Garmin GPS 500 User manual

GPS 500
Pilot’s Guide and Reference

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference i
RECORD OF REVISIONS
Revision Date of Revision Description
A 4/01 Initial Release
B 5/03 Reflect software changes up to version 4.0 and restructure
C 2/07 Updated layout, added TAWS, TERRAIN, TIS, Weather information,
per SW v6.02
D 7/07 Updated per Main SW v6.03
E 6/08 Removed Proximity Advisory info from Section 12
F 09/08 Converted format of figures to accommodate printing process
G 12/09 Added Section 12.2, GTS 8XX Traffic Systems
190-00181-60 Rev. G

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
ii
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
This manual reflects the operation of Main System Software version 6.03 or later. Some differences may be observed when
comparing the information in this manual to other software versions.
Garmin International, Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 USA
p: 913.397.8200 f: 913.397.8282
Garmin AT, Inc., 2345 Turner Road SE, Salem, Oregon 97302 USA
p: 503.391.3411 f: 503.364.2138
Garmin (Europe) Ltd., Liberty House, Bulls Copse Road, Hounsdown Business Park, Southampton, SO40 9RB, U.K.
p: +44/ (0) 870.8501241 f: +44/ (0) 870.8501251
Garmin (Asia) Corp., No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road., Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
p: 886/2.2642.9199 f : 886/2.2642-9099
Web Site Address: www.garmin.com
Visit the Garmin website for the latest updates and supplemental information concerning the operation of this and other Garmin
products.
Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or
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to download a single copy of this manual and of any revision to this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to
be viewed for personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete text
of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is
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Garmin®, AutoLocate®, and PhaseTrac12® are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used
without the express permission of Garmin.
Spell’N’Find™ is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
NavData® is a registered trademark of Jeppesen, Inc.
December 2009 190-00181-60 Rev. G Printed in the U.S.A.
190-00181-60 Rev. G

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
190-00181-60 Rev. G
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION........................................... 1-1
1.1 Accessories and Packing List ................................. 1-1
1.2 Key and Knob Functions ......................................... 1-2
1.3 Takeoff Tour............................................................... 1-4
SECTION 2: NAV PAGES .................................................. 2-1
2.1 Main Page Groups.................................................... 2-1
2.2 NAV Page Group ....................................................... 2-2
2.3 Default NAV Page..................................................... 2-2
2.4 Map Page ................................................................... 2-6
2.5 TERRAIN Page.......................................................... 2-15
2.6 TAWS Page ............................................................... 2-18
2.7 NAV/COM Page........................................................ 2-21
2.8 Satellite Status Page............................................. 2-23
SECTION 3: DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION......................... 3-1
3.1 Overview.................................................................... 3-1
SECTION 4: FLIGHT PLANS.............................................. 4-1
4.1 Flight Plan Catalog Page ........................................ 4-1
4.2 Active Flight Plan Page........................................... 4-8
SECTION 5: PROCEDURES ............................................... 5-1
5.1 Approaches, Departures, and Arrivals................. 5-1
5.2 Non-Precision Approach Operations.................... 5-3
5.3 Points to Remember for All Approaches........... 5-25
SECTION 6: WPT PAGES.................................................... 6-1
6.1 WPT Page Group ....................................................... 6-1
6.2 Airport Location Page ............................................. 6-4
6.3 Airport Runway Page .............................................. 6-6
6.4 Airport Frequency Page.......................................... 6-8
6.5 Airport Approach Page ......................................... 6-10
6.6 Airport Arrival Page............................................... 6-12
6.7 Airport Departure Page ........................................ 6-14
6.8 Intersection Page ................................................... 6-16
6.9 NDB Page.................................................................. 6-16
6.10 VOR Page................................................................ 6-17
6.11 User Waypoint Page............................................. 6-17
SECTION 7: NRST PAGES ................................................. 7-1
7.1 NRST Page Group ..................................................... 7-1
7.2 Nearest Airport Page............................................... 7-3
7.3 Nearest Intersection Page...................................... 7-5
7.4 Nearest NDB Page .................................................... 7-5
7.5 Nearest VOR Page .................................................... 7-6
7.6 Nearest User Waypoint Page ................................. 7-7
7.7 Nearest Center (ARTCC) Page................................ 7-7
7.8 Nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) Page.......... 7-8
7.9 Nearest Airspace Page ............................................ 7-8
SECTION 8: AUX PAGES.................................................... 8-1
8.1 AUX Page Group ....................................................... 8-1
8.2 Flight Planning Page................................................ 8-2
8.3 Utility Page.............................................................. 8-10
8.4 Setup Page............................................................... 8-18
SECTION 9: VERTICAL NAVIGATION (VNAV).......... 9-1
SECTION 10: TERRAIN..................................................... 10-1
10.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................... 10-1
10.2 TERRAIN Page........................................................ 10-3
10.3 TERRAIN Alerts...................................................... 10-4
10.4 Database Information for TERRAIN ................. 10-9
SECTION 11: TAWS............................................................ 11-1
11.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................... 11-1
11.2 TAWS Page ............................................................. 11-3
11.3 TAWS Alerts ........................................................... 11-4
11.4 Database Information for TAWS..................... 11-11
SECTION 12: ADDITIONAL FEATURES ..................... 12-1
12.1 Traffic Information Service (TIS) Interface..... 12-1
12.2 GTS 8XX Traffic Systems ................................... 12-12
12.3 Weather Data Link Interface ........................... 12-19
SECTION 13: FAULT DETECTION & EXCLUSION.. 13-1
13.1 Detection and Exclusion..................................... 13-1
13.2 Pre-Departure Verification of FDE.................... 13-2
SECTION 14: MESSAGES, ABBREVIATIONS, &
NAV TERMS............................................................................ 14-1
14.1 Messages................................................................ 14-1
14.2 Abbreviations........................................................ 14-7
14.3 Navigation Terms ............................................... 14-10
Appendix A: Data Card Use..........................................A-1
Appendix B: Specifications........................................... B-1
Appendix C: Troubleshooting Q & A........................C-1

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
iv
WARNINGS,
CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
WARNING: Navigation and terrain separation must NOT be predicated upon the use of the TAWS function.
The TAWS 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 TAWS 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 terrain data should be used only as an aid for situational awareness. Terrain data must not
be used as the sole basis for decisions or maneuvers to avoid terrain or obstacles. Terrain data must not be
used for navigation.
WARNING: The altitude calculated by GPS 500 GPS receivers is geometric height above Mean Sea Level and
could vary significantly from the altitude displayed by pressure altimeters in aircraft. GPS altitude should never
be used for vertical navigation. Always use pressure altitude displayed by pressure altimeters in the aircraft.
WARNING: The Jeppesen database used in the GPS 500 system must be updated regularly in order to ensure
that its information remains current. Updates are released every 28 days. A database information packet is
included in the GPS 500 package. Pilots using an outdated database do so entirely at their own risk.
WARNING: The basemap (land and water data) must not be used for navigation, but rather only for non-
navigational situational awareness. Any basemap indication should be compared with other navigation
sources.
WARNING: For safety reasons, GPS 500 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 GPS 500 utilize GPS as a precision electronic
NAVigation AID (NAVAID). Therefore, as with all NAVAIDs, information presented by the GPS 500 can be
misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.
190-00181-60 Rev. G

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference v
WARNINGS,
CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
WARNING: Use the GPS 500, Weather Data Link Interface,TIS, and TAWS at your own risk. To reduce the risk
of unsafe operation, carefully review and understand all aspects of the GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide documentation
and the GPS 500 Flight Manual Supplement. Thoroughly practice basic operation prior to actual use. During
flight operations, carefully compare indications from the GPS 500 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.
CAUTION: The GPS 500 display lens is coated with a special anti-reflective coating that is very sensitive to
skin oils, waxes, and abrasive cleaners. CLEANERS CONTAINING AMMONIAWILL HARMTHE ANTI-REFLECTIVE
COATING. It is very important to clean the lens using a clean, lint-free cloth and an eyeglass lens cleaner that
is specified as safe for anti-reflective coatings.
CAUTION: The Garmin GPS 500 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 GPS 500 panel and
displays, are subject to change and may not reflect the most current GPS 500 system. Depictions of equipment
may differ slightly from the actual equipment.
NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified within this manual, the term ‘GPS 500’ applies to both the GPS 500 and the
GPS 500 TAWS models. The functionality of the TAWS models is covered in Section 11.
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 website at
www.garmin.com/prop65.
190-00181-60 Rev. G

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
vi
WARRANTY
AVIATION LIMITED WARRANTY
All Garmin avionics products are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for: two years from the date of
purchase for new Remote-Mount and Panel-Mount products; one year from the date of purchase for new portable products and any
purchased newly-overhauled products; six months for newly-overhauled products exchanged through a Garmin Authorized Service
Center; and 90 days for factory repaired or newly-overhauled products exchanged at Garmin in lieu of repair. Within the applicable
period, Garmin will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be
made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
This warranty does not apply to: (i) cosmetic damage, such as scratches, nicks and dents; (ii) consumable parts, such as batteries,
unless product damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (iii) damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse,
water, flood, fire, or other acts of nature or external causes; (iv) damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not an
authorized service provider of Garmin; or (v) damage to a product that has been modified or altered without the written permission of
Garmin. In addition, Garmin reserves the right to refuse warranty claims against products or services that are obtained and/or used
in contravention of the laws of any country.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE.THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS,WHICH MAY VARY
FROM STATE TO STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO
YOU.
Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair or replace (with a new or newly-overhauled replacement product) the product or software
or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR
ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
Online Auction Purchases: Products purchased through online auctions are not eligible for warranty coverage. Online auction
confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty service, an original or copy of the sales receipt from the
original retailer is required. Garmin will not replace missing components from any package purchased through an online auction.
International Purchases: A separate warranty may be provided by international distributors for devices purchased outside the
United States depending on the country. If applicable, this warranty is provided by the local in-country distributor and this distributor
provides local service for your device. Distributor warranties are only valid in the area of intended distribution. Devices purchased in
the United States or Canada must be returned to the Garmin service center in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, or
Taiwan for service.
To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin Authorized Service Center. For assistance in locating a Service Center near you,
visit the Garmin Website at ‘http://www.garmin.com’ or contact Garmin Customer Service at 800-800-1020.
190-00181-60 Rev. G

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference 1-1
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 ACCESSORIES AND PACKING LIST
Congratulations on choosing the finest, most advanced
panel mount IFR navigation/communication system
available. The GPS 500 represents Garmin’s commitment
to provide accurate, easy-to-use avionics.
Before installing and getting started with the GPS 500,
please check to see that the package includes the following
items. If any parts are missing or damaged, please contact
a Garmin dealer immediately.
Standard Package:
• GPS 500 Unit
• NavData® Card
• Terrain Data Card
• Installation Rack
• Connectors
• GPS Antenna
• Pilot’s Guide
• Quick Reference Guide
• 400/500 Series Display Interface Pilot’s Guide
Addendum
• Database Subscription Packet
• Warranty Registration Card
• GPS 500 Simulator CD-ROM
The Garmin dealer performs the installation and
configuration of the GPS 500. The GPS 500 is secured in
the installation rack with the proper wiring connections
performed. After installation, the NavData Card and the
Terrain Data Card (if applicable) are installed into their
correct slots on the front of the unit (Appendix A). A
Garmin dealer can answer questions about the installation
such as location of antennas or any connections to other
equipment in the panel.
NOTE: Help Garmin provide better support by
completing on-line registration. Registration
ensures notification of product updates, new
products, and provides for lost or stolen unit
tracking. Have the serial number of the GPS
500 available and connect to the website (www.
garmin.com). Look for the product registration
link on the home page.

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
1-2
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
1.2 KEY AND KNOB FUNCTIONS
The GPS 500 is designed to make operation as simple
as possible. The key and knob descriptions (Figure
1-1) provide a general overview of the primary function(s)
for each key and knob. The takeoff tour (Section 1.3)
is intended to provide a brief overview of the primary
functions of the GPS 500.
Figure 1-1 Keys and Knobs
1
11 14
7
8
912 13
4
6
5
2
3
10
Power
1
ENT (enter)
6
MSG (message)
11
RNG (map range)
2
Small right knob
7
FPL (flight plan)
12
Direct-to
3
Large right knob
8
VNAV
13
MENU
4
NRST (nearest)
9
PROC (procedure)
14
CLR (clear)
5
OBS
10
Experiment with the unit and refer to the reference
sections for more information.
Data is entered using the large and small knobs.
Experiment with them to become efcient at entering data.
This greatly reduces the amount of time spent operating
the GPS 500 in flight.

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference 1-3
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
Left-hand Keys and Knobs
(1) Power Knob –Controls unit power. Turn clockwise
to turn unit on.
Right-hand Keys and Knobs
(2) RNG Key – Allows the pilot to select the desired map
range. Use the up arrow to zoom out to a larger area, or
the down arrow to zoom in to a smaller area.
(3) Direct-to Key – Provides access to the direct-to
function, which allows the pilot to enter a destination
waypoint and establishes a direct course to the selected
destination (Section 3).
(4) MENU Key – Displays a context-sensitive list of
options. This options list allows the pilot to access
additional features or make settings changes which relate
to the currently displayed page.
(5) CLR Key – Used to erase information, remove map
detail, or to cancel an entry. Press and hold the CLR key
to immediately display the Default NAV Page.
(6) ENT Key – Used to approve an operation or complete
data entry. It is also used to confirm information during
power on.
(7) Small Right Knob – Used to select pages within
one of the page groups. Press this knob momentarily
to display the on-screen cursor. The cursor allows the
pilot to enter data and/or make a selection from a list of
options. When entering data, the small right knob is used
to select the desired letter or number and the large right
knob is used to move to the next character space. The
small right knob is also used to move the target pointer
up (turn clockwise) or down (counterclockwise) when the
map panning function is active.
(8) Large Right knob – Used to select page groups: NAV,
WPT, AUX, or NRST. With the on-screen cursor enabled, the
large right knob allows the pilot to move the cursor about
the page. The large right knob is also used to move the target
pointer right (turn clockwise) or left (counterclockwise)
when the map panning function is active.
Bottom Row Keys
(9) NRST Key – The NRST Key displays the Nearest
Airports Page. Then, turning the small right knob steps
through the NRST pages.
(10) OBS Key – Used to select manual or automatic
sequencing of waypoints. Pressing the OBS Key selects
OBS mode, which retains the current ‘active to’ waypoint
as the navigation reference even after passing the waypoint
(i.e., prevents sequencing to the next waypoint). Pressing
the OBS Key again returns the unit to normal operation,
with automatic sequencing of waypoints. When OBS
mode is selected, the pilot may set the desired course
to/from a waypoint using the Select OBS Course pop-up
window, or an external OBS selector on the HSI or CDI.
(11) MSG Key – Used to view system messages and to
alert the pilot to important warnings and requirements.
See Section 14.1 for more information on messages.
(12) FPL Key – Allows the pilot to create, edit, activate,
and invert flight plans, as well as access approaches,
departures, and arrivals. A closest point to ight plan
feature is also available from the FPL Key. See Section 4
for more information on flight plans.
(13) VNAV (Vertical Navigation) Key – Allows the
pilot to create a three-dimensional profile which provides
guidance to a nal (target) altitude at a specied location
See Section 9.
(14) PROC Key – Allows the pilot to select and remove
approaches, departures, and arrivals from the flight plan.
When using a ight plan, available procedures for the
departure and/or arrival airport are offered automatically.
Otherwise, the pilot may select the desired airport, then
the desired procedure.

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
1-4
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
`NOTE: Data is entered using the large and
small right knobs (Figure 1-2). Experiment with
them to become efficient at entering data. This
will greatly reduce the amount of time spent
operating the 500 Series in flight.
Figure 1-2 Blank Direct-to Page
NOTE: When the GPS 500 is displaying a list
of information that is too long for the display
screen, a scroll bar appears along the right-hand
side of the display (Figure 1-3). The scroll bar
graphically indicates the number of additional
items available within the selected category. To
scroll through the list, press the small right knob
to activate the cursor, then turn the large right
knob.
Figure 1-3 Scroll Bar
Scroll Bar
1.3 TAKEOFF TOUR
Overview
The Garmin GPS 500 provides the pilot accurate
navigational data and communication capability, along
with non-precision and precision approach certification
in the IFR environment. The takeoff tour is designed to
familiarize the pilot with:
• Powering up the unit
• Changing frequencies
• Entering data
• Performing a simple direct-to
• Selecting IFR procedures
• Using some limited flight plans
In addition, this section briey covers the Default NAV
Page, the Map Page, and the NAV/COM Page, which are
available as part of the NAV Page Group. These pages are
used for most of the in-flight navigation.
The takeoff tour assumes that the unit and antennas
have been properly installed and that the GPS 500’s
default settings have not been changed. If any of the
factory default settings (position format, units of measure,
selectable elds, etc.) have been changed, the pictures
shown here may not exactly match what is shown on
the GPS 500. Prior to using the GPS 500 for the first
time, Garmin recommends that the aircraft be moved to a
location that is well away from buildings and other aircraft
so the unit can collect satellite data without interruption.
This takeoff tour is intended to provide a brief
introduction of the GPS 500’s major features. Sections
2 through 12 of this manual describe these features and
others in additional detail. Refer to these sections, as
needed to learn or review the details regarding a particular
feature.

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference 1-5
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
After becoming familiar with the basics, some suggested
reading within this Pilot’s Guide includes:
• Flight plan features - Section 4
• IFR procedures - Section 5
• Waypoint information pages (database
information) - Section 6
• Unit settings (conguring the unit to the pilot’s
preferences) - Section 8
If more information is needed, Garmin’s Customer
Service staff is available during normal business hours
(U.S. Central time zone) at the phone and fax numbers
listed on page ii. Garmin can also be reached by mail
(page ii) or at our website address, www.garmin.com.
Powering on the GPS 500
The GPS 500’s Power Knob is located at the top left
corner of the unit. Turning the Power Knob clockwise
turns unit power on. After turning the unit on, a welcome
page appears briefly while the unit performs a self test,
followed sequentially by the Unit Type Page (Figure
1-4) and the Software Version Page. Then (depending
on conguration) the Weather Page, the Trafc Page, the
Aviation Database Page, and the Land/Terrain/Obstacles
Database Page are sequentially displayed.
Figure 1-4 Unit Type Page
The Database Versions Page (Figure 1-5) appears
next, which shows the current database information on
the NavData Card and Terrain Data Cards. Database
information highlighted in yellow indicates the database
is not within its effective dates. The NavData database is
updated every 28 days and must be current for approved
instrument approach operations. Information on database
subscriptions is available inside the GPS 500 package.
Figure 1-5 Database Versions Page
Acknowledging the database information:
Press the ENT Key.

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
1-6
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
Figure 1-6 Instrument Panel Self-Test Page
Check CDI/HSI, RMI, and
Other Instruments to verify
these Indications
Fuel Capacity is
entered manually
Fuel On-Board
and Fuel Flow
are Provided
by Sensors, if
Installed
Select to Set
Fuel Level to
Full Capacity
Select to display
Checklists Page
Should Match Current
OBS Course Selection
Instrument Panel Self-test Page
Once the database has been acknowledged, the
Instrument Panel Self-test Page appears (Figure 1-6).
To ensure that the GPS 500 and any connected
instruments are working properly, check for the following
indications on the CDI/HSI, RMI, external annunciators,
and other connected instruments:
• Course deviation - Half left/no ag
• TO/FROM ag - TO
• Bearing to destination - 135°
• Distance to destination - 10.0 nm
• All external annunciators (if installed) - On
• Glideslope - Half up/no ag
• Time to destination - 4 minutes
• Desired track - 149.5°
• Ground speed - 150 knots
The Instrument Panel Self-test Page indicates the
currently selected OBS course, fuel capacity (CAP), fuel
on board (FOB), and fuel ow (FF). The fuel capacity,
fuel on board, and fuel flow may be manually entered if
the installation does not include connection to sensors
which automatically provide these figures.
Entering fuel capacity, fuel on board,
or fuel flow figures (if not provided by
sensors):
1) Turn the large right knob to select the Fuel
Capacity, Fuel on Board, or Fuel Flow field.
2) Turn the small and large right knobs to enter
the desired figure (Figure 1-7) and press the
ENT Key.

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference 1-7
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
Figure 1-7 Fuel Flow Selected
The Instrument Panel Self-test Page includes selections
to set fuel on board to full capacity and access the
Checklists Page. This allows the pilot to quickly set fuel
to full limits and display any checklists that have been
entered, such as start up or takeoff checklists.
Setting fuel on board to full (if not
provided by sensor):
1) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Set Full
Fuel?’ (Figure 1-8).
Figure 1-8 ‘Set Full Fuel?’ Highlighted
2) Press the ENT Key and verify that fuel on board
now matches the fuel capacity figure. Fuel on
board is reduced, over time, based on the fuel
flow figure.
Viewing the Checklists Page:
1) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Go To
Chklist?’ (Figure 1-9) and press the ENT Key.
Figure 1-9 ‘Go To Chklist?’ Highlighted
2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
checklist, then execute each step (Section 8.3,
Utility Page: Checklists) in the selected check-
list.
3) Once the pilot completes the desired checklist(s),
press the small right knob to return to the
Checklists Page. Press the small right knob
again to return to normal operation on the
Satellite Status Page or the Map Page.
4) Once instrument operation has been verified
with the Instrument Panel Self-test Page
displayed, highlight ‘OK?’, and press the ENT
Key.
NOTE: The GPS 500 can hold up to nine checklists
with up to 30 entries in each checklist.

GPS 500 Pilot’s Guide and Reference
1-8
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
190-00181-60 Rev. G
Satellite Status Page
The Satellite Status Page (Figure 1-10) appears as the
GPS 500 attempts to collect satellite information.
When an ‘Acquiring’ status is displayed on the Satellite
Status Page, the signal strengths of any satellites received
appear as ‘bar graph’ readings. This is a good indication
that the unit is receiving signals and a position x is being
determined. Following the first-time use of the GPS 500,
the time required for a position x varies, usually from
one to two minutes.
Figure 1-10 Satellite Status Page
If the unit can only obtain enough satellites for 2D
navigation (no altitude), the unit uses the altitude provided
by the altitude encoder (if one is connected).
The ‘INTEG’ annunciator (bottom left corner of the
screen) indicates that satellite coverage is insufcient to
pass built-in integrity monitoring tests. In the example
above, not enough satellites are being received to determine
a position. The Satellite Status Page shows the ID numbers
for the satellites and the relative signal strength of each
satellite received (as a bar graph reading).
‘Searching Sky’ indicates that satellite almanac data is
not available or has expired (if the unit hasn’t been used
for six months or more). This means the unit is acquiring
satellite data to establish almanac and satellite orbit
information, which can take five to ten minutes. The data
is recollected from the first available satellite. The Satellite
Status Page displays a ‘Search Sky’ status, and the message
annunciator (MSG), above the MSG Key also flashes to
alert the pilot of system message, ‘Searching the Sky’.
Viewing a system message:
Press the MSG Key (Figure 1-11).
The Message Page appears and displays the status or
warning information applicable to the receiver’s current
operating condition.
Figure 1-11 Message Page
Returning to the previous page after
viewing a message:
Press the MSG Key again.
NOTE: The GPS 500 utilizes certain software
algorithms to ensure reliable GPS receiver
operation. Receiver Autonomous Integrity
Monitoring (RAIM) and Fault Detection and
Exclusion (FDE) are two examples. These features
allow navigation during Oceanic/Remote legs of
a flight using the GPS 500. For further details,
please refer to Sections 8.3, 8.4, and 11.

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Page Groups
Page Groups
NAV Group WPT Group AUX Group NRST Group
see Section 2 see Section 6 see Section 8 see Section 7
Table 1-1 Page Groups
The bottom right corner of the screen (Figure 1-12)
indicates which page group (Table 1-1) is currently being
displayed, the number of pages available within that group
(indicated by square icons), and the placement of the
current page within that group (indicated by a highlighted
square icon).
In addition to the NAV Page Group, additional page groups
are available for waypoint information (WPT), auxiliary
(AUX) functions such as ight planning or unit settings, and
listings for nearest (NRST) airports or other facilities.
Figure 1-12 Current Page and Page Group
Current Page Group Number of Pages in
Current Page Group Position of Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Selecting the desired page group and page:
Turn the large right knob until a page from the
desired page group is displayed.
Turn the small right knob until the desired page
is displayed.
NAV Pages
There are ve pages available under the NAV Page
Group*:
• Default NAV Page
• Map Page
• TAWS Page
• NAV/COM Page
• Satellite Status Page
The Default NAV Page, the Map Page, and the NAV/
COM Page are used for most of the in-ight navigation.
Selecting the NAV Page Group and
displaying the Default NAV Page:
Press and hold the CLR Key.
Selecting the desired NAV Page:
Turn the small right knob until the desired
page is displayed.

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Map Page
After the GPS 500 acquires satellites and computes
a position, the Map Page (Figure 1-13) appears
automatically.
Figure 1-13 Map Page
Present
Position
Desired Track
Map Range
Map Display Data
Fields
The Map Page displays the present position (using an
airplane symbol) relative to nearby airports, VORs, NDBs,
intersections, user waypoints, and airspace boundaries.
The route is displayed as a solid line.
Optional data elds for destination waypoint (WPT),
desired track (DTK), track (TRK), distance to waypoint
(DIS), and ground speed (GS) appear on the right-hand
side of the display. These elds are user selectable (Section
2.4, Selecting Desired On-screen Data) to allow the pilot
to congure the unit. Available settings include: altitude,
bearing, enroute safe altitude, estimated time of arrival,
minimum safe altitude, and ground track.
A Map Setup Page is provided to designate the
maximum range at which each map feature appears.
These settings provide an automatic decluttering of the
map (based upon preferences) while adjusting the range.
See Section 14.3 for denitions of these navigation terms.
While viewing the Map Page, the pilot can quickly
declutter and remove many of the background map details
by pressing the CLR Key (repeatedly) until the desired
detail is depicted.
To change the map range, press the up arrow (to zoom
out) or the down arrow (to zoom in) of the RNG (map
range) Key. The current map range is depicted in the
lower left corner of the Map Display.
Direct-to Navigation
The GPS 500 can use direct point-to-point navigation
to provide guidance from takeoff to touchdown, even
in the IFR environment. Once a destination is selected,
the unit provides speed, course, and distance data based
upon a direct course from the present position to the
destination. A destination can be selected from any page
with the Direct-to Key.
Selecting a direct-to destination:
1) Press the Direct-to Key. The Select Direct-to
Waypoint Page appears with the destination
field highlighted.
2) Turn the small right knob to enter the first
letter of the destination waypoint identifier.
The destination waypoint may be an airport,
VOR, NDB, intersection, or user waypoint,
as long as it is in the database or stored in
memory as a user waypoint.
3) Turn the large right knob to the right to move
the cursor to the next character position.

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4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 to spell out the rest of
the waypoint identifier (Figure 1-14).
Figure 1-14 Direct-to Waypoint Page
5) Press the ENT Key to confirm the identifier. The
‘Activate?’ function field is highlighted (Figure
1-15).
Figure 1-15 ‘Activate?’ Highlighted
6) Press the ENT Key to activate a direct-to course
to the selected destination.
Once a direct-to destination is selected, press and hold
the CLR Key to display the Default NAV Page.
Default NAV Page
During most ights, the Default NAV Page, the Map
Page, and the NAV/COM Page are the primary pages used
for navigation.
Selecting the Default NAV Page:
Press and hold the CLR Key (Figure
1-16).
Figure 1-16 Default NAV Page
Course
Deviation
Indicator
(CDI)
User-Selectable Data Fields (all four corners)
Active Leg
of Flight
Plan, or
Direct-to
Destination
The Default NAV Page (Figure 1-18) displays a graphic
course deviation indicator (CDI), the active leg of the flight
plan (as dened by the current ‘from’ and ‘to’ waypoints),
and four user-selectable data fields. The default settings
for these fields are desired track (DTK), distance to
waypoint (DIS), ground speed (GS), and estimated time
enroute (ETE). See Section 14.3 for denitions of these
navigation terms.

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Changing the data fields:
1) From the Default NAV page, press the MENU
Key and select ‘Change Fields?’ (Figure 1-17).
Figure 1-17 Default NAV Page Menu
2) Turn the large right knob to select the data
field to be changed.
3) Turn the small right knob to display a list of
data options (Figure 1-18).
Figure 1-18 ‘Select Field Type’ Window
4) Press the ENT Key to select the desired data
item and return to the Default NAV Page.
NAV/COM Page
From the Default NAV Page, turn the small right knob
until the NAV/COM Page (Figure 1-19) is displayed.
Figure 1-19 NAV/COM Page
Frequency
Type
Departure, Enroute, or
Arrival Airport Frequency
List
The NAV/COM Page displays the available frequencies
(communications and navigation) for the departure airport,
any enroute airports which are included in the flight plan,
and the nal destination airport. When using the direct-
to function, frequencies are listed for the airport nearest to
the starting position and the destination airport.
Displaying the frequency list for the
desired flight plan or direct-to airport:
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor on the airport identifier field (in the GPS
Window).
2) Turn the small right knob to display the list
of airports (departure, arrival, and enroute) for
the flight plan or direct-to. Continue to turn
the small right knob until the desired airport
is selected.
3) Press the ENT Key to display the frequency list
for the selected airport.