Garmin aera 560 Manual

models: 500, 510, 550, 560
™
Pilot's Guide

OVERVIEW
GPS NAVIGATION
FLIGHT PLANNING
HAZARD AVOIDANCE
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
APPENDICES
INDEX

Copyright © 2009, 2010, 2012 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
This manual reflects the operation of System Software version 4.10 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]
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
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®
is a registered trademark of Jeppesen, Inc.
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®
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®
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August, 2012 190-01117-02 Rev. C Printed in the United States or Taiwan

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C
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: 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 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C
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 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. C
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.
WARNING: Do not rely solely upon the display of traffic information for collision
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: 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.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C
Warnings, Cautions & Notes
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 your local FSS for interpretation of TFR
data.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C
Warnings, Cautions & Notes
Blank Page

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C RR-11
Part Number Change Summary
190-01194-00 Initial release
Rev Date Description
A October, 2009 Production Release
B August, 2012 Added GDL 39 Support
C August, 2012 Added GDL 39 Pass-Through and TargetTrend.

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C
RR-12
Blank Page

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C 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 ........................................................................................................... 15
Scrolling............................................................................................................................. 15
1.4 Accessing System Functionality................................................................................... 16
Option Menus.................................................................................................................... 16
Data Entry.......................................................................................................................... 16
Waypoint Information Tabs ................................................................................................. 18
1.5 Using Map Displays......................................................................................................... 18
Map Range........................................................................................................................ 19
Map Panning ..................................................................................................................... 20
Map Overlays..................................................................................................................... 22
Map Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 23
1.6 System Settings............................................................................................................... 24
Display............................................................................................................................... 24
Sound................................................................................................................................ 25
Additional Settings............................................................................................................. 26
1.7 Nearest Airport Criteria Settings ................................................................................ 28
1.8 Present Position............................................................................................................... 29
Position.............................................................................................................................. 29
New Location..................................................................................................................... 29
Simulator Mode ................................................................................................................. 30
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

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C
ii
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 and NOTAM Information (Optional) ...................................................................... 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 Weather ............................................................................................................................. 79
XM®Weather (aera 510 & 560).......................................................................................... 79
XM Satellite Weather Products............................................................................................ 81
Using XM Satellite Weather Products.................................................................................. 91
Data Link weather (FIS-B) (all models) ................................................................................ 94
4.2 Terrain.............................................................................................................................. 106
Terrain Information........................................................................................................... 107
Obstacle Information........................................................................................................ 107
Terrain and Obstacle Color Code....................................................................................... 108
Terrain Views.................................................................................................................... 108
Terrain Alerts & Setup....................................................................................................... 110
4.3 Traffic ............................................................................................................................... 112
Traffic Information Service (TIS-A) ..................................................................................... 112
Traffic Ground Track ......................................................................................................... 113
Displaying Traffic Data...................................................................................................... 113
Data Link Traffic (GDL 39)................................................................................................. 115

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C iii
Table of Contents
SECTION 5 ADDITIONAL FEATURES................................................................................ 127
5.1 SafeTaxi ........................................................................................................................... 127
SafeTaxi Cycle Number and Revision................................................................................. 128
5.2 Airport Directory Data................................................................................................. 129
5.3 XM®Radio (aera 510 & 560)........................................................................................ 131
Activating XM Satellite Radio Services .............................................................................. 132
Using XM Radio............................................................................................................... 133
SECTION 6 APPENDICES ....................................................................................................... 141
Appendix A: Messages, Alerts & Data Field Options ................................................... 141
Miscellaneous Message Advisories.................................................................................... 141
Airspace Messages........................................................................................................... 143
Data Field & Numeric Data Options .................................................................................. 143
Aural Alerts...................................................................................................................... 145
Appendix B: Abnormal Operation.................................................................................... 147
Loss of GPS Position......................................................................................................... 147
Hazard Display with Loss of GPS Position.......................................................................... 147
Appendix C: Managing Files and Databases.................................................................. 149
Connecting to a Computer ............................................................................................... 149
Managing Files ................................................................................................................ 150
MicroSD™Card Use (Optional) ......................................................................................... 152
Databases........................................................................................................................ 153
Appendix D: Installation and Interfacing....................................................................... 157
Mounting the aera in the Aircraft...................................................................................... 157
Connecting to a Garmin VHF Comm Radio........................................................................ 161
Information about USB Drivers ......................................................................................... 163
Interfacing ....................................................................................................................... 163
Connecting to a GTX 330 Mode S Transponder ................................................................. 165
Connecting to a GDL 39................................................................................................... 166
Connecting the GXM 40 Antenna (aera 510 & 560).......................................................... 170
Using an external GPS Antenna (Optional) ........................................................................ 170
Appendix E: Battery and Care Information ................................................................... 171
Battery Information .......................................................................................................... 171
Changing the Fuse ........................................................................................................... 171
Cleaning the Casing......................................................................................................... 172
Cleaning the Touchscreen................................................................................................. 172
Protecting the Unit........................................................................................................... 172
Avoiding Theft.................................................................................................................. 173
Registering the Unit ......................................................................................................... 173
Appendix F: General TIS-A Information.......................................................................... 175
TIS-A vs. TAS/TCAS ........................................................................................................... 175
TIS-A Limitations.............................................................................................................. 175

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C
iv
Table of Contents
Appendix G: Utilities ........................................................................................................... 179
Flight Log......................................................................................................................... 179
Track Log ......................................................................................................................... 180
Heading Line.................................................................................................................... 183
E6B Calculator ................................................................................................................. 184
Aircraft Profile.................................................................................................................. 186
Weight & Balance ............................................................................................................ 187
EPE Circle ........................................................................................................................ 188
Proximity Waypoints ......................................................................................................... 189
Appendix H: Display Symbols ........................................................................................... 191
VFR Symbols .................................................................................................................... 191
IFR Symbols ..................................................................................................................... 192
Airspace Symbols ............................................................................................................. 194
Appendix I: Map Datum and Location Formats ............................................................ 197
Map Datums.................................................................................................................... 197
Location Formats.............................................................................................................. 197
Appendix J: Glossary........................................................................................................... 199
Appendix K: License Agreement and Warranty ............................................................ 205
Contact Garmin................................................................................................................ 205
Software License Agreement............................................................................................. 205
Limited Warranty.............................................................................................................. 205
AOPA Airport Directory Notice .......................................................................................... 206
AC-U-KWIK LICENSE AGREEMENT.................................................................................... 206
XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement............................................................................... 207
Weather Data Warranty.................................................................................................... 207
FCC Compliance............................................................................................................... 208
Industry Canada Compliance............................................................................................ 208
Index...................................................................................................................................Index-1

Garmin aera 500 Series Pilot’s Guide
190-01117-02 Rev. C 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. C
2
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. C 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. C
4
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.