Garmin aera 190-01117-02 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.
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Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Web Site Address: www.garmin.com
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®
and SafeTaxi
®
are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. aera
™
is
a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the
express permission of Garmin.
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®
is a registered trademark of Jeppesen, Inc.
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®
is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
October 2009 190-01117-02 Rev. A Printed in the United States or Taiwan

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. A
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.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. A
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 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 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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Table of Contents
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

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. A iii
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

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. A 1
Overview
Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index
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.
Unit Overview
Headphone/audio-out Jack
(Under Weather Cap)
External Antenna Connec-
tor (Under Weather Cap)
Power Button
Microphone
Release Key: Slide and
Release to Open the Battery
Cover
Serial Number (Under
the Battery)
Speaker
GPS Antenna
Mini-USB Connector
MicroSD™ Slot
Battery Contacts

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. A
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Overview
OverviewGPS NavigationFlight 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) 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

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. A 3
Overview
Overview GPS 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 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 : 32° to
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
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.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. A
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Overview
OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex
TURNING THE UNIT ON/OFF
Press and hold the POWER Button to turn the unit on or 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 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) Touch Yes.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
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Overview
Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index
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
GPS Status
Receiver Status
Horizon
45° Above
Horizon
Constellation
Diagram
PRN Number
PRN Number
Signal
Strength Bar
Location
(Lat/Long)
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.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
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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.
‘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

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Overview
Overview GPS Navigation Flight Planning Hazard Avoidance Additional Features Appendices Index
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.
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.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
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Overview
OverviewGPS NavigationFlight PlanningHazard AvoidanceAdditional FeaturesAppendicesIndex
‘HOME’ SCREEN
Touch the 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.