTE: Use of polarized eyewear may cause the display 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 the local FSS for interpretation of TFR
data.
NOTE: The navigation databases used in Garmin navigation systems contain
Special Procedures. Prior to flying these procedures, pilots must have specific
FAA authorization, training, and possession of the corresponding current,
and legitimately-sourced chart (approach plate, etc.…). Inclusion of the
Special Procedure in the navigation database DOES NOT imply specific FAA
authorization to fly the procedure.
NOTE: The navigation databases used in Garmin navigation systems contain
Special Procedures. Prior to flying these procedures, pilots must have specific
FAA authorization, training, and possession of the corresponding current,
and legitimately-sourced chart (approach plate, etc.…). Inclusion of the
Special Procedure in the navigation database DOES NOT imply specific FAA
authorization to fly the procedure.

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E
Warnings, Cautions & Notes
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Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E RR-11
Part Number Change Summary
190-02017-20 Initial release
Rev Date Description
A March, 2016 Production Release
B May, 2016 Added warning to Flight ID Display
Updated Aviation Limited Warranty
C September, 2017 Updated for software version 3.00
Added airspace altitude labels
Updated Bluetooth & Connext interface
Added SXM audio and weather support for GDL 5x products
Updated Connext setup page
Updated Data Link Info page
Updated menu layout
Added navigation database note
D February, 2018 Updated for software version 3.30
Added maximum recommended MicroSD™ card size
Added MapMX
Added day/night backlight settings
Removed references to external voltage data field
Removed references to GXM 40/42
Added QWERTY keyboard for portrait orientation
Added Time Over Target (TOT) data field
Added 'Easy Update' database downloading
E March, 2019 Added support for FIS-B Cloud Tops Forecast, Icing Forecast,
Lightning, and Turbulence Forecast over Bluetooth
Updated 'Satellite Mosaic' text to 'Cloud Tops'
Updated 'Severe' icing level text to 'Heavy'
Referenced GNX 375 where GTX 345 is included
Updated documentation to allow for GPS 175/GNX 375
Added crosswind component to airport runway review page
Added Navigation Setup Page to allow selection of flight plan
Waypoint Transition Modes
Added Internet 'Base Reflectivity' radar selection
Added internet source for radar, METARs, and TAFs
Updated for software version 3.50

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E
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Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E i
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 660 in the Aircraft................................................................................... 4
Turning the Unit On/Off........................................................................................................ 4
Receiver Status..................................................................................................................... 4
Display Orientation............................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Operation............................................................................................................................ 7
Basic Touchscreen Operation ................................................................................................ 7
Dedicated Page Icons ........................................................................................................... 8
Main Menu........................................................................................................................ 10
1.4 Accessing System Functionality................................................................................... 15
Option Menus.................................................................................................................... 15
Data Entry.......................................................................................................................... 16
Quick Settings Page............................................................................................................ 18
Title Bar Timer .................................................................................................................... 18
1.5 Using Map Displays......................................................................................................... 19
Map Range........................................................................................................................ 19
Map Panning ..................................................................................................................... 21
Map Overlays..................................................................................................................... 24
Map Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 24
Map Detail......................................................................................................................... 24
1.6 System Settings............................................................................................................... 25
Display Setup ..................................................................................................................... 25
Sound Setup ...................................................................................................................... 27
Map Setup......................................................................................................................... 28
Bluetooth® Setup................................................................................................................ 29
Connext Setup ................................................................................................................... 30
Weather Setup ................................................................................................................... 31
Wi-Fi Setup........................................................................................................................ 31
3D Vision Setup.................................................................................................................. 32
Navigation Setup ............................................................................................................... 32
Keyboard Setup.................................................................................................................. 32
Additional Settings............................................................................................................. 33
1.7 Nearest Airport Criteria Settings ................................................................................ 34
1.8 Present Position............................................................................................................... 35
1.9 New Location ................................................................................................................... 36
1.10 Simulator Mode............................................................................................................. 36

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Table of Contents
SECTION 2 NAVIGATION......................................................................................................... 39
2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 39
Data Fields......................................................................................................................... 40
Compass Arc...................................................................................................................... 42
2.2 3D Vision............................................................................................................................ 43
3D Vision Operation ........................................................................................................... 45
2.3 Vertical Navigation (VNAV) ........................................................................................... 47
Using the VNAV Feature ..................................................................................................... 48
2.4 Map Display Setup.......................................................................................................... 50
Map Orientation................................................................................................................. 51
Airports, Navaids, Cities & Roads ........................................................................................ 51
Airways.............................................................................................................................. 52
2.5 Waypoints ......................................................................................................................... 53
Nearest Information ........................................................................................................... 56
Weather and NOTAM Information (Optional) ...................................................................... 58
Accessing Additional information........................................................................................ 59
2.6 Direct-to Navigation....................................................................................................... 70
SECTION 3 FLIGHT PLANNING............................................................................................. 73
3.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 73
Data Fields......................................................................................................................... 73
3.2 Flight Plan Creation........................................................................................................ 74
Adding Waypoints to an Existing Flight Plan........................................................................ 76
Transferring Flight Plans Using Connext .............................................................................. 78
3.3 Flight Plan Storage ......................................................................................................... 79
3.4 Flight Plan Activation..................................................................................................... 80
Editing Speed and Fuel Flow............................................................................................... 81
Copying Flight Plans........................................................................................................... 82
Deleting Flight Plans .......................................................................................................... 82
Inverting a Flight Plan ........................................................................................................ 83
3.5 Approaches....................................................................................................................... 83
Selecting an Approach........................................................................................................ 84
Activating Vectors-to-Final.................................................................................................. 86
SECTION 4 HAZARD AVOIDANCE....................................................................................... 87
4.1 Weather ............................................................................................................................. 87
Weather Data Sources........................................................................................................ 87
Using Weather Products ..................................................................................................... 87
SIRIUSXM®Weather ............................................................................................................. 89
Data Link Weather (FIS-B)................................................................................................. 102
Internet Weather .............................................................................................................. 115

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Table of Contents
4.2 Terrain.............................................................................................................................. 119
Terrain Information........................................................................................................... 120
Obstacle Information........................................................................................................ 120
Terrain and Obstacle Color Code....................................................................................... 121
Terrain Views.................................................................................................................... 121
Terrain Alerts & Setup....................................................................................................... 122
4.3 Traffic ............................................................................................................................... 125
Traffic Information Service (TIS-A) ..................................................................................... 125
Traffic Ground Track ......................................................................................................... 126
Displaying Traffic Data ...................................................................................................... 127
Data Link Traffic ............................................................................................................... 127
SECTION 5 ADDITIONAL FEATURES................................................................................ 139
5.1 SafeTaxi ........................................................................................................................... 139
SafeTaxi Cycle Number and Revision................................................................................. 140
5.2 Airport Directory Data................................................................................................. 140
Fuel Prices ....................................................................................................................... 143
5.3 SiriusXM®Radio............................................................................................................. 143
Compatible SiriusXM Devices ........................................................................................... 143
Activating SiriusXM Satellite Radio Services ...................................................................... 144
Using SiriusXM Radio....................................................................................................... 144
SECTION 6 APPENDICES ....................................................................................................... 149
Appendix A: Messages, Alerts & Data Field Options ................................................... 149
Miscellaneous Message Advisories.................................................................................... 149
Airspace Messages........................................................................................................... 150
Data Field & Numeric Data Options .................................................................................. 151
Appendix B: Abnormal Operation.................................................................................... 155
Loss of GNSS Position....................................................................................................... 155
Hazard Display with Loss of GNSS Position ....................................................................... 155
Appendix C: Managing Files and Databases.................................................................. 157
Connecting to a Computer ............................................................................................... 157
Managing Files ................................................................................................................ 158
MicroSD™Card Use (Optional) ......................................................................................... 159
Database Types ................................................................................................................ 160
Database Purchase, Installation, and Updates ................................................................... 162
Software Updates............................................................................................................. 169
Appendix D: Installation and Interfacing....................................................................... 173
Mounting the aera 660 in the Aircraft............................................................................... 173
Connecting to a Garmin VHF Comm Radio........................................................................ 177
Information about USB Drivers ......................................................................................... 179
Interfacing ....................................................................................................................... 179

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Table of Contents
Configuring aera 660 for a GDL 39................................................................................... 181
Configuring aera 660 for a GDL 51/52.............................................................................. 183
Pairing a GDL or GTX Device via Bluetooth ....................................................................... 185
Pairing the GDL 51/52 to an Audio Device ........................................................................ 185
Using an external GPS Antenna (Optional) ........................................................................ 185
Appendix E: Battery and Care Information ................................................................... 187
Battery Information .......................................................................................................... 187
Changing the Fuse ........................................................................................................... 187
Cleaning the Casing......................................................................................................... 188
Cleaning the Touchscreen................................................................................................. 188
Protecting the Unit........................................................................................................... 188
Avoiding Theft.................................................................................................................. 189
Appendix F: General TIS-A Information.......................................................................... 191
TIS-A vs. TAS/TCAS ........................................................................................................... 191
TIS-A Limitations.............................................................................................................. 192
Appendix G: Utilities ........................................................................................................... 195
Flight Log......................................................................................................................... 195
Track Log ......................................................................................................................... 196
Track Vector ..................................................................................................................... 198
E6B Calculator ................................................................................................................. 199
Aircraft Profile.................................................................................................................. 201
Weight & Balance ............................................................................................................ 202
Proximity Waypoints ......................................................................................................... 203
Appendix H: Display Symbols ........................................................................................... 205
VFR Symbols .................................................................................................................... 205
IFR Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 206
Airspace Symbols ............................................................................................................. 208
Appendix I: Map Datum and Location Formats ............................................................ 211
Map Datums.................................................................................................................... 211
Location Formats.............................................................................................................. 211
Appendix J: Glossary........................................................................................................... 213
Appendix K: Warranty and Compliance .......................................................................... 219
Contact Garmin................................................................................................................ 219
Aviation Limited Warranty ................................................................................................ 219
AOPA Airport Directory Notice .......................................................................................... 220
AC-U-KWIK License Agreement ........................................................................................ 220
FCC Compliance............................................................................................................... 221
Industry Canada Compliance............................................................................................ 221
Radiation Exposure Statement.......................................................................................... 221
Index...................................................................................................................................Index-1

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
190-02017-20 Rev. E 1
Overview
Overview Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index
SECTION 1 OVERVIEW
1.1 UNIT OVERVIEW
The aera 660 presents GNSS-derived analog flight instrumentation, position,
navigation, and hazard avoidance information to the pilot using a 5”display with a
capacitive touch screen.
Power Button
Unit Overview
External Antenna Connector
Power Button
USB Connector
Micro SD Card Slot
Battery Latch

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
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2
Overview
OverviewNavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex
1.2 GETTING STARTED
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) Locate the metal contacts on the end of the lithium-ion battery.
3) Insert the battery so that the metal contacts on the battery line-up with the
metal contacts inside the battery compartment.
4) Insert the battery into the battery compartment, and push until it clicks into
place.
Unit Overview - Battery

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
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Overview
Overview Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index
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 660 for at least 4 hours before using on battery power. Charge the
battery by connecting the aviation power cable, the USB cable, an AC adapter, or use
a stand-alone 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 : 41° to
95°F (5° to 35°C).
1) Mount the aera 660 in the aircraft 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
Applying external power to the aera 660 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 for charging the
battery while in Charge Mode.
INITIAL BATTERY CHARGING
After fully charging the battery for the first time, the aera 660 battery indicator
may report significantly less than full charge. In this case, the battery will need to be
conditioned to report the correct capacity. This can be accomplished by allowing the
battery to discharge completely and then fully recharging the battery.

Garmin aera 660 Pilot’s Guide
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4
Overview
OverviewNavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex
MOUNTING THE aera 660 IN THE AIRCRAFT
Refer to Appendix D 'Installation & Interfacing' for information on mounting the
aera 660 in the aircraft.
TURNING THE UNIT ON/OFF
Press the POWER Button to turn the unit on. Press and hold the POWER
Button to turn the unit off.
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 660 is shipped
from the factory inAutolocate 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
Main Menu is displayed.
Database Initialization
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