GNS 530(A)

Pilot’s Guide and Reference

 RECORD OF REVISIONS

Revision Date of Revision Description

A 5/00 Initial Release
B 5/01 Update to reflect software changes through 2.06
C 4/03 Update to reflect software changes through 4.0
D 2/07 Updated layout, added TAWS, TERRAIN, TIS, and Weather
information, per SW v6.02
E 7/07 Updated per Main SW v6.03
F 6/08 Removed Proximity Advisory info from Section 14
G 09/08 Converted format of figures to accommodate printing process
H 12/09 Added Section 14.2, GTS 8XX Traffic Systems

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference i

 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) 0870.8501241 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
stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without the express written permission of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission
to download a single copy of this manual and of any revision to this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to
be viewed for personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete text
of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is
strictly prohibited.

Garmin®, AutoLocate®, and PhaseTrac12® are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used
without the express permission of Garmin.
GNS™ and Spell’N’Find™ are trademarks 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 190-00181-00 Rev. H Printed in the U.S.A.

ii GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION. .......................................... 1-1 SECTION 8: NRST PAGES.................................................. 8-1

1.1 Accessories and Packing List.................................. 1-1 8.1 NRST Page Group...................................................... 8-1
1.2 Key and Knob Functions.......................................... 1-2 8.2 Nearest Airport Page................................................ 8-3
1.3 Takeoff Tour................................................................ 1-5 8.3 Nearest Intersection Page....................................... 8-5
8.4 Nearest NDB Page..................................................... 8-6
SECTION 2: COM. ................................................................. 2-1 8.5 Nearest VOR Page..................................................... 8-6
2.1 Communicating using the GNS 530....................... 2-1 8.6 Nearest User Waypoint Page.................................. 8-8
8.7 Nearest Center (ARTCC) Page................................. 8-8
SECTION 3: NAV PAGES ................................................... 3-1 8.8 Nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) Page........... 8-9
3.1 Main Page Groups..................................................... 3-1
8.9 Nearest Airspace Page........................................... 8-11
3.2 NAV Page Group........................................................ 3-2
3.3 Default NAV Page...................................................... 3-2 SECTION 9: VLOC RECEIVER........................................... 9-1
3.4 Map Page.................................................................... 3-6 9.1 VLOC (VOR/LOCALIZER/GLIDESLOPE) Receiver
3.5 TERRAIN Page........................................................... 3-15 Operations.......................................................................... 9-1
3.6 TAWS Page................................................................ 3-18
3.7 NAV/COM Page......................................................... 3-21 SECTION 10: AUX PAGES................................................ 10-1
3.8 Satellite Status Page.............................................. 3-23 10.1 AUX Page Group.................................................... 10-1
10.2 Flight Planning Page............................................ 10-2
SECTION 4: DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION......................... 4-1 10.3 Utility Page........................................................... 10-10
4.1 Overview..................................................................... 4-1 10.4 Setup Page............................................................ 10-18
SECTION 5: FLIGHT PLANS.............................................. 5-1 SECTION 11: VERTICAL NAVIGATION (VNAV). .... 11-1
5.1 Flight Plan Catalog Page......................................... 5-1
5.2 Active Flight Plan Page............................................ 5-8 SECTION 12: TERRAIN...................................................... 12-1
12.1 INTRODUCTION....................................................... 12-1
SECTION 6: PROCEDURES................................................ 6-1 12.2 TERRAIN Page......................................................... 12-3
6.1 Approaches, Departures, and Arrivals.................. 6-1 12.3 TERRAIN Alerts....................................................... 12-4
6.2 Non-Precision Approach Operations..................... 6-3 12.4 Database Information for TERRAIN................... 12-9
6.3 ILS Approaches........................................................ 6-25
6.4 Points to Remember for All Approaches........... 6-32 SECTION 13: TAWS. ........................................................... 13-1
13.1 INTRODUCTION....................................................... 13-1
SECTION 7: WPT PAGES.................................................... 7-1 13.2 TAWS Page.............................................................. 13-3
7.1 WPT Page Group........................................................ 7-1 13.3 TAWS Alerts............................................................. 13-4
7.2 Airport Location Page.............................................. 7-4 13.4 Database Information for TAWS...................... 13-11
7.3 Airport Runway Page............................................... 7-6
7.4 Airport Frequency Page........................................... 7-8 SECTION 14: ADDITIONAL FEATURES...................... 14-1
7.5 Airport Approach Page.......................................... 7-10 14.1 Traffic Information Service (TIS) Interface...... 14-1
7.6 Airport Arrival Page................................................ 7-12 14.2 GTS 8XX Traffic Systems.................................... 14-11
7.7 Airport Departure Page......................................... 7-14 14.3 Weather Data Link Interface............................ 14-19
7.8 Intersection Page.................................................... 7-16
7.9 NDB Page................................................................... 7-16 SECTION 15: FAULT DETECTION and
7.10 VOR Page................................................................. 7-17 EXCLUSION............................................................................. 15-1
7.11 User Waypoint Page............................................. 7-18 15.1 Detection and Exclusion...................................... 15-1
15.2 Pre-Departure Verification of FDE..................... 15-2

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 16: MESSAGES, ABBREVIATIONS, and

NAV TERMS............................................................................. 16-1
16.1 Messages................................................................. 16-1
16.2 Abbreviations......................................................... 16-9
16.3 Navigation Terms................................................ 16-12

Appendix A: Data Card Use...........................................A-1

Appendix B: Specifications. ..........................................B-1
Appendix C: Troubleshooting Q & A. .......................C-1

iv GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 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 aware-
ness 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 GNS 530 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 GNS 530 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 GNS 530 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, GNS 530 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 GNS 530 utilize GPS as a precision electronic
NAVigation AID (NAVAID). Therefore, as with all NAVAIDs, information presented by the GNS 530 can be
misused or misinterpreted and, therefore, become unsafe.

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference v

 WARNINGS,
CAUTIONS, AND NOTES

WARNING: Use the GNS 530, 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 GNS 530 Pilot’s Guide documentation
and the GNS 530 Flight Manual Supplement. Thoroughly practice basic operation prior to actual use. During
flight operations, carefully compare indications from the GNS 530 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 GNS 530 display lens is coated with a special anti-reflective coating that is very sensitive to
skin oils, waxes, and abrasive cleaners. CLEANERS CONTAINING AMMONIA WILL HARM THE 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 GNS 530 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 GNS 530 panel and
displays, are subject to change and may not reflect the most current GNS 530 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 ‘GNS 530’ applies to the GNS 530, GNS 530A,
and GNS 530(A) w/TAWS models. Please note that the difference between the GNS 530 and the GNS 530A
models is indicated under ‘VHF COM Performance’ in the Specifications section of this manual (Appendix B).

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.

vi GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 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.

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference vii

 WARRANTY

Blank Page

viii GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION The Garmin dealer performs the installation and

configuration of the GNS 530. The GNS 530 is secured
in the installation rack with the proper wiring connections
1.1 Accessories and Packing List performed. After installation, the NavData Card and the
Terrain Data Card (if applicable) are installed into their
Congratulations on choosing the finest, most advanced correct slots on the front of the unit (Appendix A). A
panel mount IFR navigation/communication system Garmin dealer can answer questions about the installation
available. The GNS 530 represents Garmin’s commitment such as location of antennas or any connections to other
to provide accurate, easy-to-use avionics. equipment in the panel.
Before installing and getting started with the GNS 530,
please check to see that the package includes the following NOTE: Help Garmin provide better support by
items. If any parts are missing or damaged, please contact completing on-line registration. Registration
a Garmin dealer immediately. ensures notification of product updates, new
products, and provides for lost or stolen unit
Standard Package: tracking. Have the serial number of the GNS
530 available and connect to the website (www.
• GNS 530 Unit garmin.com). Look for the product registration
• NavData® Card link on the home page.
• 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
• GNS 530 Simulator CD-ROM

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 1-1

 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

1.2 Key and Knob Functions Experiment with the unit and refer to the reference
sections for more information.
The GNS 530 is designed to make operation as simple Data is entered using the large and small knobs.
as possible. The key and knob descriptions (Figure Experiment with them to become efficient at entering data.
1-1) provide a general overview of the primary function(s) This greatly reduces the amount of time spent operating
for each key and knob. The takeoff tour (Section 1.3) the GNS 530 in flight.
is intended to provide a brief overview of the primary
functions of the GNS 530.

1
7
2
8
3
4 9
10

11

5 12

6 14 15 16 17 18 19 13
Figure 1-1 Keys and Knobs

1 COM Flip-flop 6 Large left knob 11 ENT (enter) 16 MSG (message)

2 COM Power/Volume 7 RNG (map range) 12 Small right knob 17 FPL (flight plan)
3 VLOC Flip-flop 8 Direct-to 13 Large right knob 18 VNAV
4 VLOC Volume 9 MENU 14 CDI 19 PROC (procedures)
5 Small left knob 10 CLR (clear) 15 OBS

1-2 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

Left-hand Keys and Knobs Right-hand Keys and Knobs

(1) COM Flip-flop Key – Swaps the active and standby (7) RNG Key – Allows the pilot to select the desired map
COM frequencies. Press and hold to select emergency range. Use the up arrow to zoom out to a larger area, or
channel (121.500 MHz). the down arrow to zoom in to a smaller area.
(2) COM Power/Volume Knob – Controls unit power (8) Direct-to Key – Provides access to the direct-to func-
and communications radio volume. Press momentarily to tion, which allows the pilot to enter a destination waypoint
disable automatic squelch control. and establishes a direct course to the selected destination
(3) VLOC Flip-flop Key – Used to swap the active and (Section 4).
standby VLOC frequencies (i.e., make the selected stand- (9) MENU Key – Displays a context-sensitive list of
by frequency active). options. This options list allows the pilot to access
(4) VLOC Volume Knob – Controls audio volume for additional features or make settings changes which relate
the selected VOR/Localizer frequency. Press momentarily to the currently displayed page.
to enable/disable the ident tone. (10) CLR Key – Used to erase information, remove map
(5) Small Left Knob (COM/VLOC) – Used to tune detail, or to cancel an entry. Press and hold the CLR key
the kilohertz (kHz) value of the standby frequency for to immediately display the Default NAV Page.
the communications transceiver (COM) or the VLOC (11) ENT Key – Used to approve an operation or complete
receiver, whichever is currently selected by the tuning data entry. It is also used to confirm information during
cursor. Press this knob momentarily to toggle the tuning power on.
cursor between the COM and VLOC frequency fields. (12) Small Right Knob – Used to select pages within
(6) Large Left Knob (COM/VLOC) – Used to tune the one of the page groups. Press this knob momentarily
megahertz (MHz) value of the standby frequency for the to display the on-screen cursor. The cursor allows the
communications transceiver (COM) or the VLOC receiver, pilot to enter data and/or make a selection from a list of
whichever is currently selected by the tuning cursor. 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.
(13) 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.

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 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

` NOTE: Data is entered using the large and Bottom Row Keys
small right knobs (Figure 1-2). Experiment with (14) CDI Key – Used to toggle which navigation source
them to become efficient at entering data. This (GPS or VLOC) provides output to an external HSI or
will greatly reduce the amount of time spent CDI.
operating the GNS 530 in flight.
(15) 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.
(16) MSG Key – Used to view system messages and to
Figure 1-2 Blank Direct-to Page
alert the pilot to important warnings and requirements.
See Section 16.1 for more information on messages.
NOTE: When the GNS 530 is displaying a list
(17) FPL Key – Allows the pilot to create, edit, activate,
of information that is too long for the display
screen, a scroll bar appears along the right-hand and invert flight plans, as well as access approaches,
side of the display (Figure 1-3). The scroll bar departures, and arrivals. A closest point to flight plan
graphically indicates the number of additional feature is also available from the FPL Key. See Section 5
items available within the selected category. To for more information on flight plans.
scroll through the list, press the small right knob (18) VNAV (Vertical Navigation) Key – Allows the
to activate the cursor, then turn the large right pilot to create a three-dimensional profile which provides
knob. guidance to a final (target) altitude at a specified location
See Section 11.
Scroll Bar
(19) PROC Key – Allows the pilot to select and remove
approaches, departures, and arrivals from the flight plan.
When using a flight 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.

Figure 1-3 Scroll Bar

1-4 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

1.3 Takeoff Tour After becoming familiar with the basics, some suggested
reading within this Pilot’s Guide includes:
Overview • Flight plan features - Section 5
The Garmin GNS 530 provides the pilot accurate • IFR procedures - Section 6
navigational data and communication capability, along • Waypoint information pages (database
with non-precision and precision approach certification information) - Section 7
in the IFR environment. The takeoff tour is designed to
familiarize the pilot with: • Unit settings (configuring the unit to the pilot’s
preferences) - Section 10
• Powering up the unit
If more information is needed, Garmin’s Customer
• Changing frequencies Service staff is available during normal business hours
• Entering data (U.S. Central time zone) at the phone and fax numbers
listed on page ii. Garmin can also be reached by mail
• Performing a simple direct-to
(page ii) or at our website address, www.garmin.com.
• Selecting IFR procedures
Powering up the GNS 530
• Using some limited flight plans
The GNS 530’s power and COM volume are controlled
In addition, this section briefly covers the Default NAV using the COM Power/Volume knob at the top left
Page, the Map Page, and the NAV/COM Page, which are corner of the unit. Turning it clockwise turns unit power
available as part of the NAV Page Group. These pages are on and increases the COM radio volume. After turning
used for most of the in-flight navigation. the unit on, a welcome page is displayed while the unit
The takeoff tour assumes that the unit and antennas performs a self test, followed sequentially by the Unit Type
have been properly installed and that the GNS 530’s Page (Figure 1-4) and the Software Version Page. Then
default settings have not been changed. If any of the (depending on configuration) the Weather Page, the Traffic
factory default settings (position format, units of measure, Page, the Aviation Database Page, and the Land/Terrain/
selectable fields, etc.) have been changed, the pictures Obstacles Database Page are sequentially displayed.
shown here may not exactly match what is shown on
the GNS 530. Prior to using the GNS 530 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 GNS 530’s major features. Sections
2 through 14 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. Figure 1-4 Unit Type Page

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 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

The Database Versions Page (Figure 1-5) appears Instrument Panel Self-test Page
next, which shows the current database information
on the NavData and Terrain Data Cards. Database Once the database has been acknowledged, the
information highlighted in yellow indicates the database Instrument Panel Self-test Page appears (Figure 1-6).
is not within its effective dates. The NavData database is To ensure that the GNS 530 and any connected
updated every 28 days and must be current for approved instruments are working properly, check for the following
instrument approach operations. Information on database indications on the CDI/HSI, RMI, external annunciators,
subscriptions is available inside the GNS 530 package. and other connected instruments:
• Course deviation - Half left/no flag
• TO/FROM flag - TO
• Bearing to destination - 135°
• Distance to destination - 10.0 nm
• All external annunciators (if installed) - On
• Glideslope - Half up/no flag
• Time to destination - 4 minutes
Figure 1-5 Database Versions Page • Desired track - 149.5°
• Ground speed - 150 knots
Acknowledging the database information: The Instrument Panel Self-test Page indicates the
Press the ENT Key. currently selected OBS course, fuel capacity (CAP), fuel
Check CDI/HSI, RMI, and Fuel Capacity is
on board (FOB), and fuel flow (FF). The fuel capacity,
Other Instruments to verify entered manually fuel on board, and fuel flow may be manually entered if
these Indications the installation does not include connection to sensors
which automatically provide these figures.
Fuel On-Board
and Fuel Flow Entering fuel capacity, fuel on board,
are Provided or fuel flow figures (if not provided by
by Sensors, if
Installed sensors):
Select to Set 1) Turn the large right knob to select the Fuel
Fuel Level to
Full Capacity Capacity, Fuel on Board, or Fuel Flow field.
2) Turn the small and large right knobs to enter
Select to display the desired figure (Figure 1-7) and press the
Checklists Page
Should Match Current ENT Key.
OBS Course Selection

Figure 1-6 Instrument Panel Self-Test Page

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 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

Viewing the Checklists Page:

1) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Go To
Chklist?’ (Figure 1-9) and press the ENT Key.

Figure 1-7 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 Figure 1-9 ‘Go To Chklist?’ Highlighted
to full limits and display any checklists that have been
entered, such as start up or takeoff checklists. 2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
Setting fuel on board to full (if not checklist, then execute each step (Section
provided by sensor): 10.3, Utility Page: Checklists) in the selected
checklist.
1) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Set Full
Fuel?’ (Figure 1-8). 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 GNS 530 can hold up to nine checklists

Figure 1-8 ‘Set Full Fuel?’ Highlighted with up to 30 entries in each checklist.

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.

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 SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION

Satellite Status Page The Satellite Status Page displays a ‘Search Sky’ status, and
the message annunciator (MSG), above the MSG Key also
The Satellite Status Page (Figure 1-10) appears as the
flashes to alert the pilot of system message, ‘Searching the
GNS 530 attempts to collect satellite information.
Sky’.
When an ‘Acquiring’ status is displayed on the Satellite
Status Page, the signal strengths of any satellites received Viewing a system message:
appear as ‘bar graph’ readings. This is a good indication Press the MSG Key (Figure 1-11).
that the unit is receiving signals and a position fix is being
determined. Following the first-time use of the GNS 530, The Message Page appears and displays the status or
the time required for a position fix varies, usually from warning information applicable to the receiver’s current
one to two minutes. operating condition.

Figure 1-11 Message Page

Figure 1-10 Satellite Status Page

If the unit can only obtain enough satellites for 2D Returning to the previous page after
navigation (no altitude), the unit uses the altitude provided viewing a message:
by the altitude encoder (if one is connected). Press the MSG Key again.
The ‘INTEG’ annunciator (bottom left corner of the
screen) indicates that satellite coverage is insufficient to NOTE: The GNS 530 utilizes certain software
pass built-in integrity monitoring tests. In the example algorithms to ensure reliable GPS receiver
above, not enough satellites are being received to determine operation. Receiver Autonomous Integrity
a position. The Satellite Status Page shows the ID numbers Monitoring (RAIM) and Fault Detection and
for the satellites and the relative signal strength of each Exclusion (FDE) are two examples. These features
allow navigation during Oceanic/Remote legs of
satellite received (as a bar graph reading).
a flight using the GNS 530. For further details,
‘Searching Sky’ indicates that satellite almanac data please refer to Sections 10.3, 10.4, and 14.
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.

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Selecting COM and VLOC Frequencies Placing the standby communication

frequency in the active field:
While the GNS 530 is acquiring a position, take a
minute to dial in the active and standby frequencies to Press the COM Flip-flop Key (Figure 1-13).
be used for the first phase of the flight. The GNS 530’s
display is divided into separate windows (or screen areas),
including a COM Window, VLOC Window, and the GPS
Window (Figure 1-12).
GPS Window
Active COM Window
Frequency
Standby
Frequency
VLOC
Window Figure 1-13 Active Frequency 135.325 MHz

Once the active frequency has been entered, repeat

steps 1 and 2 to enter the standby frequency. After both
communication frequencies have been entered, the COM
Window may be kept ‘hot’ by leaving the cursor on the
Figure 1-12 Standby Frequency 135.325 MHz standby frequency. Move the cursor to the VLOC Window
by pressing the small left knob.
Changing the standby communication
frequency: NOTE: When selecting VLOC frequencies, the
tuning cursor automatically returns to the COM
1) Press the small left knob if needed, to move Window after 30 seconds of inactivity.
the tuning cursor to the COM Window (Figure
1-12). Changing the standby VLOC frequency:
2) Turn the large left knob to select the MHz, 1) Press the small left knob if needed, to activate
and the small left knob to select the kHz of the tuning cursor in the VLOC Window.
the desired frequency. 2) Turn the large left knob to select the MHz,
and the small left knob to select the kHz of
the desired frequency.
Placing the standby frequency in the active
field:
Press the NAV Flip-flop Key.

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Page Groups NAV Pages

There are five pages available under the NAV Page
Page Groups Group*:
NAV Group WPT Group AUX Group NRST Group • Default NAV Page
see Section 3 see Section 7 see Section 10 see Section 8 • Map Page
Table 1-1 Page Groups • TAWS Page

The bottom right corner of the screen (Figure 1-14) • NAV/COM Page
indicates which page group (Table 1-1) is currently being • Satellite Status Page
displayed, the number of pages available within that group
The Default NAV Page, the Map Page, and the NAV/
(indicated by square icons), and the placement of the
COM Page are used for most of the in-flight navigation.
current page within that group (indicated by a highlighted
square icon). Selecting the NAV Page Group and
In addition to the NAV Page Group, additional page groups displaying the Default NAV Page:
are available for waypoint information (WPT), auxiliary Press and hold the CLR Key.
(AUX) functions such as flight planning or unit settings, and
Selecting the desired NAV Page:
listings for nearest (NRST) airports or other facilities.
Turn the small right knob until the desired
page is displayed.

Current Page Group Number of Pages in Position of

Current Page Group Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Figure 1-14 Current Page and 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.

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Map Page While viewing the Map Page, the pilot can quickly
declutter and remove many of the background map details
After the GNS 530 acquires satellites and computes
by pressing the CLR Key (repeatedly) until the desired
a position, the Map Page (Figure 1-15) appears
detail is depicted.
automatically.
To change the map range, press the up arrow (to zoom
Map Display Data out) or the down arrow (to zoom in) of the RNG (map
Fields
range) Key. The current map range is depicted in the
lower left corner of the Map Display.
Direct-to Navigation
Present The GNS 530 can use direct point-to-point navigation
Position to provide guidance from takeoff to touchdown, even
in the IFR environment. Once a destination is selected,
Desired Track the unit provides speed, course, and distance data based
Map Range upon a direct course from the present position to the
destination. A destination can be selected from any page
Figure 1-15 Map Page with the Direct-to Key.
Selecting a direct-to destination:
The Map Page displays the present position (using an
airplane symbol) relative to nearby airports, VORs, NDBs, 1) Press the Direct-to Key. The Select Direct-to
intersections, user waypoints, and airspace boundaries. Waypoint Page appears with the destination
The route is displayed as a solid line. field highlighted.
Optional data fields for destination waypoint (WPT), 2) Turn the small right knob to enter the first
desired track (DTK), track (TRK), distance to waypoint letter of the destination waypoint identifier.
(DIS), and ground speed (GS) appear on the right-hand The destination waypoint may be an airport,
side of the display. These fields are user selectable (Section VOR, NDB, intersection, or user waypoint,
3.4, Selecting Desired On-screen Data) to allow the pilot as long as it is in the database or stored in
to configure the unit. Available settings include: altitude, memory as a user waypoint.
bearing, enroute safe altitude, estimated time of arrival, 3) Turn the large right knob to the right to move
minimum safe altitude, and ground track. the cursor to the next character position.
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 16.3 for definitions of these navigation terms.

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4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 to spell out the rest of Default NAV Page
the waypoint identifier (Figure 1-16).
During most flights, 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
1-18).
User-Selectable Data Fields (all four corners)

Figure 1-16 Direct-to Waypoint Page

5) Press the ENT Key to confirm the identifier. The

‘Activate?’ function field is highlighted (Figure
1-17). Active Leg
Course of Flight
Deviation Plan, or
Indicator Direct-to
(CDI) Destination

Figure 1-18 Default NAV Page

The Default NAV Page (Figure 1-18) displays a graphic

course deviation indicator (CDI), the active leg of the flight
plan (as defined by the current ‘from’ and ‘to’ waypoints),
Figure 1-17 ‘Activate?’ Highlighted and four user-selectable data fields. The default settings
for these fields are desired track (DTK), distance to
6) Press the ENT Key to activate a direct-to course waypoint (DIS), ground speed (GS), and estimated time
to the selected destination. enroute (ETE). See Section 16.3 for definitions of these
navigation terms.
Once a direct-to destination is selected, press and hold
the CLR Key to display the Default NAV Page.

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Changing the data fields: NAV/COM Page

1) From the Default NAV page, press the MENU From the Default NAV Page, turn the small right knob
Key and select ‘Change Fields?’ (Figure 1-19). until the NAV/COM Page (Figure 1-21) is displayed.
Departure, Enroute, or
Arrival Airport
Frequency Frequency
Type List

Figure 1-19 Default NAV Page Menu

2) Turn the large right knob to select the data

Figure 1-21 NAV/COM Page
field to be changed.
3) Turn the small right knob to display a list of The NAV/COM Page displays the available frequencies
data options (Figure 1-20). (communications and navigation) for the departure airport,
any enroute airports which are included in the flight plan,
and the final 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).
Figure 1-20 ‘Select Field Type’ Window 2) Turn the small right knob to display the list
of airports (departure, arrival, and enroute) for
4) Press the ENT Key to select the desired data the flight plan or direct-to. Continue to turn
item and return to the Default NAV Page. the small right knob until the desired airport
is selected.
3) Press the ENT Key to display the frequency list
for the selected airport.

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A frequency listed on the NAV/COM Page can be Displaying frequencies for a different
quickly transferred to the standby field of the COM airport along the flight plan.
Window or the VLOC Window. This time-saving process 1) Press the small right knob to highlight the
prevents having to ‘re-key’ a frequency already displayed airport identifier field.
elsewhere on the screen.
2) Turn the small right knob to display the list of
Selecting a communication or navigation airports within the flight plan (Figure 1-22).
frequency:
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor in the GPS Window.
2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
frequency from the list.
3) Press the ENT Key to transfer the selected
frequency to the standby field in the COM or
VLOC Window. COM frequencies automatically
go to the standby field of the COM Window and
navigation frequencies automatically go to the Figure 1-22 Airport Window
standby field of the VLOC Window, regardless
of which window is currently highlighted by 3) Continue turning the small right knob to select
the cursor. the desired airport and press the ENT Key.
4) To activate the selected frequency, press the
COM or VLOC Flip-flop Key.

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IFR Procedures 4) For approaches, a window appears (Figure

1-24) to select the desired initial approach
Once the direct-to or flight plan is confirmed, the whole
fix (IAF) or provide a ‘vectors’ option to select
range of instrument procedures is available. Departures
just the final course segment of the approach.
(SIDs), arrivals (STARs), non-precision and precision
Turn the small right knob to select the desired
approaches are stored within the NavData card and are
option and press the ENT Key. (The ‘vectors’
available using the PROC (procedures) Key.
option extends the final inbound course beyond
To display the Procedures Page (Figure 1-23), press the
the final approach fix, allowing the pilot to
PROC Key.
intercept the final course segment beyond its
normal limits.)

Figure 1-23 Procedures Page

The steps required to select and activate an approach, Figure 1-24 Approach Window
departure, or arrival are identical. This introductory
section shows examples of the steps required to select an 5) For departures and arrivals, a window appears
approach, but keep in mind the same process also applies to select the desired transition. Turn the small
to departures and arrivals. right knob to select the desired option and
Selecting an approach, departure, or press the ENT Key.
arrival: In the flight plan or direct-to, the departure or arrival
1) Turn the large right knob to select the desired airport is replaced with the sequence of waypoints
option (‘Select Approach?’, ‘Select Arrival?’, contained within the selected procedure.
or ‘Select Departure?’) from the Procedures
Page.
2) Press the ENT Key to display a list of
available procedures for the arrival (when using
approaches or STARs) or departure (when using
SIDs) airport.
3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
procedure and press the ENT Key.

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Nearest (NRST) Pages Displaying the NRST pages:

The NRST Page Group provides detailed information 1) If necessary, press and hold the CLR Key to
on the nine nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, select the NAV group and display the Default
and user-created waypoints within 200 nm of the current NAV Page.
position. In addition, pages are also provided to display 2) Turn the large right knob to select the NRST
the five nearest center (ARTCC/FIR) and Flight Service Page Group, as indicated by ‘NRST’ appearing
Station (FSS) points of communication, plus alert the in the lower right corner of the screen.
pilot to any nearby special-use or controlled airspaces. 3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
There are eight pages available in the NRST group: NRST Page.
• Nearest Airport Page Displaying a list of nearby airports:
• Nearest NDB Page 1) Turn the large right knob to select the NRST
• Nearest User Waypoints Page Page Group and (if needed) the small right
• Nearest FSS Page knob to select the Nearest Airport Page (Figure
1-25).
• Nearest Intersection Page
• Nearest VOR Page
• Nearest ARTCC Page
• Nearest Airspace Page
The communication frequencies and runway
information may both be examined directly from the
Nearest Airport Page. As discussed earlier for the NAV/
COM Page, the pilot may also place any displayed
frequency into the standby COM or VLOC field by
Figure 1-25 Nearest Airport Page
highlighting the frequency with the cursor and pressing
the ENT Key.
2) To scroll through the list, press the small right
knob, then turn the large right knob (Figure
1-26)

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The Nearest Airport Page may be used in conjunction

with the Direct-to Key to quickly set a course to a nearby
facility in an in-flight emergency. Selecting a nearby
airport as a direct-to destination overrides the flight plan
or cancels a previously selected direct-to destination. (The
pilot still has the option of returning to the flight plan
by cancelling the direct-to; see Section 4.1, Cancelling
Direct-to Navigation.)
Selecting a nearby airport as a direct-to
Figure 1-26 Scrolling the Nearest Airport List
destination from the Nearest Airport Page:
Viewing additional information for a 1) From the Nearest Airport Page, press the small
nearby airport: right knob to activate the cursor.
1) Press the small right knob to activate the 2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
cursor. airport from the list.
2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired 3) Press the Direct-to Key.
airport from the list. 4) Press the ENT Key.
3) Press the ENT Key to display waypoint (WPT) 5) Press the ENT Key (again) to navigate to the
information pages for the selected airport nearby airport.
(Figure 1-27). Selecting a nearby airport as a direct-to
destination from an Airport Information
Page:
1) Press the Direct-to Key.
2) Press the ENT Key (Figure 1-28).

Figure 1-27 Airport Location Page

4) To display runway and frequency information,

press the small right knob to remove the
cursor and turn the small right knob to display
Figure 1-28 Direct-To Waypoint Page
the desired information page.
3) Press the ENT Key again to navigate to the
nearby airport.
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Nearest (NRST) Airspace Page By default, airspace alert messages are turned off. When
turned on, the message (MSG) annunciator located directly
The last page in the NRST group, the Nearest Airspace
above the MSG Key flashes to alert the pilot to the airspace
Page (Figure 1-29), provides information for up to nine
message. See Section 10.4, Setup Page: Airspace Alarms for
controlled or special-use airspaces near or in the flight
information on enabling airspace alert messages.
path. Airspace information appears on this page based on
the same criteria used for airspace alert messages: Viewing an airspace alert message:
• If the projected course will take the aircraft inside 1) Press the MSG Key. The Messages Page
an airspace within the next ten minutes, the appears with the alert message (Figure
message ‘Airspace ahead -- less than 10 minutes’ 1-30).
appears.
• If the aircraft is within 2 nm of an airspace and the
current course will take it inside of the airspace,
the message ‘Airspace near and ahead’ appears.
• If the aircraft is within 2 nm of an airspace and
the current course will not take it inside of the air-
space, the message ‘Near airspace less than 2nm’
appears. Figure 1-30 Messages Page
• If the aircraft has entered an airspace, the message
‘Inside airspace’ appears. 2) Press the MSG Key again to return to the
previous display.
Note that the airspace alerts are based upon three-
dimensional data (latitude, longitude, and altitude) to
avoid nuisance alerts. The alert boundaries for controlled
airspace are also sectorized to provide complete information
on any nearby airspace. Additional information about a
nearby airspace—such as controlling agency, frequency, and
floor/ceiling limits—is available from the Nearest Airspace
Page (Section 8.9).
Figure 1-29 Nearest Airspace Page Viewing additional airspace information:
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
airspace from the list.
3) Press the ENT Key to view the airspace
information.

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Flight Plans (FPL) Since using flight plans is arguably one of the more
complex features of the GNS 530, it will be discussed only
The GNS 530 lets the pilot create up to 20 flight plans
briefly here, with focus on creating a new flight plan and
with up to 31 waypoints in each flight plan. Flight plans
activating it to use for navigation. Answers to additional
are created, edited, and activated using the FPL Key. The
questions about flight plans not found in this brief
FPL Page Group includes two pages: the Active Flight Plan
introduction can be found in Section 5, Flight Plans.
Page and the Flight Plan Catalog Page (Figures 1-31 and
1-32). The Active Flight Plan Page provides information Creating a new flight plan:
and editing features for the flight plan currently in use 1) Press the FPL Key.
(referred to as ‘flight plan 00’). The Flight Plan Catalog
2) Turn the small right knob to select the Flight
Page serves as the main page for creating new flight plans,
Plan Catalog Page.
as well as editing or activating previously created flight
plans. 3) Press the MENU Key to display the Flight Plan
Catalog Page Menu (Figure 1-33).

Figure 1-31 Active Flight Plan Page

Figure 1-33 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu

4) Turn the large right knob to select ‘Create New

Flight Plan?’ and press the ENT Key.
5) The cursor appears on the first waypoint identifier
field (located directly below ‘WAYPOINT’). Use
the large and small right knobs to enter the
identifier of the first waypoint in the flight plan.
(The small knob is used to select the desired
letter or number and the large knob is used to
move to the next character space.)
Figure 1-32 Flight Plan Catalog Page
6) Press the ENT Key once the identifier has been
selected. The cursor moves to the next blank
waypoint identifier field.

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7) Repeat steps 5 and 6, above, until all waypoints Activating the new flight plan:
for the flight plan have been entered (Figure 1) Press the MENU Key to display the Flight Plan
1-34). Catalog Page Menu.
2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Activate
Flight Plan?’ (Figure 1-35) and press the ENT
Key

Figure 1-34 Enter Flight Plan Waypoints

Once the flight plan is created, it may be activated from

the Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu. Activating the flight
plan places it into ‘flight plan 00’ (a copy of it still resides Figure 1-35 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu
in the original catalog location) and replaces any flight
plan which currently exists in ‘flight plan 00’.

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COM

SECTION 2: COM COM Window and Tuning

Communication frequencies are selected with the
tuning cursor in the standby COM frequency field (Figure
2.1 Communicating using the GNS 530 2-1), using the small and large left knobs to dial in the
The GNS 530 features a digitally-tuned VHF COM radio desired frequency. The standby frequency always appears
that provides a seamless transition from communication below the active frequency. The active frequency is
to navigation, bringing the two most important functions the frequency currently in use for transmit and receive
in flying together in one panel-mounted unit. The GNS operations.
530’s COM radio operates in the aviation voice band, from ‘RX’ Receive
118.000 to 136.975 MHz, in 25 kHz steps (default). For Active COM Indication
European operations, a COM radio configuration to allow Frequency Field
for 8.33 kHz steps is also provided (Section 10.4, Setup
Page: COM Configuration). Standby COM
Frequency Field
Volume
COM radio volume is adjusted using the COM Power/
Volume Knob. Turn the COM Power/Volume Knob
clockwise to increase volume, or counterclockwise to
decrease volume.
Squelch Figure 2-1 ‘RX’ Receive Indication
The COM radio features an automatic squelch, A frequency may also be quickly selected from the
providing maximum sensitivity to weaker signals while database by simply highlighting the desired frequency on
rejecting many localized noise sources. The pilot may any of the main pages and pressing the ENT Key. This
wish to override this automatic squelch function when process is referred to as auto-tuning. Once a frequency is
listening to a distant station or when setting the desired selected in the standby field, it may be transferred to the
volume level. The COM Power/Volume Knob allows the active frequency by pressing the COM Flip-flop Key.
pilot to disable the automatic squelch and keep the COM While receiving a station, an ‘RX’ indication (Figure
audio open continuously. 2-1) appears in the upper right corner of the COM Window
Overriding the automatic squelch: to the immediate right of ‘COM’. A ‘TX’ indication appears
at this location when transmitting (Figure 2-2).
1) Press the COM Power/Volume Knob
momentarily. ‘TX’ Transmit Indication
2) Press the COM Power/Volume Knob again
to return to automatic squelch operation.

Figure 2-2 ‘TX’ Transmit Indication

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COM

NOTE: The tuning cursor normally appears in the 4) To make the standby frequency the active
COM Window, unless placed in the VLOC Window frequency, press the COM Flip-flop Key
by pressing the small left knob. When the tuning (Figure 2-4).
cursor is in the VLOC Window, it automatically
returns to the COM Window after 30 seconds of
inactivity.
Figure 2-4 Active Frequency of 135.325
Selecting a COM frequency:
1) If the tuning cursor is not currently in the COM The tuning cursor is normally in the COM Window.
Window, press the small left knob momentarily To select a VOR/Localizer/ILS frequency, press the small
(Figure 2-3). left knob momentarily to place the cursor in the VLOC
Window. Additional instructions for VOR/localizer/ILS
operations are available in Sections 6 and 9.

Figure 2-3 Standby Frequency of 135.325

2) Turn the large left knob to select the desired

megahertz (MHz) value. For example, the ‘135’
portion of the frequency ‘135.325’.
3) Turn the small left knob to select the desired
kilohertz (kHz) value. For example, the ‘.325’
portion of the frequency ‘135.325’.

NOTE: The active frequency in either window

cannot be accessed directly, only the standby
frequency is highlighted by the tuning cursor.

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Auto-Tuning Displaying the entire list of frequencies for

a nearby airport and selecting from that
The GNS 530’s auto-tune feature allows the pilot to
list:
quickly select any database frequency in the GPS Window
as the standby frequency. Any COM frequency displayed 1) Start with the desired airport highlighted on
in the GPS Window can be transferred to the standby COM the Nearest Airport Page (as described in the
frequency field. The following are examples of selecting preceding step 3), then press the ENT Key.
COM frequencies from some of the main GPS pages. 2) Press the small right knob momentarily to
Selecting a COM frequency for a nearby remove the cursor and turn the small right
airport: knob to display the frequency list (Figure
2-6).
1) Turn the large right knob to select the NRST
Page Group.
2) Turn the small right knob to display the
Nearest Airport Page (Figure 2-5)
3) Press the small right knob momentarily to
place the cursor on the airport identifier field
of the first airport in the list. If needed, turn
the large right knob to highlight the desired
airport.
4) The Nearest Airport Page displays the common
Figure 2-6 Airport Frequencies Page
traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for each listed
airport. To select this frequency, turn the large 3) Press the small right knob momentarily to
right knob to highlight the desired airport’s reactivate the cursor and turn the large right
CTAF frequency (Figure 2-5). knob to highlight the desired frequency.
4) Press the ENT Key to place the highlighted
frequency in the standby COM field.

Figure 2-5 Nearest Airport Page

5) Press the ENT Key to place the frequency in

the standby field of the COM Window.

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COM

Selecting a COM frequency for a nearby Selecting a COM frequency for any airport
flight service station (FSS) or center in the flight plan:
(ARTCC): 1) Select the NAV/COM Page from the NAV Page
1) Turn the large right knob to select the NRST Group. (Section 3.1, or press and hold the CLR
Page Group. Key, then turn the small right knob until the
2) Turn the small right knob to select the Nearest NAV/COM Page appears.)
Center or Nearest Flight Service Page (Figure 2) Press the small right knob to place the cursor
2-7). on the airport identifier field. To the left of this
field appears Departure, Enroute, or Arrival,
depending on the placement of the displayed
airport within the flight plan.
3) Turn the small right knob to display a window
(Figure 2-8) listing the airports in the flight
plan. Continue turning the small right knob
to select the desired airport.

Figure 2-7 Nearest ARTCC Page

3) Press the small right knob momentarily to

place the cursor on the page.
4) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
FSS/ARTCC frequency.
5) Press the ENT Key to place the frequency in
the standby field of the COM Window. Figure 2-8 NAV/COM Page ‘Airport’ Window

4) Press the ENT Key to return to the NAV/COM

Page with the frequencies for the selected
airport.
5) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
desired frequency.
6) Press the ENT Key to place the highlighted
frequency in the standby COM Window field.

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Selecting a COM frequency for any airport Emergency Channel

in the database:
The GNS 530’s emergency channel select provides
1) Turn the large right knob to select the WPT
a quick method of selecting 121.500 MHz as the
Page Group.
active frequency in the event of an in-flight emergency.
2) Turn the small right knob to select the Airport Emergency channel select is available anytime the unit
Frequencies Page (Figure 2-9).
is on, regardless of GPS or cursor status, or loss of the
display.
Quickly tuning and activating 121.500:
Press and hold the COM Flip-flop Key (or COM
Remote Transfer Switch) for approximately two
seconds (Figure 2-10).

Figure 2-9 Airport Frequencies Page Figure 2-10 Emergency Channel Active

If the COM Remote Transfer switch is used to select the

3) Press the small right knob to place the cursor
emergency channel, further changes in COM frequency
on the airport identifier field.
will not be possible without momentarily pressing the
4) Use the small and large right knobs to enter COM Remote Tranfer Switch again, or by cycling unit
the identifier of the desired airport. Press the power.
ENT Key when finished.
5) Turn the large right knob to highlight the NOTE: Under some circumstances if the COM
system loses communication with the main
desired frequency.
system, the radio will automatically tune to
6) Press the ENT Key to place the highlighted 121.500 MHz for transmit and receive, regardless
frequency in the standby COM Window field. of the displayed frequency.

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Stuck Microphone
As mentioned previously in this section, when the GNS
530 is transmitting, a ‘TX’ indication appears in the COM
Window. If the microphone key is stuck or accidentally
left in the on position; or the microphone continues to
transmit after the key is released, the COM transmitter
automatically times out (ceases transmitting) after 35
seconds of continuous broadcasting. A ‘COM push-to-
talk key stuck’ message (Figure 2-11) is displayed as long
as the condition continues.

Figure 2-11 Message Page

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SECTION 3: NAV PAGES Selecting the desired page group (from any
page):
Press and hold the CLR Key to select the
3.1 Main Page Groups Default NAV Page. Turn the large right knob
The GNS 530’s main pages are divided into four to select the desired page group (Table 3-1 and
separate page groups: NAV, WPT, AUX, and NRST Figure 3-1).
(Table 3-1). Each page group is comprised of multiple Selecting the desired page within the
pages. The page groups are selected using the large right group:
knob. The individual pages are selected using the small Turn the small right knob to select the desired
right knob. page (Figure 3-1).

Page Groups The bottom right corner of the screen is also used to
display the GNS 530’s turn advisories (‘Turn to 230°’) and
NAV Group WPT Group AUX Group NRST Group
waypoint alerts (‘Next DTK 230°’) during flight plan and
5 NAV Pages see Section 7 see Section 10 see Section 8 approach operations (Figure 3-2). See Section 6 for more
Table 3-1 Page Groups information.
The bottom right corner of the screen (Figure 3-1)
indicates which page group is currently being displayed
(e.g., NAV, WPT, AUX, or NRST), the number of screens
available within that group (indicated by the square icons),
and the placement of the current screen within that group
(indicated by a highlighted square icon).

Turn Advisory
Figure 3-2 Turn Advisory

Current Page Group Number of Pages in Position of Current Page

Current Page Group within Current Page Group

Figure 3-1 Current Page and Page Group

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3.2 NAV Page Group 3.3 Default NAV Page

The NAV Page Group includes five pages (Figure The first NAV page is the Default NAV Page (Figure
3-3). While viewing any NAV page, turn the small right 3-4). The Default NAV Page displays a “look ahead” map
knob to select a different NAV page. The pilot may find display with your present position at the bottom center
this selection process convenient to cycle between the of the page. The top of the page displays desired track
Default NAV Page and the Map Page, which are two of the (DTK), ground track (TRK), and distance to destination
most frequently used pages. Other pages are provided for waypoint (DIS). The bottom of the page indicates ground
TAWS or TERRAIN information (if configured for TAWS speed (GS), active to/from waypoints (only active to, for
or TERRAIN), to list frequencies for the flight plan, and to a direct-to destination) and estimated time enroute (ETE).
display current satellite reception. A graphic course deviation indicator (CDI) also appears
at the bottom of the page Unlike the angular limits used
on a mechanical CDI coupled to a VOR or ILS receiver,
full scale limits for this CDI are defined by a GPS-derived
distance (0.3, 1.0, or 5.0 nm), as indicated at both ends of
the CDI. By default, the CDI scale automatically adjusts to
Default NAV Map TAWS or TERRAIN the desired limits based upon the current phase of flight:
oceanic, enroute, terminal area, or approach. The pilot may
also manually select the desired scale setting as outlined in
Section 10.4.
User-Selectable Data Fields (all four corners)
NAV/COM Satellite Status

Figure 3-3 NAV Pages

Map
Range
NOTE: *Six or Seven NAV pages are available
when the GNS 530 installation includes Active Leg
of Flight
connection to traffic and/or weather information Course Plan, or
Deviation Direct-to
sources. See Section 14 of this manual for more Indicator Destination
information. (CDI)

Position of Current
Number of Pages in Page within Current
Current Page Group Current Page Group Page Group
Figure 3-4 Default NAV Page

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The graphic CDI shows the current position at the center Table 3-2 shows the symbols used on the Default NAV
of the indicator, relative to the desired course (the moving Page (directly above the CDI), to depict the ‘active leg’ of
course deviation needle). As with a traditional mechanical a flight plan or direct to:
CDI, when off course simply steer toward the needle. Symbol Description
The TO/FROM arrow in the center of the scale indicates Direct-to a Waypoint
whether the aircraft is heading TO (up arrow) or FROM the
waypoint (down arrow). Course to a Waypoint, or Desired Course
Directly above the CDI appears the active leg of the between Two Waypoints
flight plan, or the direct-to destination when using the Procedure Turn
Direct-to Key. This automatically sequences to the next
Procedure Turn
leg of the flight plan as each interim waypoint is reached.
If no flight plan or direct-to destination has been selected, Vectors-to-Final
the destination field remains blank.
DME Arc to the Left
Quickly selecting the Default NAV Page
from any page: DME Arc to the Right
Press and holding the CLR Key.
Left-hand Holding Pattern
NOTE: The GNS 530 always navigates TO Right-hand Holding Pattern
a waypoint unless the OBS switch is set
(preventing automatic waypoint sequencing), Table 3-2 NAV Page Symbols
or if the aircraft has passed the last waypoint
in the flight plan.

The range of the “look ahead” map display appears in

the bottom left corner. Nine scale settings, ranging from
5.0 nm to 200 nm are available. Use the RNG Key to
select the desired scale.
Adjusting the Map scale:
1) Press the up arrow on the RNG Key to zoom
out to a larger area OR,
2) Press the down arrow on the RNG Key to zoom
in to a smaller area.

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Selecting Desired On-Screen Data Selecting a different data item for any data
field:
At the bottom of the Default NAV Page there are six
user-definable fields which display the data needed as 1) Starting with the Default NAV Page, press the
the flight progresses (Figure 3-3). By default these fields MENU Key to display the Default NAV Page
display: distance to destination (DIS), desired track Menu (Figure 3-5).
(DTK), bearing to destination (BRG), ground speed (GS),
ground track (TRK), and estimated time enroute (ETE).
However, each of these fields can be customized to display
a different data item. Available data items include:
• Bearing to destination (BRG)
• Course to steer (CTS)
• Cross track error (XTK)
• Desired track (DTK)
• Distance to destination (DIS) Figure 3-5 Default NAV Page Menu
• Enroute safe altitude (ESA)
2) The ‘Change Fields?’ option is already
• Estimated time of arrival (ETA) highlighted, so press the ENT Key to select
• Estimate time enroute (ETE) this option.
• Fuel flow (FLOW) (when configured) 3) Use the large right knob to highlight the data
field to be changed.
• Ground speed (GS)
4) Turn the small right knob to display the list
• Ground track (TRK) of available data items (Figure 3-6). Continue
• Minimum safe altitude (MSA) turning the small right knob to select the
• Track angle error (TKE) desired data item from the list.
• Vertical speed required (VSR)
If no flight plan or direct-to destination has been
selected, only speed, track, altitude, and minimum safe
altitude data may be displayed. All other data types appear
as blank lines on the Default NAV Page until a destination
is selected.

Figure 3-6 Select Field Type Window

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5) Press the ENT Key to select the desired data Auto Zoom
item and return to the Default NAV Page.
An auto zoom feature is available for the Default NAV
6) Press the small right knob momentarily to Page, which automatically adjusts from an enroute scale of
remove the cursor from the page. 200 nm through each lower scale, stopping at 5.0 nm as
you approach your destination waypoint. By default, the
Restoring Factory Settings
auto zoom feature is disabled.
All data fields settings can be quickly returned to
Enabling or disabling the auto zoom
original factory settings.
feature
Restoring all six data fields to factory
1) From the Default NAV Page, press the MENU
default settings:
Key to display the options menu (Figure 3-8).
1) From the Default NAV Page, press the MENU
Key to display the Default NAV Page Menu.
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
‘Restore Defaults?’ option (Figure 3-7) and
press the ENT Key. Figure 3-8 Default NAV Page Menu

2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Enable

Auto Zoom’ (or ‘Disable Auto Zoom’).
3) Press the ENT Key to select this option.
Figure 3-7 Default NAV Page Menu

Dual Unit Considerations

A ‘Crossfill?’ option is also provided for the Default
NAV Page. This option transfers a direct-to destination or
flight plan to a second Garmin 400 or 500 Series unit. See
Section 10.2, Flight Planning Page: Crossfill for additional
details on using the crossfill option.

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3.4 Map Page Table 3-3 shows the symbols used to depict the various
airports and NAVAIDS on the Map Page:
The second NAV page is the Map Page (Figure 3-9),
which displays the present position using an airplane Symbol Description
symbol, along with nearby airports, NAVAIDS, user- Airport with hard surface runway(s); (primary
defined waypoints, airspace boundaries, lakes, rivers, runway shown)
highways, and cities. Airport with soft surface runway(s) only
Map Display Private Airfield
Heliport
VOR
Desired Track
Present VOR/DME
Position
DME
Localizer
Map Range
Intersection
Position of Current
Number of Pages in Page within Current VORTAC
Current Page Group Current Page Group Page Group
Figure 3-9 Map Page TACAN

NOTE: If the GNS 530 is unable to determine NDB

a GPS position, the present position (airplane) Locator Outer Marker
symbol does not appear on the Map Page.
Table 3-3 Map Page Symbols
Different symbols are used to distinguish between
waypoint types. The identifiers for any on-screen The Map Display can be set to 23 different range set-
waypoints can also be displayed. (The identifiers are tings from 500 feet to 2000 nautical miles (statute and
enabled by default.) Special-use and controlled airspace metric units are also available). The range is indicated
boundaries appear on the map, showing the individual in the lower left-hand corner of the Map Display (Figure
sectors for Class B, Class C, and Class D airspaces. 3-9), and represents the top-to-bottom distance covered
by the Map Display.
Selecting a map range:
1) Press the up arrow of the RNG Key to zoom
out to a larger map area.
2) Press the down arrow of the RNG Key to zoom
in to a smaller map area and more detail.
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An autozoom feature is available which automatically Quickly decluttering the Map Display:
adjusts from an enroute range of 2000 nm through Press the CLR Key momentarily (as often as
each lower range, stopping at a range of 1.0 nm when needed) to select the desired amount of map
approaching the destination waypoint. The autozoom detail.
feature is turned on/off from the Map Setup Page (described
in Section 3.4). The CLR Key allows the pilot to quickly declutter the
The Map Page also displays a background map (or Map Display, providing four levels of map detail. Note the
‘basemap’) showing lakes, rivers, coastlines, highways, ‘-1’ (‘-2’ and ‘-3’ are also provided) suffix designation in
railways, and towns. When a map range is selected below Figure 3-11, indicating each successive declutter level.
the lower limit at which the map detail was originally Map Detail Level
created, an ‘overzoom’ indication appears on the Map
Display, below the range reading (Figure 3-10). The
basemap has limited accuracy, and should not be used Figure 3-11 Detail Level on Map Page
for navigation, but only for non-navigational situational
awareness. Any basemap indication should be compared Five user-selectable data fields can be added to the
against other navigational sources for accuracy. Continuing right-hand side of the Map Display. By default, the
to zoom in to lower range settings will cause ‘overzoom’ to displayed data is: destination waypoint name (WPT),
be replaced with ‘no map’ and the geographic detail will desired track (DTK), ground track (TRK), distance to
be removed from the Map Display (airport and NAVAID destination waypoint (DIS), and ground speed (GS).
remain). Adding these data fields or changing the data types is
outlined in Section 3.4. The five data fields can also be
removed from the map to show a larger map image, as
shown in Figure 3-9.
Figure 3-10 Overzoom on Map Page

The ‘Setup Map?’ option (described in Section 3.4)

allows the pilot to define the maximum range at which
each map feature appears. This provides the pilot with
complete control to minimize screen clutter. The pilot
can also quickly remove items from the map using the
CLR Key.

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Map Panning When the target pointer is placed on an object, the

name of that object is highlighted (even if the name wasn’t
Another Map Page function is panning, which allows the
originally displayed on the map). This feature applies to
map to move beyond its current limits without adjusting
airports, NAVAIDS, user-created waypoints, roads, lakes,
the map range. When the panning function is selected (by
rivers, almost everything displayed on the map except
pressing the small right knob), a target pointer flashes on
route lines.
the Map Display (Figure 3-12). A window also appears at
When an airport, NAVAID, or user waypoint is selected
the top of the Map Display showing the latitude/longitude
on the Map Display, information about the waypoint can
position of the pointer, plus the bearing and distance to
be reviewed or the waypoint can be designated as the
the pointer from the present position.
direct-to destination.
Pointer Position Window
Reviewing information for an on-screen
airport, NAVAID or user waypoint:
Target
Pointer 1) Use the panning function (as described in
the preceding procedure) to place the target
pointer on a waypoint (Figure 3-12).
2) Press the ENT Key to display the Waypoint
Information Page(s) for the selected waypoint
(Figure 3-13).

Figure 3-12 Panning on Map Page

Selecting the panning function and panning

the Map Display:
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
panning target pointer.
2) Turn the small right knob to move up (turn
clockwise) or down (counterclockwise).
3) Turn the large right knob to move right (turn Figure 3-13 Information for On-Screen Waypoint
clockwise) or left (counterclockwise).
4) To cancel the panning function and return to 3) Press the CLR Key to exit the information
the present position, press the small right page(s).
knob.

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Map Direct-to Airspace Information on the Map

Designating an on-screen airport, When a special-use or controlled airspace boundary
NAVAID, or user waypoint as the direct-to appears on the Map Display, the pilot can quickly retrieve
destination: information (such as floor/ceiling limits and controlling
agency) directly from the map.
1) Use the panning function (‘Map Panning’ in
this section) to place the target pointer on a Viewing airspace information for an on-
waypoint. screen special-use or controlled airspace:
2) Press the Direct-to Key to display the select 1) Use the panning function (‘Map Panning’ in this
Direct-to Waypoint Page, with the selected section) to place the target pointer on an open
waypoint already listed (Figure 3-14). area within the boundaries of an airspace. If
the area is congested and it is difficult to select
an open area, it may be necessary to zoom in
or press the CLR Key to make the selection
easier (Figure 3-15).

Figure 3-14 +MAP Waypoint

3) Press the ENT Key twice to confirm the selection

and begin navigating to the waypoint.
The direct-to function can be used anywhere on the Figure 3-15 Select Airspace with Target Pointer
map. If nothing currently exists at the target pointer
location, a new waypoint called ‘+MAP’ (Figure 3-13) is 2) Press the ENT Key to display an options menu
created at the target pointer location before the direct-to (Figure 3-16).
is initiated.

Figure 3-16 Map Panning Options Window

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3) ‘Review Airspace?’ should already be ‘Setup Map?’ allows configuration of the Map Display
highlighted, if not select it with the small to individual preferences, including map orientation,
right knob. Press the ENT Key to display the land data enable/disable, Jeppesen data enable/disable,
Airspace Information Page for the selected automatic zoom, airspace boundaries, and text size.
airspace. NOTE: Large, medium, and small classifications
4) To display the COM frequency(ies) for the are used on the GNS 530 for airports and cities.
controlling agency, turn the large right knob to Large airports are those with a runway longer
highlight ‘Frequencies?’ and press the ENT Key. than 8100 feet. Medium airports include those
Press the CLR Key to return to the Airspace with a runway longer than 5000 feet or with
Information Page. a control tower. Large cities are those with
approximate populations greater than 200,000
5) Press the CLR Key to exit the Airspace and medium cities with greater than 50,000.
Information Page.
The following settings are available for each group:
Map Setup
Many of the GNS 530’s functions are menu driven. Map Orientation, AutoZoom, Land Data,
Each of the main pages has an options menu, allowing Aviation Data
customization of the corresponding page to the pilot’s Weather Lightning Mode/Symbol
preferences and/or selection of special features which (when applicable)
specifically relate to that page. A Map Page Menu (Figure Traffic Traffic Mode/Symbol/Label
3-17) provides additional settings to customize the Map (when applicable)
Page and additional features related specifically to the
Map Page. Airport Large/Medium/Small Airports and
Text
Displaying the Map Page Menu:
NAVAID VORs, NDBs, Intersections, and Text
Press the MENU Key with the Map Page Waypoint User Waypoints, Waypoint Text,
displayed (Figure 3-17). Flight Plan Wpts
Line Active Flight Plan, Lat/Long
Control Controlled Airspace: Class B, C, D
(tower zone)
Airspace Special-Use Airspace: Restricted,
Figure 3-17 Map Page Menu MOA, Other
The following options are available: ‘Setup Map?’, City Large/Medium/Small Cities and Text
‘Measure Dist?’, ‘Data Fields Off?’, ‘Change Fields?’, and Road Freeway, National Highway, Local
‘Restore Defaults?’. Hwy, Local Road
Other States/Prov, Rivers/Lakes, Railroads,
Wind Vector

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Changing the map orientation: d) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected option
1) From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right (Figure 3-20).
knob to highlight ‘Setup Map?’ (Figure 3-16)
and press the ENT Key.
2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Map’
(Figure 3-18) and press the ENT Key.

Figure 3-18 Map Setup Window Figure 3-20 Map Setup Page

3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the To enable/disable automatic zoom:
‘Orientation’ field. 1) From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right
4) Turn the small right knob to select the desired knob to highlight ‘Setup Map?’ and press the
option. ENT Key.
a) Select ‘DTK up’ to fix the top of the Map Display 2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Map’ and
to the desired course. press the ENT Key.
b) Select ‘North up’ to fix the top of the Map 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the ‘Auto
Display to a north heading. Zoom’ field.
c) Select ‘Track up’ (Figure 3-19) to adjust the 4) Turn the small right knob to select ‘On’ or
top of the Map Display to the current track ‘Off’.
heading. 5) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected option.
The automatic zoom feature automatically
adjusts the map range from 2000 nm through
each lower range, stopping at 1.0 nm when
approaching the destination waypoint.
Figure 3-19 Orientation Window

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Enabling/disabling the wind vector, all 7) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
background land data, or all Jeppesen text size, or select ‘None’ to disable text
aviation data: descriptions.
1) From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right 8) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected
knob to highlight ‘Setup Map?’ and press the option.
ENT Key.
For airspace boundaries, highways, roads,
2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Map’ and railroad lines, track log data, active flight
press the ENT Key. plan course lines, and lat/long grid lines:
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the 1) From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right
appropriate field. knob to highlight ‘Setup Map?’ and press the
4) Turn the small right knob to select ‘On’ or ENT Key.
‘Off’. 2) Turn the small right knob to select the
5) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected appropriate ‘Group’ name (per the table on
option. the preceding page) and press the ENT Key.
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the zoom
Displaying airports, NAVAIDs, active flight
field for the desired feature.
plan waypoints, user-created waypoints,
state/provincial boundaries, rivers/lakes, 4) Turn the small right knob to select the
and cities: maximum range at which the feature should
1) From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right appear on screen (or select ‘Off’ to never
knob to highlight ‘Setup Map?’ and press the display the selected feature).
ENT Key. 5) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected
2) Turn the small right knob to select the option.
appropriate ‘Group’ name (per the table on
the preceding page) and press the ENT Key.
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the zoom
field for the desired feature.
4) Turn the small right knob to select the
maximum range at which the feature should
appear on screen (or select ‘Off’ to never
display the selected feature).
5) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected
option.
6) Turn the large right knob to highlight the text
field for the desired feature.

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Distance Measurements 4) Again, use the small and large right knobs
The ‘Measure Dist?’ option provides a quick, easy to place the reference pointer at the desired
method for determining the bearing and distance between location to measure TO. The bearing and
any two points on the Map Display. distance from the first reference location
appears at the top of the Map Display.
Measuring bearing and distance between
two points: 5) To exit the ‘Measure Dist?’ option, press the
1) From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right small right knob.
knob to highlight ‘Measure Dist?’ (Figure 3-21).
Adding Data Fields to the Map
The ‘Data Fields On?’ option provides a Map Display
(Figure 3-23) with five user-selectable data fields along the
right-hand side of the screen. Select this option to display
additional on-screen data such as destination waypoint
name (WPT), desired track (DTK), groundtrack (TRK),
Figure 3-21 Map Page Menu distance to destination (DIS), and ground speed (GS). If
2) Press the ENT Key, an on-screen reference this option has been selected and the data fields are being
pointer appears on the Map Display at the displayed, ‘Data Fields Off?’ appears as an option instead.
present position.
3) Turn the small and large right knobs to place
the reference pointer at the desired location to
measure FROM and press the ENT Key (Figure
3-22).

Figure 3-23 Map Display with Data Fields On

To turn the data fields off/on:

From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right
knob to highlight ‘Data Fields On?’ (or ‘Data
Fields Off?’) and press the ENT Key.
Figure 3-22 Using Pointer to Measure Distance and Bearing

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Clearing On-Screen Weather Data

‘Clear Storm Data?’ removes storm history information
from the map. New storm data appears as detected and
relayed by a connected weather data source. Weather data
and the ‘Clear Storm Data?’ option are only available when
the GNS 530 installation includes connection to weather
information sources. See the 400/500 Series Display
Interfaces Pilot’s Guide Addendum (190-00140-10) or
Section 14 of this Pilot’s Guide. Figure 3-25 Select Data Field Window

Selecting Desired On-Screen Data 4) Press the small right knob to remove the
‘Change Fields?’ allows selection of the data displayed cursor.
on the five user-selectable data fields along the right-
NOTE: The on-screen traffic information occupies
hand side of the Map Page. There are sixteen available two data fields, leaving room to display only two
data types, including bearing to destination, distance additional data types. Traffic information is only
to destination, estimated time of arrival, ground speed, available when the GNS 530 installation includes
minimum safe altitude, and track. See Section 16.3 for connection to traffic information sources. See
descriptions of these (and other) navigation terms. Section 14, Additional Features.
Changing a data field:
Restoring Factory Settings
1) From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right
knob to highlight ‘Change Fields?’ (Figure ‘Restore Defaults?’ resets all four user-selectable data
3-24) and press the ENT Key. fields to their original factory default settings.
Restoring the factory default settings:
From the Map Page Menu, turn the large right
knob to highlight ‘Restore Defaults?’ (Figure
3-26) and press the ENT Key.

Figure 3-24 Map Page Menu

2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the data

field to be changed.
3) Turn the small right knob to select the type of
Figure 3-26 Map Page Menu
data (Figure 3-25) desired to appear on this
field and press the ENT Key.

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3.5 TERRAIN Page Selectable Display Settings

The TERRAIN Page has two selectable view settings:
NOTE: GNS 530 units may* display either a • 360˚ View - View from above aircraft depicting
TERRAIN Page or a TAWS Page, (but not both)
surrounding terrain on all sides (Figure 3-27)
depending upon the installed hardware and
configuration. • 120˚ View - View of terrain ahead of and 60˚ to
either side of the aircraft flight path
* Some earlier units are not equipped to support the
TERRAIN and/or TAWS functionality, so therefore will not Red Terrain (Warning -
Terrain Above or Within GPS-derived
have a TERRAIN or TAWS page available. 100’ Below Aircraft Altitude) MSL Altitude

TERRAIN Page TERRAIN

Black Terrain
Page
To display the TERRAIN Page, select the NAV Page Indication (No Danger -
Terrain More
Group and turn the small right knob until the TERRAIN than 1000’ below
Aircraft Altitude)
Page is displayed (Figure 3-27). The TERRAIN Page
displays: Yellow Terrain
(Caution - Terrain
Between 100’
• GPS-derived MSL altitude in increments of 20 and 1000’ Below
Display Aircraft Altitude)
feet or 10 meters, depending on unit configura- Range
tion. The ‘G’ to right of the MSL altitude display
reminds the pilot that altitude is GPS-derived.
• Aircraft ground track Current Page Group Number of Pages in Position of Current
Current Page Group Page within Current
• Terrain Range - Indicates the terrain elevation in Page Group
colors relative to the aircraft altitude Figure 3-27 TERRAIN Page

• Range marking rings - (1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm,

25 nm, 50 nm, and 100 nm)
• Heading Indicator - The heading indication on the
TERRAIN Page always displays ‘TRK’ for Track-
up, unless there is no valid heading
• Obstacles
• Potential Impact Points

NOTE: See Section 12 for a full description of

TERRAIN functions.

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Displaying a 120˚ view: Seven display ranges are available, allowing for a
1) Select the TERRAIN Page and press the MENU more complete view of the surrounding area.
Key. Changing the display range:
2) Select ‘View 120˚?’ (Figure 3-28). Select the TERRAIN Page and press up or down
on the RNG Key to select the desired range:
1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm, 25 nm, 50 nm,
100 nm (Figure 3-29).

Figure 3-28 TERRAIN Page Menu

3) Press the ENT Key. To switch back to a 360˚

view, repeat step 1, select ‘View 360˚?, and
press the ENT Key.

NOTE: The TERRAIN Page gives a ‘Track Up’

display orientation, as indicated by the ‘TRK’
label shown on the display. This is the only
orientation available on this page.
Display Range Field
Figure 3-29 TERRAIN Display Range

Aviation information such as airports, VORs, and other

NAVAIDs can be turned on or off from the TERRAIN
Page.
Showing or hiding aviation data:
1) Select the TERRAIN Page and press the MENU
Key.
2) Select ‘Show (or Hide) Aviation Data’ (Figure
3-30) and press the ENT Key. Pressing the CLR
Key when the TERRAIN Page is displayed can
also be used to toggle aviation information on
or off.

Figure 3-30 TERRAIN Page Menu

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Inhibit Mode TERRAIN Symbols

TERRAIN has an inhibit mode that deactivates the FLTA/ NOTE: See Section 12.2 for a complete
PDA aural and visual alerts. Pilots should use discretion description of TERRAIN symbology.
when inhibiting TERRAIN and always remember to enable
the system when appropriate. For more information, see The following symbols (Figure 3-33) are used to
Section 12.3, TERRAIN alerts. represent obstacles and potential impact points on the
Inhibiting TERRAIN: TERRAIN Page.
1) Select the TERRAIN Page and press the MENU • Red Symbol - Terrain/Obstacle is above or within
Key. ‘Inhibit Terrain?’ is selected by default 100 feet below the aircraft altitude
(Figure 3-31). • Yellow Symbol - Terrain/Obstacle is between 100
feet and 1000 feet below the aircraft altitude
• Black Symbol - Terrain/Obstacle is more than
1000 feet below the aircraft altitude

Figure 3-31 TERRAIN Page Menu NOTE: Obstacle symbols are shown on display
zoom ranges up to 10 nm.
2) Press the ENT Key. The ‘TER INHB’ annunciation
is displayed in the annunciator field when
TERRAIN is inhibited (Figure 3-32).
Unlighted Lighted Unlighted
Annunciator Field Obstacles Obstacles Obstacles
<1000 feet AGL <1000 feet AGL >1000 feet AGL

Figure 3-32 TERRAIN Annunciator Field

Enabling TERRAIN: Lighted Potential

Obstacles Impact Points
1) Select the TERRAIN Page and press the MENU
>1000 feet AGL
Key. ‘Enable Terrain?’ is selected by default.
2) Press the ENT Key. The TERRAIN system is Figure 3-33 TERRAIN Symbols
functional again.
NOTE: If an obstacle and the projected flight path
of the aircraft intersect, the display automatically
zooms in to the closest potential point of impact
on the TERRAIN Page.

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NAV PAGES

3.6 TAWS Page • 120˚ View - View of terrain ahead of and 60˚ to
either side of the aircraft flight path
NOTE: GNS 530 units may* display either a
TERRAIN Page or a TAWS Page, (but not both) Red Terrain (Warning
- Terrain Above or Within GPS-derived
depending upon the installed hardware and 100’ Below Aircraft Altitude) MSL Altitude
configuration.
TAWS Page Black Terrain
* Some earlier units are not equipped to support the Indication (No Danger
TERRAIN and/or TAWS functionality, so therefore will not - Terrain More
than 1000’ below
have a TERRAIN or TAWS page available. Aircraft Altitude)
TAWS Page Yellow Terrain
(Caution - Terrain
To display the TAWS Page, select the NAV Page Group Between 100’
and turn the small right knob until the TAWS Page is and 1000’ Below
Display Aircraft Altitude)
displayed (Figure 3-34). The TAWS Page displays: Range
• GPS-derived MSL altitude in increments of 20
feet or 10 meters, depending on unit configura-
Current Page Group Number of Pages in Position of Current
tion. The ‘G’ to right of the MSL altitude display Current Page Group Page within Current
reminds the pilot that altitude is GPS-derived. Page Group
Figure 3-34 TAWS Page
• Aircraft ground track
• Terrain Range - Indicates the terrain elevation in Displaying a 120˚ view:
colors relative to the aircraft altitude 1) Select the TAWS Page and press the MENU
• Range marking rings - (1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm, Key.
25 nm, 50 nm, and 100 nm) 2) Select ‘View 120˚?’ (Figure 3-35).
• Heading Indicator - The heading indication on the
TAWS Page always displays ‘TRK’ for Track-up,
unless there is no valid heading
• Obstacles
• Potential Impact Points Figure 3-35 TAWS Page Menu

NOTE: See Section 13 for a full description of 3) Press the ENT Key. To switch back to a 360˚
TAWS functions. view, repeat step 1, select ‘View 360˚?, and
press the ENT Key.
Selectable Display Settings
NOTE: The TAWS Page gives a ‘Track Up’ display
The TAWS Page has two selectable view settings: orientation, as indicated by the ‘TRK’ label
• 360˚ View - View from above aircraft depicting shown on the display. This is the only orientation
surrounding terrain on all sides (Figure 3-34) available on this page.

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Seven display ranges are available, allowing for a Inhibit Mode

more complete view of the surrounding area. TAWS also has an inhibit mode that deactivates the
Changing the display range: FLTA/PDA aural and visual alerts. Pilots should use
Select the TAWS Page and press up or down discretion when inhibiting TAWS and always remember
on the RNG Key to select the desired range: to enable the system when appropriate. Only the FLTA
1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm, 25 nm, 50 nm, and PDA alert types are disabled in the inhibit mode. For
100 nm (Figure 3-36). more information, see the section on TAWS alerts. See
Section 13.3 for more information on TAWS alerts.
Inhibiting TAWS:
1) Select the TAWS Page and press the MENU Key.
‘Inhibit Terrain?’ is selected by default (Figure
3-38).

Display Range Field Figure 3-38 TAWS Page Menu

Figure 3-36 TAWS Display Range
2) Press the ENT Key. The ‘TER INHB’ annunciation
Aviation information such as airports, VORs, and other
is displayed in the TAWS annunciator field
NAVAIDs can be turned on or off from the TAWS Page.
when TAWS is inhibited (Figure 3-39).
Showing or hiding aviation data:
Annunciator Field
1) Select the TAWS Page and press the MENU
Key.
2) Select ‘Show (or Hide) Aviation Data’ (Figure
3-37) and press the ENT Key. Pressing the CLR
Figure 3-39 TAWS Annunciator Field
Key when the TAWS Page is displayed can also
be used to toggle aviation information on or
Enabling TAWS:
off.
1) Select the TAWS Page and press the MENU
Key. ‘Enable Terrain?’ is selected by default.
2) Press the ENT Key. The TAWS system is
functional again.
Figure 3-37 TAWS Page Menu

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NAV PAGES

TAWS Manual Test TAWS Symbols

Garmin TAWS provides a manual test capability which NOTE: See Section 13.2 for a complete
verifies the proper operation of the aural and visual description of TAWS symbology.
annunciations of the system prior to a flight.
Manually testing the TAWS system: The following symbols (Figure 3-41) are used to
represent obstacles and potential impact points on the
1) Select the TAWS Page and press the MENU
TAWS Page.
Key.
• Red Symbol - Terrain/Obstacle is above or within
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the ‘Test
100 feet below the aircraft altitude
Terrain?’ option (Figure 3-40).
• Yellow Symbol - Terrain/Obstacle is between 100
feet and 1000 feet below the aircraft altitude
• Black Symbol - Terrain/Obstacle is more than
1000 feet below the aircraft altitude
Figure 3-40 TAWS Page Menu NOTE: Obstacle symbols are shown on display
zoom ranges up to 10 nm.
3) Press the ENT Key to confirm the selection.
‘TER TEST’ is annunciated in yellow on the TAWS Page.
One of the following aural messages is played giving the
Unlighted Lighted Unlighted
test results: Obstacles Obstacles
Obstacles
• “TAWS System Test, OK”, if the system passes the <1000 feet AGL <1000 feet AGL >1000 feet AGL
test.
• “TAWS System Failure” if the system fails the test.

NOTE: TAWS system testing is disabled when

ground speed exceeds 30 kts, so as not to impede Lighted Potential
TAWS alerting. Obstacles Impact Points
>1000 feet AGL

Figure 3-41 TAWS Symbols

NOTE: If an obstacle and the projected flight path

of the aircraft intersect, the display automatically
zooms in to the closest potential point of impact
on the TAWS Page.

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 SECTION 3
NAV PAGES

3.7 NAV/COM Page Selecting a frequency list for a departure,

enroute or arrival airport:
The NAV/COM (navigation communications) Page
(Figure 3-35) provides a list of the airport communication 1) Press the small right knob to activate the
and navigation frequencies at the departure, enroute, and cursor.
arrival airports. The NAV/COM Page makes selection of 2) Turn the large right knob to place the cursor
the frequencies needed along the flight plan quick and on the airport identifier field (top line on the
convenient. If there is no active flight plan with a departure NAV/COM Page, see Figure 3-42).
airport, the NAV/COM Page displays the frequencies for 3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
the airport nearest the departure position. airport (Figure 3-43) and press the ENT Key.
Departure, Enroute, Assigned Frequency and
or Arrival Airport Usage Information
(when applicable)
Frequency
Type
Figure 3-43 Airport Window

Position of
Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 3-42 NAV/COM Page

NOTE: The order of the pages in the NAV Page

Group change when the GNS 530 installation
includes connection to traffic and/or weather
information sources. See the 400/500 Series
Display Interfaces Pilot’s Guide Document
(190-00140-10) or Section 14 of this manual for
more information

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Scrolling through the list of frequencies: If a listed frequency has sector or altitude restrictions,
1) Activate the cursor, if not already active, by the frequency is preceded by an ‘Info?’ designation.
pressing the small right knob. Viewing usage restrictions for a frequency:
2) Turn the large right knob to move the cursor 1) Turn the large right knob to place the cursor
through the list of frequencies. If there are on the ‘Info?’ designation directly in front of
more frequencies in the list that can be the desired frequency (Figure 3-45).
displayed on the screen, a scroll bar along the
right-hand side of the screen (Figure 3-44)
indicates which part of the list is currently being
displayed.
Scroll Bar

Figure 3-45 ‘Info’ Highlighted

Figure 3-44 Scroll Bar 2) Press the ENT Key to display the restriction
information (Figure 3-46).
3) To place a frequency in the standby field of the
COM or VLOC Window, highlight the desired
frequency and press the ENT Key.
Some listed frequencies may include designations for
limited usage, as follows:
• ‘TX’ - Transmit only
• ‘RX’ - Receive only
• ‘PT’ - Part time frequency Figure 3-46 Restriction Information Page

3) To return to the NAV/COM Page, press the ENT

Key.

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NAV PAGES

3.8 Satellite Status Page 1 2 3

The Satellite Status Page provides a visual reference

of GPS receiver functions, including current satellite
coverage, GPS receiver status, and position accuracy.
The Satellite Status Page (Figure 3-47) is helpful in 7
4
troubleshooting weak (or missing) signal levels due to
8
poor satellite coverage or installation problems. 5
As the GPS receiver locks onto satellites, a signal 9

strength bar appears for each satellite in view, with the

6
appropriate satellite number (01-32) underneath each
bar. The status of satellite reception is shown as follows: 10 11 12 13 14
• No signal strength bars - The receiver is looking Figure 3-47 Satellite Status Page
for the satellites indicated.
• Hollow signal strength bars - The receiver has 1 Sky View
found the satellite(s) and is collecting data. 2 GPS Receiver Status
• Solid signal strength bars - The receiver has 3 Estimated Position Error (EPE), Dilution of Precision
collected the necessary data and the satellite(s) is (DOP), and Horizontal Uncertainty Level (HUL)
ready for use. 4 Signal Strength Bars
• Checkered signal strength bars - Excluded 5 Satellite ID Numbers
satellites.
6 INTEG Annunciator (flagged when position not valid)
The sky view display (at top left corner of the page)
shows which satellites are currently in view, and where 7 Hollow Signal Strength Bar
they are. The outer circle of the sky view represents the 8 Excluded Satellite
horizon (with north at top of the page); the inner circle
45° above the horizon; and the center point directly over- 9 Current Time
head. 10 Present Position
Each satellite has a 30-second data transmission that
11 Current Page Group
must be collected (hollow signal strength bar) before the
satellite may be used for navigation (solid signal strength 12 Number of Pages in Current Page Group
bar). Once the GPS receiver has determined the present 13 Position of Current Page within Current Page Group
position, the GNS 530 indicates position, track, and
14 GPS-calculated Altitude
ground speed on the other navigation pages. The GPS
receiver status field also displays the messages listed in
Table 3-4 under the appropriate conditions:

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The Satellite Status Page also indicates the accuracy of the position fix, using Estimated Position Error (EPE), Dilution
of Precision (DOP), and Horizontal Uncertainty Level (HUL) figures. DOP measures satellite geometry quality (i.e.,
number of satellites received and where they are relative to each other) on a scale from one to ten. The lowest numbers
are the best accuracy and the highest numbers are the worst. EPE uses DOP and other factors to calculate a horizontal
position error, in feet or meters. HUL is explained in Section 15.

GPS Receiver Status Messages

Searching Sky The GPS receiver is searching the sky for ANY visible satellites. The
pilot is informed of this status with a ‘Searching the Sky’ message.
Acquiring Sat The GPS receiver is acquiring satellites for navigation. In this mode,
the receiver uses satellite orbital data (collected continuously from
the satellites) and last known position to determine which satellites
should be in view.
2D Navigation The GPS receiver is in 2D navigation mode. Altitude data is provided
by an altitude serializer.
3D Navigation The GPS receiver is in 3D navigation mode and computes altitude
using satellite data.
Poor Coverg The GPS receiver cannot acquire sufficient satellites for navigation.
Rcvr Not Usbl The GPS receiver is unusable due to incorrect initialization or
abnormal satellite conditions. Turn the unit off and on again.
AutoLocate The GPS receiver is looking for any available satellite. This process
can take up to five minutes to determine a position.
Table 3-4 GPS Receiver Status Messages

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 SECTION 4
DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION

SECTION 4: DIRECT-TO
NAVIGATION

4.1 Overview
The GNS 530’s direct-to function provides a quick
method of setting a course to a destination waypoint.
Once a direct-to is activated, the GNS 530 establishes a
point-to-point course line (great circle) from the present Figure 4-2 Waypoint Identifier Field Selected
position to the selected direct-to destination. Navigation
data on the various NAV pages provides steering guidance 3) Press the ENT Key to confirm the selected
until the direct-to is cancelled or replaced by a new waypoint, and press the ENT Key again to
destination. activate the direct-to function (Figure 4-3).
Selecting a direct-to destination:
1) Press the Direct-to Key. The Select Direct-to
Waypoint Page appears (Figure 4-1), with the
waypoint identifier field highlighted.

Figure 4-3 ‘Activate?’ Field Highlighted

When off course while navigating to a waypoint, the

direct-to function may also be used to re-center the CDI
(HSI) needle and proceed to the same waypoint.

Figure 4-1 Select Direct-to Waypoint Page

Re-centering the CDI (HSI) needle to the
same destination waypoint:
2) Use the small and large right knobs to Press the Direct-to Key, followed by the ENT
enter the identifier of the desired destination Key twice.
waypoint (Figure 4-2).
NOTE: When navigating an approach with the
missed approach point (MAP) as the current
destination, re-centering the CDI (HSI) needle
with the Direct-to Key cancels the approach.

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 SECTION 4
DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION

Selecting a Destination by Facility Name or

City
In addition to selecting a destination by identifier, the
Select Direct-to Waypoint Page (Figure 4-4) also allows the
pilot to select airports, VORs and NDBs by facility name
or city location. If duplicate entries exist for the entered
facility name or city, additional entries may be viewed
by continuing to turn the small right knob during the
selection process. See Section 7.1, Duplicate Waypoints
Figure 4-5 Facility Name Highlighted
for more information.
3) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
Identifier, Symbol, the facility name or city location of the desired
and Region destination waypoint (Figure 4-6). When
Facility Name
and City spelling the facility name or city, the GNS 530’s
Flight Plan Nearest Airport Spell’N’Find™ feature selects the first entry
Field Field in the database based upon the characters
entered up to that point.

Figure 4-4 Select Direct-to Waypoint Page

Selecting a direct-to destination by facility

name or city:
1) Press the Direct-to Key. The Select Direct-to
Waypoint Page appears, with the waypoint
identifier field highlighted.
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the Figure 4-6 Facility Name Selected
facility name (second line) or the city (third
line) field (Figure 4-5). 4) Continue turning the small right knob to scroll
through any additional database listings for the
selected facility name or city. The pilot can also
scroll backwards with the small right knob if
the desired waypoint has been scrolled past .
5) Press the ENT Key to confirm the selected
waypoint, and press the ENT Key again to
activate the direct-to function.

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 SECTION 4
DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION

Selecting a Destination from the Active Flight

Plan
When navigating an active flight plan, any waypoint
contained in the flight plan may be selected as a direct-to
destination from the Select Direct-to Waypoint Page. See
Section 5, for more information on flight plans.
Selecting a direct-to destination from the
active flight plan:
Figure 4-8 FPL (Flight Plan) Window
1) Press the Direct-to Key. The Select Direct-to
Waypoint Page appears, with the waypoint
4) Continue turning the small right knob to
identifier field highlighted.
scroll through the list and highlight the desired
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the flight waypoint.
plan (FPL) field (Figure 4-7).
5) Press the ENT Key to confirm the selected
waypoint, and press the ENT Key again to
activate the direct-to function.

Figure 4-7 Highlighted Flight Plan Field

3) Turn the small right knob to display a window

showing all waypoints in the active flight plan
(Figure 4-8).

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 SECTION 4
DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION

Selecting the Nearest Airport as a Direct-to Shortcuts

Destination Shortcuts are available when using the Direct-to Key,
The Select Direct-to Waypoint Page always displays the allowing the pilot to bypass the use of the small and large
nearest airports (from the present position) in the NRST right knobs to enter the destination waypoint’s identifier.
field. Navigating directly to a nearby airport is always just A direct-to can be performed from any page displaying
a few simple steps away. (Nearby airports may also be a single waypoint identifier (such as the WPT pages for
selected as direct-to destinations using the steps described airports and NAVAIDs). For pages that display a list of
in Section 8.1.) waypoints (e.g., the Nearest Airport Page), the desired
waypoint must be highlighted with the cursor before
Selecting a nearby airport as a direct-to
pressing the Direct-to Key.
destination:
1) Press the Direct-to Key. The Select Direct-to Selecting an on-screen waypoint as a
Waypoint Page appears, with the waypoint direct-to destination:
identifier field highlighted. 1) If a single airport, NAVAID, or user waypoint is
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the displayed on-screen (Figure 4-10):
nearest airport (NRST) field.
3) Turn the small right knob to display a window
showing up to nine nearby airports (Figure 4-9).

Figure 4-10 Single Waypoint Displayed

a) Press the Direct-to Key

Figure 4-9 Nearest Window
b) Press the ENT Key twice.
4) Continue turning the small right knob to
scroll through the list and highlight the desired
airport.
5) Press the ENT Key to confirm the selected
airport, and press the ENT Key again to activate
the direct-to function.

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 SECTION 4
DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION

2) If a list of waypoints is displayed on-screen: Selecting a Direct-to destination from the Map
a) Press the small right knob to activate the Page
cursor. Direct-to destinations may also be selected from the
b) Turn the large right knob to highlight the Map Page. If no airport, NAVAID, or user waypoint
desired waypoint (Figure 4-11). exists at the desired location, a waypoint named ‘+MAP’
is automatically created at the location of the panning
pointer.
Selecting a direct-to destination from the
Map Page:
1) From the Map Page, press the small right knob
to display a panning pointer.
2) Turn the small and large right knobs to place
the panning pointer at the desired destination
location.
Figure 4-11 Nearest List 3) If the panning pointer is placed on an existing
airport, NAVAID or user waypoint, the waypoint
c) Press the Direct-to Key followed by the name is highlighted (Figure 4-12). Press the
ENT Key twice. Direct-to Key and the ENT Key twice to
navigate to the waypoint.

Figure 4-12 Panning Pointer Placed on Waypoint

4) If the panning pointer is placed on an open

location, press the Direct-to Key, then
press the ENT Key twice to create a ‘+MAP’
waypoint and navigate to it.

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DIRECT-TO NAVIGATION

Cancelling Direct-to Navigation 3) Press the ENT Key to confirm the selected
waypoint, then turn the large right knob
Once a direct-to is activated, the GNS 530 provides
to highlight the course (‘CRS’) field (Figure
navigation guidance to the selected destination until the
4-14).
direct-to is replaced with a new direct-to or flight plan,
cancelled, or the unit is turned off.
Cancelling a direct-to:
1) Press the Direct-to Key to display the Select
Direct-to Waypoint Page.
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Direct-to
Page Menu (Figure 4-13).

Figure 4-14 CRS (Course) Field Highlighted

4) Turn the small and large right knobs to select

the desired course (Figure 4-15) and press the
ENT Key.

Figure 4-13 Select Direct-to Page Menu

3) With ‘Cancel Direct-to NAV?’ highlighted, press

the ENT Key. If a flight plan is still active, the
GNS 530 resumes navigating the flight plan
along the closest leg.
Specifying a Course to a Waypoint
Figure 4-15 Course Field Selected
When performing a direct-to, the GNS 530 sets a direct
great circle course to the selected destination. The course 5) Press the ENT Key again to begin navigation
to the destination can also be manually defined using the using the selected destination and course.
‘CRS’ course field on the Select Direct-to Waypoint Page.
6) To re-select a direct course from present
Manually defining the direct-to course: position (or select a new manually-defined
1) Press the Direct-to Key. course), simply press the Direct-to Key,
2) Use the small and large right knobs to select followed by the ENT Key twice.
the destination waypoint.

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 SECTION 5
FLIGHT PLANS

SECTION 5: FLIGHT PLANS 5.1 Flight Plan Catalog Page

The Flight Plan Catalog Page allows the pilot to create,
The GNS 530 lets the pilot create up to 20 different
edit, activate, delete, and copy flight plans. Flight plans
flight plans, with up to 31 waypoints in each flight plan.
numbered from 1 through 19 are used to save flight plans
The Flight Plan Page Group consists of two pages (Active
for future use. ‘Flight plan 00’ is reserved exclusively
Flight Plan Page and Flight Plan Catalog Page; Figures 5-1
for the flight plan currently in use for navigation. When
and 5-2), accessed by pressing the FPL Key. The flight
a flight plan is activated, a copy of the flight plan is
plan pages allow the pilot to create, edit, and copy flight
automatically transferred to ‘flight plan 00’ and overwrites
plans.
any previously active flight plan.
Creating a new flight plan:
1) Press the FPL Key and turn the small right
knob to display the Flight Plan Catalog Page
(Figure 5-2).
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Flight Plan
Catalog Page Menu (Figure 5-3).

Indicates Current Page

Figure 5-1 Active Flight Plan Page

Figure 5-3 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu

3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Create

New Flight Plan?’ and press the ENT Key.

Indicates Current Page

Figure 5-2 Flight Plan Catalog Page

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 SECTION 5
FLIGHT PLANS

4) A blank Flight Plan Page appears for the first

empty storage location. Use the small and
large right knobs to enter the identifier of the
departure waypoint and press the ENT Key.
5) Repeat step 4 to enter the identifier for each
additional flight plan waypoint (Figure 5-4).

Figure 5-5 Flight Plan Page

5) Use the small and large right knobs to enter

the identifier of the new waypoint (Figure 5-6)
and press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-4 Flight Plan Page

6) Once all waypoints have been entered, press

the small right knob to return to the Flight
Plan Catalog Page.
Figure 5-6 Waypoint Identifier Field Selected
Flight Plan Editing
Adding a waypoint to an existing flight 6) Once all changes have been made, press the
plan: small right knob to return to the Flight Plan
Catalog Page (Figure 5-7).
1) Press the FPL Key and turn the small right
knob to display the Flight Plan Catalog Page.
2) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
desired flight plan and press the ENT Key.
4) Turn the large right knob to select the point to
add the new waypoint. If an existing waypoint
is highlighted, the new waypoint is placed
directly in front of this waypoint (Figure 5-5).
Figure 5-7 Edited Flight Plan Page

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 SECTION 5
FLIGHT PLANS

Deleting a waypoint from an existing flight A one-line user comment may be added to any flight
plan: plan, which is displayed on the Flight Plan Catalog Page,
1) Press the FPL Key and turn the small right next to the flight plan’s number. By default, as the flight
knob to display the Flight Plan Catalog Page. plan is being created, the comment shows the first and last
waypoints in the flight plan.
2) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor. Changing the comment line for an existing
flight plan:
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
desired flight plan and press the ENT Key. 1) From the Flight Plan Catalog Page, press the
small right knob to activate the cursor.
4) Turn the large right knob to select the
waypoint to be deleted and press the CLR Key 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
to display a ‘remove waypoint’ confirmation desired flight plan and press the ENT Key.
window (Figure 5-8). 3) Turn the large right knob to select the
comment line at the top of the screen.
4) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
the new comment (Figure 5-9). Press the ENT
Key when finished.

Figure 5-8 Remove Waypoint Window

5) With ‘Yes’ highlighted, press the ENT Key to

remove the waypoint.
6) Once all changes have been made, press the Figure 5-9 Comment Line Selected
small right knob to return to the Flight Plan
Catalog Page. 5) Once all changes have been made, press the
small right knob to return to the Flight Plan
Catalog Page.

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FLIGHT PLANS

Activating Flight Plans Inverting Flight Plans

Once a flight plan is defined through the Flight Plan After travelling along a flight plan, the pilot may wish
Catalog Page (using the steps outlined previously in this to reverse the route for navigation guidance back to the
section), it may be activated for navigation. Activating the original departure point.
flight plan places it into ‘flight plan 00’ and overwrites any Activating an existing flight plan in reverse
previous information at that location. order:
Activating an existing flight plan: 1) From the Flight Plan Catalog Page, press the
1) From the Flight Plan Catalog Page, press the small right knob to activate the cursor.
small right knob to activate the cursor. 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the desired flight plan and press the MENU Key to
desired flight plan and press the MENU Key to display the Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu.
display the Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu. 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Invert &
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Activate Activate FPL?’ (Figure 5-11) and press the ENT
Flight Plan?’ and press the ENT Key (Figure Key. The original flight plan remains intact in
5-10). its flight plan catalog storage location.

Figure 5-11 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu

Figure 5-10 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu

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 SECTION 5
FLIGHT PLANS

Copying Flight Plans Deleting Flight Plans

To save a flight plan currently located in ‘flight plan When finished with a flight plan, it can easily be
00’, copy it to an open catalog location (1-19) before the deleted from the Flight Plan Catalog Page or the Active
flight plan is cancelled, overwritten, or erased. Flight Plan Page.
Copying a flight plan to another flight plan Deleting a flight plan:
catalog location: 1) From the Active Flight Plan Page, press the
1) From the Active Flight Plan Page, press the MENU Key to display the Active Flight Plan
MENU Key to display the Active Flight Plan Page Menu.
Page Menu. 2) From the Flight Plan Catalog Page, press the
2) From the Flight Plan Catalog Page, press the small right knob to activate the cursor, turn
small right knob to activate the cursor, turn the the large right knob to highlight the flight plan
large right knob to highlight the flight plan to to be deleted, then press the MENU Key to
be copied, then press the MENU Key to display display the Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu.
the Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu. 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Delete
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Copy Flight Plan?’ (Figure 5-13) and press the ENT
Flight Plan?’ (Figure 5-12) and press the ENT Key.
Key.

Figure 5-13 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu

4) With ‘Yes?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key to

delete the flight plan.
Figure 5-12 Active Flight Plan Page Menu

4) By default, the next empty catalog location is

offered. To select a different location, turn the
large right knob to select the flight plan number,
use the small and large right knobs to enter a
different number and press the ENT Key.
5) With ‘Yes?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key to
copy the flight plan.

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Flight Plan Catalog Options 4) If ‘Manual’ is selected: Turn the large right
knob to select the ‘Transfer’ field, then turn
The following options (some covered on the preceding
the small right knob to select the type of
pages) are available for the Flight Plan Catalog Page:
information to transfer between units (active
• ‘Activate Flight Plan?’ - Allows the pilot to flight plan, flight plan, all user waypoints or
select the flight plan for navigation guidance, as a single user waypoint). When ‘Flight Plan’
described previously in this section. or ‘User Waypoint’ is selected, a second field
• ‘Invert & Activate FPL?’ - Allows the pilot to appears to the immediate right of the ‘Transfer’
reverse the highlighted flight plan and select it for field. Use the small and large right knobs to
navigation guidance, as described previously in enter the number of the flight plan or the name
this section. of the user waypoint to be transferred.
• ‘Create New Flight Plan?’ - Allows the pilot to 5) The ‘Cross-Side’ field allows the pilot to
create a new flight plan, as described previously in designate the sending and receiving units
this section. in a crossfill operation. Turn the large right
knob to select the ‘Cross-side’ field, then turn
• ‘Crossfill?’ - Allows the pilot to transfer a Direct-to
the small right knob to select ‘To’ or ‘From’
destination, the active flight plan, any stored flight
(Figure 5-14). Press the ENT Key to confirm
plan or user waypoints to a second 400-Series or
the selection.
500-Series Garmin unit. Some crossfill operations
can be done automatically. If both units are set 6) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Initiate
to ‘auto’, a change in the direct-to destination or Transfer?’ (Figure 5-14) and press the ENT
active flight plan on one unit is seen on the other. Key. Once ‘Initiate Transfer?’ is selected,
For additional information, see Section 10.2, a progress bar at the bottom of the page
Flight Planning Page: Crossfill. indicates the status of the crossfill transfer until
completed.
Crossfilling flight plans between two 400-
or 500-Series Garmin units:
1) Select the ‘Crossfill?’ option from the Flight
Plan Catalog Page Menu (Figure 5-12) and
press the ENT Key.
2) Turn the large right knob to select the
‘Method’ field (Figure 5-13).
3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Auto’
or ‘Manual’ and press the ENT Key. ‘Auto’
automatically transfers the active flight plan
or Direct-to selection to another 400- or 500- Figure 5-14 Crossfill Page
series Garmin unit, without user intervention.

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• ‘Copy Flight Plan?’ - Allows the pilot to copy the • ‘Sort List By Number?’/’Sort List by Comment?’
selected flight plan to a new flight plan location, - Allows the pilot to select between a flight plan
as described previously in this section. The copy catalog sorted numerically by the flight plan
function is useful for duplicating an existing flight number or sorted alphanumerically based upon
plan before making changes. the comment assigned to each flight plan. When
• ‘Delete Flight Plan?’ - Allows the pilot to remove either option is selected, the other option appears
the selected flight plan from memory, as described on the Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu.
previously in this section. Deleting a flight Sorting the catalog listing by number or
plan does not delete the individual waypoints comment:
contained in the flight plan from the database or 1) Select the ‘Sort List By Number?’ or ‘Sort List
user waypoint memory. By Comment?’ option (whichever is currently
• ‘Delete All Flight Plans?’ - Allows the pilot to displayed) from the Flight Plan Catalog Page
remove all flight plans from memory. Menu (Figure 5-17) and press the ENT Key.
Deleting all flight plans:
1) Select the ‘Delete All Flight Plans?’ option from
the Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu (Figure
5-15) and press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-17 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu

Figure 5-15 Flight Plan Catalog Page Menu

2) A confirmation window appears (Figure 5-16).

With ‘Yes?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-16 Delete All Flight Plans Window

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5.2 Active Flight Plan Page

The Active Flight Plan Page provides information
and editing functions for ‘flight plan 00’, the flight plan
currently in use for navigation. When a direct-to or flight
plan has been activated, the Active Flight Plan Page shows
each waypoint for the flight plan (or a single waypoint
for a direct-to, Figure 5-18), along with the desired track
(DTK) and distance (DIS) for each leg.
Figure 5-19 Active Flight Plan Page Menu

Figure 5-18 Active Flight Plan Page

Active Flight Plan Options

The options shown in Table 5-1 are available for the
Active Flight Plan Page.
Accessing the Active Flight Plan Menu Page:
1) Press the FPL Key to view the Active Flight Plan
Page.
2) Press the MENU Key (Figure 5-19).

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Active Flight Plan Page Menu Options

Activates/reactivates the flight plan and selects the highlighted leg as the ‘active leg’ (the leg
Activate Leg
which is currently used for navigation guidance).
Allows the pilot to transfer the active flight plan between two 400- or 500-series Garmin units
Crossfill in a dual unit installation. See Section 10.2, Flight Planning: Crossfill for additional information
on this feature.
Copies the active flight plan to a flight plan catalog location, as described previously in this
Copy Flight Plan
section. The copy function is useful for duplicating the active flight plan before making changes.
Reverses the active flight plan. See Section 5.1, Activating Flight Plans and Inverting Flight
Invert Flight Plan
Plans.
Allows the pilot to remove all waypoints from the selected flight plan, as described previously
Delete Flight Plan in this section. Deleting a flight plan does not delete the waypoints contained in the flight plan
from the database or user waypoint memory.
Allows the pilot to select a published instrument approach for the destination airport, or replace
Select Approach the current approach with a new selection. (In many cases, it is convenient to select approaches
using the PROC Key as described in Section 6.1.)
Allows the pilot to select a published standard terminal arrival route (STAR) for the destination
Select Arrival airport or replace the current arrival with a new selection (Section 6.1 for information on
selecting arrivals using the PROC Key).
Allows the pilot to select a published standard instrument departure (SID) for the departure
airport or replace the current departure with a new selection. When using a direct-to, the GNS
Select Departure
530 uses the nearest airport as a reference when displaying available departures. See Section
6.1 for information on selecting departures using the PROC Key.
Remove Approach Deletes the currently selected approach from the active flight plan.
Remove Arrival Deletes the current STAR from the active flight plan.
Remove Departure Deletes the current SID from the active flight plan.
Calculates the bearing and closest distance that a flight plan passes from a reference waypoint.
Closest Point of FPL May also be used to create a new user waypoint along the flight plan at the location closest to
the reference waypoint.
Allows the pilot to select the desired data items to display on the Active Flight Plan Page, as
Change Fields
described in this Section.
Restore Defaults Returns the data items to factory defaults, as described in this Section.
Table 5-1 Active Flight Plan Page Menu Options

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The data fields for DTK and DIS are user-selectable and Restoring factory default settings for data
may be changed to display cumulative distance (CUM) to fields on the Active Flight Plan Page:
each waypoint, estimated time of arrival (ETA), estimated 1) With the Active Flight Plan Page displayed,
time enroute (ETE), or enroute safe altitude (ESA). press the MENU Key to display the Active Flight
Changing a data field on the Active Flight Plan Page Menu.
Plan Page: 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Restore
1) With the Active Flight Plan Page displayed, Defaults?’ and press the ENT Key.
press the MENU Key to display the Active Flight Activating a flight plan along a specific leg:
Plan Page Menu.
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Change cursor and turn the large right knob to
Fields?’ (Figure 5-20) and press the ENT Key. highlight the desired destination waypoint.
2) Press the MENU Key, and select the ‘Activate
Leg?’ option from the Active Flight Plan Page
Menu (Figure 5-22) and press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-20 Active Flight Plan Page Menu

3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the field

to be changed.
Figure 5-22 Active Flight Plan Page Menu
4) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
data item (Figure 5-21) and press the ENT
3) A confirmation window appears. With
Key.
‘Activate?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-21 Select Field Type Window

5) Press the small right knob to remove the

cursor.

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Selecting an approach for a direct-to or

flight plan destination airport:
1) Choose the ‘Select Approach?’ option from the
Active Flight Plan Page Menu (Figure 5-23) and Figure 5-25 Transitions Window
press the ENT Key.
4) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Load?’
or ‘Activate?’ and press the ENT Key. ‘Load?’
adds the approach to the flight plan without
immediately using the approach for navigation
guidance. This allows the pilot to continue
navigating the original flight plan until cleared
for the approach but keeps the approach
available for quick activation when needed.
5) For precision approaches, a reminder window
appears indicating that GPS guidance on such
Figure 5-23 Active Flight Plan Page Menu approaches is strictly for monitoring only. To
confirm this reminder, highlight ‘Yes?’ and
2) A window appears listing the available press the ENT Key.
approaches (Figure 5-24) for the destination
airport. Turn the small right knob to highlight
the desired approach and press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-24 Approach Window

3) A second window appears listing available

transitions (Figure 5-25) for the approach. Turn
the small right knob to highlight the desired
transition waypoint and press the ENT Key.
(The ‘Vectors’ option assumes the pilot will
receive vectors to the final course segment
of the approach and will provide navigation
guidance to intercept this final course.)

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Selecting an arrival for a direct-to or flight

plan destination airport:
1) Select the ‘Select Arrival?’ option from the
Active Flight Plan Page Menu (Figure 5-26)
and press the ENT Key.
Figure 5-28 Transitions Window

4) With ‘Load?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key.

Selecting a departure for the departure
airport:
1) Select the ‘Select Departure?’ option from the
Active Flight Plan Page Menu and press the
ENT Key.
2) A window appears listing the available
departures for the departure airport. Turn
Figure 5-26 Active Flight Plan Page Menu the small right knob to select the desired
departure and press the ENT Key.
2) A window appears listing the available arrivals 3) A second window appears listing available
(Figure 5-27) for the destination airport. Turn transitions for the departure. Turn the small
the small right knob to select the desired right knob to highlight the desired transition
arrival and press the ENT Key. waypoint and press the ENT Key.
4) With ‘Load?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-27 Arrivals Window

3) A second window appears listing available

transitions (Figure 5-28) for the arrival. Turn
the small right knob to highlight the desired
transition waypoint and press the ENT Key.

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Removing an approach, arrival, or

departure from the active flight plan:
1) Select the ‘Remove Approach?’, ‘Remove
Arrival?’, or ‘Remove Departure?’ option from
the Active Flight Plan Page Menu (Figure 5-29)
and press the ENT Key.

Figure 5-30 Active Flight Plan Page Menu

2) A window appears with the reference waypoint

field highlighted. Use the small and large
right knobs to enter the identifier of the
reference waypoint and press the ENT Key.
3) A confirmation window appears for the
Figure 5-29 Active Flight Plan Page Menu
selected reference waypoint (Figure 5-31).
2) A confirmation window appears listing Press the ENT Key to accept the waypoint.
the procedure to be removed. With ‘Yes?’
highlighted, press the ENT Key.
Determining the closest point, along the
active flight plan, to a selected waypoint:
1) Select the ‘Closest Point of FPL?’ option from
the Active Flight Plan Page Menu (Figure 5-30) Figure 5-31 Closest Point of Flight Plan Window
and press the ENT Key.
4) The GNS 530 displays the bearing (BRG) and
distance (DIST) to the closest point along the
flight plan, from the selected reference waypoint.
To create a user waypoint at this location and
add it to the flight plan, highlight ‘Load?’ and
press the ENT Key. The name for the new user
waypoint is derived from the identifier of the
reference waypoint.

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Shortcuts
A number of shortcuts are available to save time when
using the Active Flight Plan Page. These shortcuts speed
the process of removing approaches, departures and
arrivals, and aid in selecting a specific flight plan leg for Figure 5-33 Remove Approach Window
navigation guidance.
4) With ‘Yes?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key to
On the preceding page, options to remove approaches,
remove the selected procedure.
departures, and arrivals were introduced. This process
may also be completed using the CLR Key, described as This same process may also be used to remove
follows. individual waypoints from the active flight plan.
Removing an approach, departure or arrival Removing a waypoint using the CLR Key:
using the CLR Key: 1) With the Active Flight Plan Page displayed,
1) With the Active Flight Plan Page displayed, press the small right knob to activate the
press the small right knob to activate the cursor.
cursor. 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the title identifier for the waypoint to be deleted.
for the approach (Figure 5-32), departure, or Identifiers appear in green text.
arrival to be deleted. Titles appear in light blue 3) Press the CLR Key to display a confirmation
directly above the procedure’s waypoints. window (Figure 5-34).

Figure 5-32 Highlight Item To Be Deleted Figure 5-34 Remove Waypoint Window

3) Press the CLR Key to display a confirmation 4) With ‘Yes?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key to
window (Figure 5-33). remove the selected procedure.

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The ‘Activate Leg?’ option is discussed previously in When using instrument procedures, this feature can be
this section, which allows the pilot to specify which leg of used not only to activate a specific point-to-point leg, but
the flight plan is used for navigation guidance. A shortcut to also activate the procedure turn portion of an approach,
also exists for this operation, using the Direct-to Key. follow a DME arc, or activate a holding pattern.
Activating a specific leg of the active flight Any approach, departure, or arrival can be reviewed on
plan: the appropriate airport page in the Waypoint Page Group
(Section 7.1).
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor and turn the large right knob to Reviewing a procedure while viewing a
highlight the desired destination waypoint. flight plan page:
2) Press the Direct-to Key twice to display an 1) With a flight plan page displayed, press the
‘Activate Leg’ confirmation window (Figure small right knob to activate the cursor.
5-35). 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
procedure header (Figure 5-36).

Figure 5-35 Activate Leg Window

Figure 5-36 Procedure Header Highlighted
3) With ‘Activate?’ highlighted, press the ENT
Key. 3) Press the ENT Key to select the WPT Page
Group.

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 SECTION 6
PROCEDURES

SECTION 6: PROCEDURES 3) A window appears listing the available

procedures (Figure 6-2). Turn the large right
knob to highlight the desired procedure
6.1 Approaches, Departures, and and press the ENT Key. (When a direct-to
Arrivals destination is selected, departures are offered
for the nearest airport.)
The GNS 530 allows the pilot to fly non-precision and
precision approaches to airports with published instrument
approach procedures. All available approaches are stored
on the Jeppesen NavData card, and are automatically
updated when the new card is inserted into the GNS 530.
Subscription information for NavData cards is included in Figure 6-2 Approach Window
the GNS 530 package.
The Procedures Page (Figure 6-1) is displayed by 4) A second window appears listing the available
pressing the PROC Key. The Procedures Page provides transitions (Figure 6-3). Turn the large right
direct access to approaches, departures, and arrivals, knob to highlight the desired transition waypoint
based on the active flight plan or direct-to destination. In and press the ENT Key. (The approach ‘Vectors’
either case, the departure and destination airports must option assumes the pilot will receive vectors
have published procedures associated with them. to the final course segment of the approach
Selecting an approach, departure, or and will provide navigation guidance relative
arrival: to the final approach course.)
1) Press the PROC Key to display the Procedures
Page.
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Select
Approach?’, ‘Select Departure?’ or ‘Select Figure 6-3 Transitions Window
Arrival?’ (Figure 6-1) and press the ENT Key.

Figure 6-1 Procedures Page

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5) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Load?’ Once an approach is selected, it may be activated
or ‘Activate?’ (approaches only) and press the for navigation from the Procedures Page. Activating the
ENT Key. (‘Load?’ adds the procedure to the approach overrides the ‘enroute’ portion of the active
flight plan without immediately using it for flight plan, proceeding directly to the ‘approach’ portion
navigation guidance. This allows the pilot to (for a full approach, directly to the initial approach fix).
continue navigating the original flight plan, but Activating the approach also initiates automatic CDI
keeps the procedure available on the Active scaling transition as the approach progresses.
Flight Plan Page for quick activation when Activating an approach:
needed.)
1) Press the PROC Key to display the Procedures
6) For precision approaches and some non- Page (Figure 6-5).
precision approaches, a reminder window
appears indicating that GPS guidance on such 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Activate
approaches is strictly for monitoring only; use Approach?’ (Figure 6-5) and press the ENT
the VLOC receivers and external CDI (or HSI) for Key.
primary navigation. To confirm this reminder,
highlight ‘Yes?’ and press the ENT Key.
Not all approaches in the database are approved
for GPS use. When selecting an approach, a ‘GPS’
designation to the right of the procedure name (Figure
6-4) indicates the procedure can be flown using the GPS
receiver. Some procedures do not have this designation,
meaning the GPS receiver may be used for supplemental
navigation guidance only. ILS approaches, for example,
must be flown by tuning the VLOC receiver to the proper
frequency and coupling the VLOC receiver to the external Figure 6-5 Procedures Page
CDI (or HSI).

Figure 6-4 ‘GPS’ Designations

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Another Procedures Page option allows the pilot to 6.2 Non-Precision Approach
activate the final course segment of the approach. This Operations
option assumes the pilot will receive vectors to the final
approach fix (FAF) and provides guidance to intercept the The GNS 530 provides non-precision approach
final course, before reaching the FAF. guidance using its built-in GPS receiver. The GPS receiver
can also be used as a supplemental aid for precision
Activating the approach, with vectors to
approaches (and for non-precision localizer-based
final:
approaches), but the localizer and glideslope receivers
1) Press the PROC Key to display the Procedures must be used for primary approach course guidance.
Page. Approaches designed specifically for GPS are often
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Activate very simple and don’t require overflying a VOR or NDB.
Vector-To-Final?’ (Figure 6-6) and press the Many non-precision approaches have ‘GPS overlays’ to
ENT Key. let the pilot fly an existing procedure (VOR, VOR/DME,
NDB, RNAV, etc.) more accurately using GPS.
Many overlay approaches are complex (in comparison
to GPS-only approaches). The GNS 530 displays and
provides guidance through each leg of the approach,
automatically sequencing through each of these legs, up
to the missed approach point (MAP). Approaches may
be flown ‘as published’ with the full transition using any
published feeder route or initial approach fix (IAF), or
may be flown with a vectors-to-final transition.

NOTE: The following approach examples are

Figure 6-6 Procedures Page intended for instructional use only and are not
to be used for navigation.
3) A confirmation window will appear with ‘Yes?’
highlighted, press the ENT Key.
In many cases, it may be easiest to ‘Load’ the full
approach while still some distance away, enroute to the
destination airport. Later, if vectored to final, use the
steps above to select ‘Activate Vector-To-Final’—which
makes the inbound course to the FAF waypoint active.
Otherwise, activate the full approach using the ‘Activate
Approach?’ option.

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Select Destination 4) ‘Activate’ the full approach or vectors-to-final,

as appropriate. In some scenarios, it may be
more convenient to immediately activate the
‘Select’ and ‘Load’ the
approach approach and skip the ‘Load’ process outlined
in the preceding step 3. The GNS 530 provides
both options.
Approaches with Procedure Turns
‘Activate’ the
approach The procedure turn portion of an approach is stored
as one of the legs of the approach. For this reason, the
GNS 530 requires no special operations from the pilot
(other than flying the procedure turn itself) beyond what
DO NOT USE FOR
NAVIGATION is required for any other type of approach.


Lynchburg (VA) Regional
VOR or GPS Rwy 03 


Figure 6-7 Sample Approach

4

Approach operations on the GNS 530 typically begin

with the same basic steps (refer to Figure 6-7 for the
following steps):
1) Select the destination airport using the Direct- DO NOT USE FOR
to Key, or as the last waypoint in the active NAVIGATION
flight plan.
2) Choose the ‘Select Approach?’ option from
the Procedures Page (Section 6.1) or from the
Active Flight Plan Page Menu (Section 5.2,
Active Flight Plan Options).
Figure 6-8 Sample Approach with Procedure Turn
3) ‘Load’ the approach (often while enroute) in
anticipation of its future use. This places the This example uses the VOR Runway 04 approach for
approach in the active flight plan, but retains Lynchburg (Virginia) Regional Airport, KLYH, and assumes
course guidance in the enroute section until a departure from Frederick (Maryland) Municipal Airport,
the approach is ‘activated’. KFDK.

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The steps required to set up and fly the approach

are detailed below (refer to Figure 6-8 for the following
steps):
1) Prior to departing KFDK, the destination (KLYH)
is selected using the Direct-to Key or by
creating a flight plan terminating at Lynchburg
Regional.
2) While enroute to KLYH, select the ATIS
frequency from the list on the NAV/COM Page
(Section 3.6 and Figure 6-9) and place it in Figure 6-10 Procedures Page
the standby field of the COM Window. Use
the COM Flip-flop Key to make the ATIS 4) From the Transitions Window (Figure 6-11),
frequency active. select LYH VOR (the IAF). Also, select ‘Load?’
to load, but not activate, the approach.

Figure 6-11 Approach and Transitions Windows

5) Press the PROC Key, select ‘Activate Approach?’

and press the ENT Key to activate the
approach.
Figure 6-9 NAV/COM Page

3) Press the PROC Key (Figure 6-10) and

select the ‘VOR 04’ approach using
the steps outlined in Section 6.1.

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Flying the Procedure Turn 2) Several miles prior to reaching the IAF (LYH),
the pilot may wish to review the approach
sequence. Press the FPL Key to display the
Active Flight Plan Page. Press the small right
knob, and then turn the large right knob to
 review each segment of the approach (Figure
6-14). When finished, press the FPL Key again
 to return to the previous page.
4




DO NOT USE FOR

NAVIGATION Figure 6-14 Active Flight Plan Page

Figure 6-12 Sample Approach with Procedure Turn 3) When approaching the IAF (LYH), a waypoint
alert (‘NEXT DTK 205°’) appears along the
Refer to Figure 6-12 for the following steps: bottom of the screen (Figure 6-15). As the
1) Within 30 nm of the destination airport, the distance (DIS) to the IAF approaches zero, the
GNS 530 switches from ‘enroute’ mode to alert is replaced by a turn advisory (‘TURN TO
‘terminal’ mode (as indicated in the lower 205°’). Dial the outbound course of 205° into
left corner of the screen, Figure 6-13). The the CDI (or HSI) using the OBS knob.
switch to terminal mode is accompanied by
a gradual Course Deviation Indicator (CDI)
scale transition from 5.0 to 1.0 nm, full scale
deflection.

Figure 6-13 Terminal Annunciator

Figure 6-15 Waypoint Alert

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4) Fly the outbound course. Refer to Figure 6-17 for the following steps:
5) Approximately one minute after passing the 6) Course guidance is provided relative to the
FAF (LYH), the alert message ‘START PROC outbound leg from the FAF. No guidance
TRN’ appears along the bottom of the screen through the procedure turn itself is given. (The
(Figure 6-16). Initiate the procedure turn at procedure turn is displayed on the Map Page
any time after receiving this alert message. and indicated as the active leg on the Default
NAV Page and the Active Flight Plan Page.) The
CDI needle starts moving to the right.
7) When turning to intercept the inbound course,
the GNS 530 sequences to the inbound leg to
the FAF, the CDI needle swings to the opposite
side to provide proper sensing along the final
course segment and ‘NEXT DTK 025°’ appears
along the bottom of the screen (Figure 6-18).

Figure 6-16 Waypoint Alert

DO NOT USE FOR

NAVIGATION
4

Figure 6-18 Sequence to Inbound Leg


8) Turn to the final approach course.
 9) Within 2.0 nm of the FAF (LYH), the GNS 530
 switches from terminal mode to ‘approach’
mode (Figure 6-19). CDI scaling is tightened
from 1.0 to 0.3 nm, full scale deflection.


Figure 6-19 Approach Annunciator
Figure 6-17 Terminal Mode

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10) When approaching the FAF, a waypoint alert course continues. If a missed approach is
(‘NEXT DTK 026°’) appears in the lower required, use the OBS Key to initiate the missed
right corner. Make any course adjustments approach sequence, as outlined, beginning on
necessary for the final course segment (FAF to the following page.
MAP).
11) After crossing the FAF, the destination
sequences to the MAP (‘RW04’, the runway
threshold, see Figure 6-20). Fly toward the
MAP.

Figure 6-21 ‘SUSP’ Annunciation

Flying the Missed Approach

After passing the MAP, if the runway isn’t in sight the
Figure 6-20 Sequence to MAP pilot must execute a missed approach. The GNS 530
continues to give guidance along an extension of the final
NOTE: When viewing the Map Page, note that course segment (FAF to MAP) until the pilot manually
the final course segment is displayed in magenta initiates the missed approach procedure (as mentioned
(the active leg of the flight plan always appears previously in reference to the ‘SUSP’ advisory).
in magenta) and a dashed line extends the course
beyond the MAP. The dashed line is provided for 
situational awareness only and should NOT be
used for navigation. Follow the published missed 
approach procedures.

12) When approaching the MAP, a waypoint alert
(‘APPRCHING WPT’) appears in the lower right
corner.
RW04 
13) After crossing the MAP, ‘SUSP’ appears above
the OBS Key (Figure 6-21), indicating that
automatic sequencing of approach waypoints DO NOT USE FOR
is suspended at the MAP. A ‘from’ indication NAVIGATION
is displayed on the CDI and Default NAV Page,
but course guidance along the final approach Figure 6-22 Sequence to MAP

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The OBS Key is used to initiate the missed approach,

as follows (refer to Figure 6-22 for the following steps):
1) Press the OBS Key. The missed approach
holding point (MAHP; in this case ‘SWARM’
intersection) is automatically offered as the
destination waypoint.
NOTE: In some cases, an additional hold
waypoint is added to the missed approach
sequence. This additional waypoint is used
as an aid in establishing the holding pattern,
especially where the MAP and MAHP are the Figure 6-23 ‘Hold Teardrop’ Annunciation
same waypoint.
4) The GNS 530 provides course guidance only
2) Follow the missed approach procedures, as on the inbound side of the holding pattern.
published on the approach plate, for proper When leaving the holding pattern to re-fly
climb and heading instructions. The GNS 530 the approach (or another approach) press the
guides the pilot to the holding pattern, along PROC Key to ‘Select Approach?’ or ‘Activate
the 053° radial from LYH VOR. Approach?’ as previously described. (Or,
3) An alert message in the lower right-hand corner use the Direct-to Key to select another
of the screen recommends entry procedures for destination.)
the holding pattern (i.e., ‘HOLD DIRECT’, ‘HOLD
PARALLEL’, or ‘HOLD TEARDROP’, see Figure
6-23). When flying the holding pattern, a timer
appears on the Default NAV Page. The timer
automatically resets on the outbound side of
the hold when the aircraft is abeam the hold
waypoint. The timer again resets as the aircraft
turns inbound (within approximately 30° of the
inbound course). This allows the pilot to use
standard timing (typically one minute) to fly
the inbound and outbound legs of the hold.

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Flying an Approach with a Hold 5) From the Transitions Window, select BODRY
intersection as the IAF (Figure 6-25). Also,
Starting where the previous example left off, assume
select ‘Activate?’ to load and activate the
weather conditions resulted in a missed approach at
approach.
Lynchburg Regional. The pilot has decided to divert to
Farmville Regional (KFVX) instead (refer to Figure 6-24
for the following steps).

   
Figure 6-25 TRANS ‘Transitions’ Window

DO NOT USE FOR 6) Once the approach has been activated, the
NAVIGATION
Active Flight Plan Page appears (Figure 6-26).
The pilot may review the approach sequence
by pressing the small right knob and turning
the large right knob. Press the FPL Key to
return to the navigation pages.

Figure 6-24 Approach with Hold

1) Press the Direct-to Key.

2) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
the destination airport’s identifier (KFVX).
3) Press the ENT Key twice.
This time, the pilot selects the GPS runway 21
approach into Farmville Regional. The GPS runway 21
approach begins with a holding pattern at the IAF, BODRY
Figure 6-26 Active Flight Plan Page
intersection.
4) Press the PROC Key and select the ‘GPS
21’ approach. (Section 6.1 for additional
instructions.)

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 SECTION 6
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 


DO NOT USE FOR

NAVIGATION Figure 6-28 Default NAV Page

10) When crossing the IAF, ‘SUSP’ appears above

the OBS Key, indicating that automatic
sequencing of approach waypoints is
temporarily suspended. As the aircraft turns
inbound, ‘SUSP’ is cancelled and the GNS 530
returns to automatic sequencing.
Figure 6-27 Terminal Mode
Refer to Figure 6-27 for the following steps. NOTE: If the pilot needs to lose extra altitude
or speed by going around the holding pattern
7) As in the last example, within 30 nm of the again, press the OBS Key to manually suspend
airport, the GNS 530 switches from enroute to waypoint sequencing BEFORE crossing the
terminal mode, and the CDI scale transitions holding waypoint the second time. If this
from 5.0 to 1.0 nm, full scale deflection. waypoint has already been passed, re-activate
8) Just prior to crossing BODRY intersection, a the holding pattern using the steps described in
’HOLD TEARDROP’ alert appears along the Section 6.2.
bottom of the screen to suggest the proper
holding pattern entry. (‘HOLD DIRECT’ or
‘HOLD PARALLEL’ may be offered on other
similar approaches.)
9) As mentioned in the missed approach example,
the Default NAV Page displays a timer during
the holding pattern (Figure 6-28). The timer
can be used to fly the one minute outbound
portion of the holding pattern. (The holding
pattern is displayed on the Map Page and
indicated as the active leg on the Default NAV
Page and the Active Flight Plan Page.)
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Figure 6-30 Final Approach

DO NOT USE FOR 14) After crossing the FAF, the destination sequences
NAVIGATION to the MAP (‘RW21’, the runway threshold).
With the needle centered, fly toward the MAP,
observing the altitude minimums dictated by
the approach plate. When viewing the Map
Page, note that the final course segment is
displayed in magenta, (the active leg of the
Figure 6-29 Approach Mode flight plan always appears in magenta) and
a dashed line extends the course beyond the
Refer to Figure 6-29 for the following steps.
MAP. Do not follow this extended course.
11) When approaching BODRY intersection, a Instead, follow published missed approach
waypoint alert (’NEXT DTK 209°’) appears procedures.
along the bottom of the screen.
15) When approaching the MAP, a waypoint alert
12) At 2.0 nm from the FAF (DEPOY intersection), (‘APPRCHING WPT’) appears in the lower right
the GNS 530 switches from terminal mode to corner (Figure 6-31).
approach mode. CDI scaling is tightened from
1.0 to 0.3 nm, full scale deflection.
13) When approaching the FAF, a waypoint alert
(‘NEXT DTK 209°’) appears in the lower
right corner (Figure 6-30). Make any course
adjustments necessary for the final course
segment (FAF to MAP).

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Flying a DME Arc Approach

The GPS overlay for a DME arc approach uses
additional Jeppesen-provided waypoints to define the arc.
These waypoints are indicated by ‘D’ as the first letter in
the waypoint name. This is followed by three numbers
which indicate the radial the waypoint lies on. The last
letter indicates the radius of the arc.
Either of the following may be done to intercept the arc
for a DME arc approach:
Figure 6-31 Final Approach • Follow a specified radial inbound to intercept the
IAF.
16) After crossing the MAP, ‘SUSP’ appears • Follow ATC vectors which allow the pilot to
above the OBS Key, indicating that auto- intercept the arc at any point along the arc.
matic sequencing of approach waypoints is
NOTE: As this manual was being written, the
suspended at the MAP. A ‘from’ indication is letter/number DME arc names were being
displayed on the CDI and Default NAV Page, replaced with standard five-letter intersection
but course guidance along the final approach names. Either naming convention may be used
course continues. If a missed approach is for an approach.
required, use the OBS Key to initiate the
missed approach sequence, as outlined in this
section.

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2) Press the PROC Key and select the ‘VOR

22’ approach (Figure 6-34) using the steps
outlined in Section 6.1. From the Transitions
Window, select ‘D258G’ as the IAF. Also, select
‘Load?’ (or ‘Activate?’, if already cleared for the
approach).

 

DO NOT USE FOR

NAVIGATION

Figure 6-34 Approach Window

Figure 6-32 Enroute Mode

This example is based upon a flight from Hutchinson DO NOT USE FOR
NAVIGATION
(Kansas) Municipal (KHUT) to Billard Municipal (KTOP)
in Topeka, Kansas. The VOR/DME runway 22 approach 
is selected, along with ‘D258G’ as the IAF (refer to Figure
6-32 for the following steps).
1) Select Billard Municipal (KTOP) as the  
destination via the Direct-to Key or as the
last waypoint in a flight plan (Figure 6-33).




Billard Muni (Topeka, KS)

Figure 6-33 Select Waypoint Page VOR or GPS Rwy 22

Figure 6-35 Terminal Mode

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Refer to Figure 6-35 for the following steps. 6) Follow the arc, when the course select setting
3) Within 30 nm of KTOP, the GNS 530 switches and desired track differ by more than 10°, a
from enroute mode to terminal mode and the ‘Set course to ###°’ message appears on the
CDI scale transitions from 5.0 to 1.0 nm, full Message Page (Figure 6-37).
scale deflection.
4) If the approach has not yet been activated
(in step 2 above), do so when cleared for the
approach (Figure 6-36).

Figure 6-37 Message Window

7) The next point in the approach is an intermediate

fix, labeled ‘D025G’. When approaching this
intermediate fix, a waypoint alert (‘NEXT DTK
205°’) appears along the bottom of the screen.
Figure 6-36 Procedures Page
As the distance to this fix approaches zero, the
alert is replaced by a turn advisory (‘TURN TO
5) When approaching the IAF (D258G), a waypoint
205°’). Dial this course into the CDI (or HSI)
alert (‘NEXT DTK 353°’) appears along the
using the OBS knob.
bottom of the screen. As the distance (DIS) to
the IAF approaches zero, the alert is replaced 8) At 2.0 nm from the FAF (TOP VOR), the GNS
by a turn advisory (‘TURN TO 353°’). 530 switches from terminal mode to approach
mode. CDI scaling is tightened from 1.0 to 0.3
nm, full scale deflection.

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Refer to Figure 6-38 for the following steps. 10) After crossing the FAF, the destination
sequences to the MAP (‘RW22’, the runway
threshold). With the needle centered, fly
toward the MAP, observing the altitude
minimums dictated by the approach plate.
 When viewing the Map Page, note that the final
DO NOT USE FOR course segment is displayed in magenta (the
NAVIGATION  active leg of the flight plan always appears in
magenta) and a dashed line extends the course
beyond the MAP.
11) When approaching the MAP, a waypoint alert
(‘APPRCHING WPT’) appears in the lower right
corner (Figure 6-40).

Figure 6-38 Approach Mode

9) When approaching the FAF, ‘NEXT DTK 214°’

appears along the bottom of the screen (Figure
6-39). Select this course on the CDI (or HSI)
using the OBS knob. Figure 6-40 Waypoint Alert

12) After crossing the MAP, ‘SUSP’ appears

above the OBS Key, indicating that automatic
sequencing of approach waypoints is suspended
at the MAP. A ‘from’ indication is displayed on
the CDI and Default NAV Page, but course
guidance along the final approach course
continues. Do not follow this extended course.
Follow published missed approach procedures
using the OBS Key to initiate the missed
approach sequence, as outlined in ‘Flying the
Figure 6-39 Final Approach Fix Missed Approach’ in this section.

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Vectors to Final Selecting ‘VECTORS’ from the Transitions

Window:
Take a second look at the ‘VOR 22’ approach into
Billard Municipal. Instead of following the DME arc, ATC 1) Select Billard Municipal (KTOP) as the
tells the pilot to expect vectors onto the final approach destination, using the Direct-to Key, or as the
course. There are several ways to select ‘vectors to final’ last waypoint in a flight plan.
with the GNS 530. The first two options below normally 2) Press the PROC Key and select the ‘VOR 22’
require the least workload to accomplish: approach using the steps outlined in Section
• When the approach is first selected, choose 6.1.
‘VECTORS’ from the Transitions Window. 3) From the Transitions Window, select ‘VECTORS’
• Load a full approach (including the IAF from the (Figure 6-41).
Transitions Window) as described in Section 6.1.
When cleared, press the PROC Key and select
‘Activate Vectors-To-Final?’.
• Load the full approach as described in Section
6.1. Use the Direct-to Key (by pressing it twice)
from the Active Flight Plan Page to select the
desired leg of the approach.

Figure 6-41 Transitions Window

4) Select ‘Load?’ (or ‘Activate?’, if already cleared

for the approach).
Activating vectors-to-final from the
Procedures Page:
1) Select Billard Municipal (KTOP) as the
destination, using the Direct-to Key or as the
last waypoint in a flight plan.
2) Press the PROC Key and select the ‘VOR 22’
approach using the steps outlined in Section
6.1.

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3) From the Transitions Window, select ‘D258G’ DO NOT USE FOR NAVIGATION
as the IAF. Also, select ‘Load?’.
4) When cleared, press the PROC Key and select 
‘Activate Vector-To-Final?’ (Figure 6-42).




Figure 6-42 Procedures Page

Flying the Vectors Approach

With ‘vectors to final’ selected, the CDI needle remains
off center until the aircraft is established on the final
approach course. With the approach activated, the Map
Page displays an extension of the final approach course in
magenta (magenta is used to depict the active leg of the
flight plan) and ‘VTF’ appears as part of the active leg on
Figure 6-43 Terminal Mode
the Default NAV Page (as a reminder that the approach
was activated with vectors-to-final). In this example, assume ATC vectors result in a
rectangular course to intercept final, as follows (refer to
Figure 6-43 for the following steps):
1) Within 30 nm of KTOP, the GNS 530 switches
from enroute mode to terminal mode and the
CDI scale transitions from 5.0 to 1.0 nm, full
scale deflection.
2) If the approach has not already been activated,
activate the approach (with vectors-to-final,
Figure 6-44). This allows the GNS 530 to
provide guidance to the final approach
course.

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 SECTION 6
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



Figure 6-44 Procedures Page


3) ATC instructs the pilot to turn left to a heading
of 025°. This places the aircraft parallel to the  DO NOT USE FOR
final approach course in the opposite direction. NAVIGATION
CDI needle deflection is to the left.
Figure 6-46 Approach Mode
4) ATC instructs the pilot to turn right to a heading
of 115°. Refer to Figure 6-46 for the following steps.
5) ATC instructs the pilot to turn right to a heading 6) At 2.0 nm from the FAF (TOP VOR), the GNS
of 175° to intercept the final approach course. 530 switches from terminal mode to approach
When converging with the final approach course mode (Figure 6-47). CDI scaling is tightened
the needle moves toward the center. (In Figure from 1.0 to 0.3 nm, full scale deflection.
6-45, the needle has not yet returned to the
on-screen CDI, since the current position is still
1.7 nm right of the final approach course.)

Figure 6-47 Approach Mode

7) When approaching the FAF, a waypoint alert

Figure 6-45 CDI Moves Toward Center (‘NEXT DTK 214°’) appears in the lower right
corner.

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8) When crossing the FAF, the destination Course From Fix Flight Plan Legs
sequences to the MAP (‘RW22’).
Certain approach, departure, and arrival procedures
9) When approaching the MAP, a waypoint alert in the Jeppesen database contain course from fix flight
(‘APPRCHING WPT’) appears in the lower right plan legs. The GNS 530 is able to load these legs into the
corner. flight plan along with the rest of the procedure data, and
10) After crossing the MAP, ‘SUSP’ appears above provide navigation along these legs.
the OBS Key (Figure 6-48), indicating that There are three different types of course from fix legs:
automatic sequencing of approach waypoints • Course from fix to distance, or Course from fix to
is suspended at the MAP. A ‘from’ indication DME distance
is displayed on the CDI and Default NAV Page,
• Course from fix to altitude
but course guidance along the final approach
course continues. Do not follow this extended • Course from fix to manual sequence
course. Follow published missed approach Course from fix to distance legs appear in the flight
procedures using the OBS Key to initiate the plan like normal waypoints, but the destination name al-
missed approach sequence, as outlined in this ways begins with a ‘D’, followed by a distance in nm from
section. the waypoint fix.
Palmdale (CA) AF Plant 42
VOR/DME or GPS Rwy 25


 

 
 


DO NOT USE FOR NAVIGATION

Figure 6-49 KPMD Approach

Figure 6-48 ‘SUSP’ Annunciator
This example uses the VOR/DME RWY 25 approach into
Palmdale, California (KPMD) and includes a teardrop course
reversal (refer to Figure 6-49 for the following steps).
1) At the initial approach fix (PMD), a waypoint
alert (‘NEXT DTK 070°’) appears along the
bottom of the screen. As the distance to the
IAF approaches zero, the alert is replaced by a
turn advisory (‘TURN TO 070°’, Figure 6-50).
Dial the outbound course into the CDI (or HSI)
using the OBS knob.

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4) When approaching the intermediate fix (CF25),

a waypoint alert (‘NEXT DTK 265°’) appears.
5) Within 2.0 nm of the FAF (THERO), the GNS
530 switches from terminal mode to approach
mode. (‘APR’ appears in the lower left corner
of the screen—replacing ‘TERM’.) CDI scaling
is tightened from 1.0 to 0.3 nm, full scale
deflection.
6) When approaching the FAF, ‘NEXT DTK 265°’
appears along the bottom of the screen.
Figure 6-50 Waypoint Alert, Default NAV Page
7) After crossing the FAF, the destination
2) Fly the ‘course from fix to distance’ leg, as sequences to the MAP (MA25).
shown on the Active Flight Plan Page and the 8) When approaching the MAP, a waypoint alert
Default NAV Page. Note the magenta line in (‘APPRCHING WPT’) appears along the bottom
Figure 6-51, which represents the currently of the screen.
active leg of the approach. The distance (DIS) 9) After crossing the MAP, ‘SUSP’ appears above
displayed on the above screens is TO the the OBS Key (Figure 6-52), indicating that
‘D13.0’ point. The flight plan automatically automatic sequencing of approach waypoints
sequences to the next leg upon reaching is suspended at the MAP. If a missed approach
‘D13.0’. is required, use the OBS Key to initiate the
3) At 13.0 nm from the FAF, a waypoint alert missed approach sequence, as outlined
(‘NEXT DTK 265°’) appears along the bottom below.
of the screen (Figure 6-51). Turn to intercept
the final approach course and watch for the
CDI needle to begin to center.

Figure 6-52 ‘SUSP” Annunciation

Figure 6-51 Waypoint Alert, Map Page

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Course from fix to altitude legs show the specific 1) After crossing the MAP, press the OBS Key.
target altitude on the Active Flight Plan Page and the The missed approach sequence is automatically
Default NAV Page. The missed approach sequence for the offered, starting with the course from fix
Palmdale VOR/DME RWY 25 approach includes a course to altitude leg. The ‘NEXT DTK 282°’ alert
from fix to altitude leg. appears along the bottom of the screen.
2) Note that within a few seconds of pressing the
MISSED APPROACH:
 Palmdale (CA) AF Plant 42 OBS Key to release suspend mode and start
VOR/DME or GPS Rwy 25 the approach sequence, ‘SUSP’ re-appears
above the OBS Key as the GNS 530 returns

to suspend mode (Figure 6-54). This is normal
 when flying a course from fix to altitude leg
and indicates that automatic leg sequencing
is suspended.


DO NOT USE FOR NAVIGATION
MISSED APPROACH
Climb to 5000’
outbound via PMD VOR
R-282, then climbing
RIGHT turn to 7000’ direct
PMD VOR and hold.

Figure 6-53 Palmdale Missed Approach

Figure 6-54 ‘SUSP’ Annunciation
In this instance, the leg corresponds to the initial phase
of the missed approach, which reads ‘Climb to 5000’ 3) Fly the outbound course. The Map Page depicts
outbound via PMD VOR R-282’. Refer to Figure 6-53 for the flight path extending indefinitely from PMD
the following steps. VOR. The distance (DIS) on the Default NAV
Page, the Map Page, and the Active Flight Plan
Page increases, indicating the distance back to
PMD VOR.
4) Upon reaching the desired altitude (5000’),
press the OBS Key to return to automatic leg
sequencing. Confirm that ‘SUSP’ no longer
appears directly above the OBS Key.

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5) An alert (‘NEXT DTK 119°’) appears, providing 7) Note that the GNS 530 again displays ‘SUSP’
guidance to the inbound course (Figure 6-55) above the OBS Key. Automatic waypoint
The actual desired track (DTK) depends on sequencing is suspended at the missed
ground speed and distance from PMD VOR. approach holding point. A waypoint alert
Intercept and fly the inbound course. (‘APPRCHING WPT’) appears along the bottom
of the screen each time the aircraft approaches
PMD VOR in the holding pattern.
8) When leaving the holding pattern, press the
PROC Key to reactivate the approach, or select
a different approach, or press the Direct-to
Key to select another destination.

Figure 6-55 Waypoint Alert

6) When approaching PMD VOR (the missed

approach holding point), an alert message in
the lower right-hand corner (Figure 6-56) of
the screen recommends the holding pattern
entry procedure (‘HOLD PARALLEL’). When
flying the holding pattern, a timer appears on
the Default NAV Page. The timer automatically
resets on each outbound and inbound portion
of the holding pattern.

Figure 6-56 Waypoint Alert

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Course from fix to manual sequence legs appear on the Refer to Figure 6-57 for the following steps.
Active Flight Plan Page and the Map Page with ‘man seq’
in place of a waypoint identifier. An example of this type 1) Select the departure (CSTL1) from the
of course leg appears in the COASTAL ONE DEPARTURE Procedures Page, then select the departure
from Westfield, Massachusetts (Barnes Muni). The runway, (RW02 in this example) and transition
example leg corresponds to the departure leg from Barnes (GEDIC). Refer to Section 6.1 for instructions
Municipal and appears (as in Figure 6-68) on the Active on selecting departures.
Flight Plan Page and the Default NAV Page: 2) When departing the airfield, ‘NEXT DTK 026°’
appears along the bottom of the screen and
‘SUSP’ appears directly above the OBS Key,
COASTAL ONE DEPARTURE
(CSTL1.CCC)   which indicates the aircraft is now on the
DEPARTING BARNES MUNI,
  ‘course from fix to manual sequence’ leg. The
Fly assigned heading and altitude
for radar vectors to HFD distance displayed on the Active Flight Plan
VOR. Expect clearance to
requested flight level 10
Page, the Default NAV Page (Figure 6-58), and
minutes after departure. From the Map Page is FROM the waypoint fix (the
over HFD VOR, proceed via the HFD R-143 to
Thumb Int,
departure runway in this example).
then via the HTO R-010 to
Yoder Int, then via the CCC
R-057 to CCC VOR.
Then via transition
or assigned
route.

Figure 6-58 Waypoint Alert

DO NOT USE
FOR NAVIGATION 3) Fly the outbound course. When cleared to
sequence to the next leg, press the OBS Key.
Confirm that ‘SUSP’ no longer appears directly
Figure 5-57 Coastal One Departure above the OBS Key. An alert (‘NEXT DTK
185°’) appears along the bottom of the screen
(Figure 6-59) to provide guidance to the next
waypoint (HFD VOR). The actual desired track
(DTK) depends on ground speed and distance
from HFD VOR.

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6.3 ILS Approaches

Precision approaches can be performed with the GNS
530’s built-in VLOC (VOR/localizer/glideslope) receivers.
The GPS receiver can be used for guidance prior to
reaching the final approach fix, but once there, the proper
frequency must be selected on the VLOC Window (left
side of screen) and the CDI output set to ‘VLOC’.
The GNS 530 can be set to automatically switch the
external CDI output from GPS to VLOC (Figure 6-60)
as the pilot intercepts the final approach course. When
Figure 6-59 Waypoint Alert
the ILS approach is activated, the GNS 530 automatically
4) When the OBS Key is pressed, the GNS 530 switches within 1.2 nm left or right of the final approach
automatically sequences to each waypoint course. This switch can take place anywhere from 2.0 to
along the remainder of the departure route, 15.0 nm from the FAF.
including the selected transition.

Figure 6-60 GPS and VLOC Annunciations

Figure 6-61 shows multiple locations along the

approach path and the expected CDI selection: GPS or
VLOC. The automatic switch from GPS to VLOC should
occur within the area of the shaded box.
The automatic switch from GPS to VLOC occurs
gradually to prevent abrupt CDI changes when coupled
to an autopilot. The CDI selection can also be changed
manually by pressing the CDI Key. Once the switch
from GPS to VLOC has occurred, either automatically or
manually, it does not automatically switch again until the
approach is reactivated or another approach is selected.
To prevent automatic ILS CDI selection, choose the
‘Manual’ ILS CDI setting, as described in Section 10.4
‘CDI Scale/Alarms’. (The factory default setting is ‘Auto’,
which enables the automatic switch to VLOC.)

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NOTE: When intercepting the approach course Selecting an ILS Approach

at a distance less than 2.0 nm from the FAF, This example uses a flight from Laughlin Bullhead
the GNS 530 does not automatically switch the (Arizona) International to Flagstaff Pulliam (KFLG) and
CDI to VLOC. In this case, press the CDI Key to selects the ILS runway 21 approach. ‘SHUTR’ intersection
manually switch from GPS to VLOC.
is selected as the IAF, which includes an outbound leg and
1.2NM
a procedure turn. Of course, vectors-to-final could also
1.2NM
15NM
be selected, as previously described for the non-precision
approach examples (refer to Figure 6-62 for the following
steps).

Flagstaff (AZ) Pulliam

GPS ILS DME Rwy 21
VLOC

GPS


VLOC


2NM

MANUAL
FAF

DO NOT USE FOR

NAVIGATION

Figure 6-62 ILS Approach, Flagstaff

Figure 6-61 ILS Approach

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 SECTION 6
PROCEDURES

1) Select Flagstaff Pulliam (KFLG) as the 3) From the Transitions Window, select ‘SHUTR’
destination, using the Direct-to Key or as as the IAF (Figure 6-64). Also, select ‘Load?’
the last waypoint in a flight plan. (or ‘Activate?’, if already cleared for the
2) Press the PROC (Figure 6-63) Key and select approach).
the ‘ILS 21’ approach using the steps outlined
in Section 6.1.

Figure 6-64 Transitions Window

4) A reminder message appears, indicating that

GPS can only be used for approach monitoring.
As mentioned, the VLOC receiver must be
used for this approach. Press the ENT Key to
acknowledge the message.
Figure 6-63 Procedures Page When an ILS approach is loaded or activated, the ILS
frequency is automatically placed in the standby field of
the VLOC Window. To use this frequency, press the VLOC
Flip-flop Key to place it in the active frequency field.

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PROCEDURES

Flying the ILS Approach 1) Within 30 nm of KFLG, the GNS 530 switches
from enroute mode to terminal mode and the
When ‘Activate?’ is selected for an ILS approach,
CDI scale transitions from 5.0 to 1.0 nm, full
automatic switching of the external CDI is enabled (unless
scale deflection.
turned off from the CDI/Alarms Page). Once established
on the inbound course to the FAF, the external CDI 2) If the approach has not yet been activated,
guidance automatically switches from ‘GPS’ (shown in (in steps on the preceding page), do so when
green text) to ‘VLOC’ (shown in white text). If the pilot cleared for the approach.
has forgotten to activate the ILS frequency (step 4 below), 3) When approaching the IAF (SHUTR), a
automatic selection of ‘VLOC’ does not occur (refer to waypoint alert (‘NEXT DTK 030°’) appears
Figure 6-65 for the following steps). along the bottom of the screen (Figure 6-66).

DO NOT USE FOR

NAVIGATION






Figure 6-66 Waypoint Alert

4) Press the VLOC Flip-flop Key to activate the

ILS frequency. If this step is forgotten, the GNS
530 displays a reminder message (within 3 nm
of the FAF) to activate the ILS frequency.
5) As the distance (DIS) to the IAF approaches
zero, the alert is replaced by a turn advisory
(‘TURN TO 030°’).
6) Fly the outbound course.
7) Approximately one minute past SHUTR
Figure 6-65 Terminal Mode
intersection, the alert message ‘START PROC
TRN’ (Figure 6-67) appears along the bottom
of the screen (if the pilot has not yet begun the
procedure turn).

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Refer to Figure 6-68 for the following steps.

8) Initiate the procedure turn. The GNS 530 does
not provide guidance through the turn. (The
procedure turn is displayed on the Map Page
and indicated as the active leg on the Default
NAV Page and the Active Flight Plan Page.)
9) After approximately one minute, make a turn
to intercept the ILS. The GNS 530 sequences
to the inbound leg and ‘NEXT DTK 210°’
appears along the bottom of the screen. CDI
Figure 6-67 Alert Message
coupling automatically switches from the GPS
receiver to the VLOC (Figure 6-69) receiver as
  the pilot completes the inbound turn. (If the ILS
frequency has not been activated, per step 4,
this automatic CDI switching does not occur.)


DO NOT USE FOR

NAVIGATION

Figure 6-69 Switches to VLOC

10) Turn to track the ILS approach course.

NOTE: From this point on, primary navigation

is provided by the VLOC receiver. The pilot may
continue to use the GPS receiver for supplemental
navigation guidance only. ALSO, when using an
external CDI (not an HSI), expect reverse sensing
Figure 6-68 ILS Approach Course when flying outbound on the approach course
or when flying a backcourse approach.

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11) When approaching the FAF (SHUTR), ‘0.30nm’

appears in the lower left corner of the screen
(Figure 6-70) indicating a CDI scale transition
from 1.0 to 0.3 nm, full scale deflection. (This DO NOT USE FOR
NAVIGATION
scale transition applies only to the Default NAV
Page’s on-screen CDI, since the external CDI or
HSI is now coupled to the VLOC receiver. GPS
approach mode is not activated for precision
approaches, since the VLOC receiver must be
used for primary navigation.)

Figure 6-70 CDI Scale Transition

Figure 6-71 Final Approach, Flagstaff

Refer to Figure 6-71 for the following steps.

12) When approaching SHUTR, a waypoint alert
(‘NEXT DTK 210°’) appears along the bottom
of the screen.
13) After crossing SHUTR, the destination sequences
to the MAP (‘RW21’, the runway threshold). Fly
toward the MAP. (When viewing the Map Page,
note that the final course segment is displayed
in magenta (the active leg of the flight plan
always appears in magenta), and a dashed
line extends the course beyond the MAP.)

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14) When approaching the MAP, a waypoint alert

(‘APPRCHING WPT’) appears in the lower right
corner (Figure 6-72).

Figure 6-73 ‘SUSP’ Annunciation

NOTE: In addition to using the OBS Key to

initiate the missed approach sequence, the
Figure 6-72 Waypoint Alert CDI Key may be used to manually switch the
external CDI output to the GPS receiver. ‘GPS’
15) After crossing the MAP, ‘SUSP’ appears above is indicated above the CDI Key. If the pilot leaves
the OBS Key (Figure 6-73), indicating that the CDI output on ‘VLOC’ and the pilot is using an
automatic sequencing of approach waypoints external CDI (not an HSI), expect reverse sensing
is suspended at the MAP. A ‘FROM’ indication on the backcourse of the ILS.
is displayed on the CDI and Default NAV Page,
but course guidance along the final approach
course continues. Do not follow this extended
course. Follow published missed approach
procedures, using the OBS Key to initiate the
missed approach sequence.

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6.4 Points to Remember for All Points to Remember for Localizer-based

Approaches Approaches

• The GNS 530 is designed to complement printed • The default factory setting allows the CDI output
approach plates and vastly improve situational to automatically switch from the GPS receiver
awareness throughout the approach. However, to the VLOC receiver. If the ‘ILS CDI Capture’
the pilot must always fly an approach as it appears setting is changed to ‘Manual’, the pilot must
on the approach plate. determine when to select GPS or VLOC guidance
during the approach. Remember, VLOC is
• The active leg (or the portion of the approach required for the final course segment from final
currently in use) is depicted in magenta on the approach fix (FAF) to MAP.
Map Page. When flying the approach, the GNS
530 automatically sequences through each leg • If the CDI output has not automatically switched
of the approach unless ‘SUSP’ appears above from GPS to ILS by 2.0 nm prior to the FAF, the
the OBS Key. ‘SUSP’ indicates that automatic pilot must manually switch to the VLOC receiver
sequencing of approach waypoints is suspended by pressing the CDI Key. Verify that ‘VLOC’ is
on the current leg and normally appears at displayed directly above the CDI Key.
holding patterns and upon crossing the missed • Automatic switching of CDI output is available
approach point (MAP). for ILS, localizer, SDF, and LDA approaches.
Automatic CDI switching is not available for
backcourse approaches.
• When flying an approach with the autopilot
coupled, the pilot must monitor system functions
at all times and verify that the autopilot and
external CDI (or HSI) switches to the VLOC
receiver with sufficient time to capture and track
the approach course. Switching to VLOC late
in the approach may not provide the autopilot
enough time to respond and intercept the
approach course prior to the FAF (depending
upon the performance characteristics of the
autopilot and aircraft). In such cases, the pilot
should manually fly the approach or refer to the
documentation provided with the autopilot.

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• When an ILS approach is first selected and

‘loaded’ (or ‘activated’), the ILS frequency is
automatically placed in the standby field. In
order to fly the final course segment of the ILS
approach, the pilot must place the ILS frequency
in the active frequency field by pressing the
VLOC Flip-flop Key. If this is not done, a ‘Select
appropriate frequency for approach’ message
appears within 3.0 nm of the FAF.
• When flying a localizer-based approach (other
than backcourse) with automatic CDI switching
enabled:
1. GPS guidance is used while flying
outbound and on the initial portion of
the procedure turn.
2. VLOC guidance is used on the remainder
of the approach from the time the pilot
turns inbound on the procedure turn.
3. The localizer frequency must be active
to use VLOC guidance.
• When flying a localizer-based approach with
automatic CDI switching disabled:
1. The pilot may select VLOC guidance
at any point on the approach prior to
reaching the FAF.
2. The localizer frequency must be active to
use VLOC guidance.

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Blank Page

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 SECTION 7
WPT PAGES

SECTION 7: WPT PAGES Quickly selecting a WPT page:

1) From any page, press and hold the CLR Key to
select the Default NAV Page (this step may be
7.1 WPT Page Group skipped if the unit is already displaying any of
Section 3.1 introduced the GNS 530’s main page groups the main pages.)
(Table 7-1)—NAV, WPT, AUX, NRST—and described 2) Turn the large right knob to select the WPT
each page in the NAV group. This second page group Page Group. ‘WPT’ appears along the bottom
(WPT) provides information for the thousands of airports, of the screen.
VORs, NDBs, intersections, runways, frequencies, and 3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
procedures stored on the Jeppesen NavData card. A WPT WPT page.
page is also provided to display information for up to
1,000 user-created waypoints. NOTE: The GNS 530 uses International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) identifiers for all
Page Groups airports. All U.S. airport identifiers which contain
only letters use the prefix ‘K’. For example, Los
NAV Group WPT Group AUX Group NRST Group Angeles International is KLAX under the ICAO
see Section 3 10 WPT Pages see Section 10 see Section 8 standard. Other airports, such as Otten Memorial
(3VS), that contain numbers in the identifier, do
Table 7-1 Page Groups not require the ‘K’ prefix. Many foreign countries
use two letter prefixes.

The WPT Page Group includes ten pages (Figure

7-1). While viewing any WPT page, turn the small right
knob to select a different WPT page. The first six pages
provide detailed information for the selected airport:
Airport Location Airport Runway Airport Frequency Airport Approach location, runways, frequencies, approaches, arrivals, and
departures. The last four pages provide information for
intersections, NDBs, VORs, and user-created waypoints.
After a WPT page is selected, information for a waypoint
may be viewed by entering the identifier (or name) of the
Airport Arrival Airport Departure Intersection NDB desired waypoint. Airports, NDBs, and VORs may be
selected by identifier, facility name, or location (city).

VOR User Waypoint

Figure 7-1 WPT Pages

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WPT PAGES

Entering a waypoint identifier: Entering a waypoint facility name or city

1) Select the desired WPT page and press the location:
small right knob to activate the cursor. 1) Select the Airport Location Page, NDB Page
2) Turn the small right knob to select the first or VOR Page from the WPT Page Group (as
character of the waypoint’s identifier. described on the preceding page).
3) Turn the large right knob to select the next 2) Press the small right knob to activate the
character field. cursor.
4) Turn the small right knob to select the desired 3) Turn the large right knob to select the facility
character (Figure 8-2). name or location (city) field.
4) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
character (Figure 7-3).

Figure 7-2 Waypoint Identifier Selected

5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the identifier is Figure 7-3 Facility Location Field Selected
selected, then press the ENT Key.
6) To remove the flashing cursor, press the small 5) Turn the large right knob to select the next
right knob. character field.
6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the facility name or
location is selected, then press the ENT Key .
7) To remove the flashing cursor, press the small
right knob.

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Duplicate Waypoints 3) Continue turning the small right knob to

scroll through any additional database listings
Once the identifier, facility name, or location is
(Figure 7-6) for the selected facility name or
entered, all six airport pages display information for the
location. Scroll backwards with the small right
selected airport. When entering an identifier, facility
knob if the desired facility name or location
name, or location, the GNS 530’s Spell’N’Find feature
has been scrolled past.
scrolls through the database, displaying those waypoints
matching the characters that have been entered to that
point. If duplicate entries exist for the entered facility
name or location, additional entries may be viewed
by continuing to turn the small right knob during the
selection process. If duplicate entries exist for an entered
identifier, a Duplicate Waypoint Window appears when
the identifier is selected (by pressing the ENT Key).
Selecting a facility name or location where
duplicate entries exist:
1) Select the desired facility name or location,
Figure 7-5 Last Facility for Charlotte
following the preceding steps under ‘To enter
a waypoint facility name or city location’. 4) Press the ENT Key to select the desired facility
2) When spelling the facility name or location, name or location.
using the small and large right knobs, the GNS 5) To remove the flashing cursor, press the small
530’s Spell’N’Find feature selects the first entry right knob.
(Figure 7-4) in the database based upon the
characters entered up to that point.

Figure 7-4 First Facility for Charlotte

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Selecting a waypoint identifier from a list 7.2 Airport Location Page

of duplicates:
The Airport Location Page (Figure 7-7) displays the
1) Select the desired airport or NAVAID identifier latitude, longitude, and elevation of the selected airport.
following the preceding steps under ‘To enter The Airport Location Page also displays facility name and
a waypoint facility name or city location’. location, as well as fuel availability, available approaches,
2) A Duplicate Waypoints Window appears (Figure radar coverage, and airspace type.
7-6). Turn the large right knob to select the To view location information for a particular airport
desired waypoint and press the ENT Key. on the Airport Location Page, enter the airport’s identifier
per Section 7.1.

5
2

6
1
7
Figure 7-6 Duplicate Waypoints Window
8 9
3) To remove the flashing cursor, press the small
right knob. Figure 7-7 Airport Location Page

1 Best Available Approach

2 Position (Latitude/Longitude)
3 Facility Name and Location (City)
4 Airport Identifier, Symbol, and Type
5 Field Elevation and Available Fuels
6 Radar Coverage and Airspace Type
7 Position of Current Page within Current Page
Group
8 Current Page Group
9 Number of Pages in Current Page Group

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The following descriptions and abbreviations are Selecting an Airport Location Page Menu
used: Option:
• Type - Usage type: Public, Heliport, Military, or 1) With a Flight Plan active, select the Airport
Private Location Page.
• Position - Latitude/Longitude (degrees/minutes or 2) Press the MENU Key to display the Airport
degrees/minutes/seconds), MGRS, or UTM/UPS Location Page Menu.
• Elevation - In feet or meters 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Select
Next FPL Apt?’ or ‘Select Destination Apt?’ and
• Fuel - For public-use airports, the available fuel
press the ENT Key (Figure 7-8).
type(s) are: Avgas (80-87/100LL/100-130/Mogas),
Jet, or None
• Approach - Best available approach: ILS, MLS,
LOC, LDA, SDF, GPS, VOR, RNAV (‘RNV’),
LORAN (‘LOR’), NDB, TACAN (‘TCN’),
Helicopter (‘HEL’), or VFR
• Radar - Radar coverage: Yes or No
• Airspace - Control environment: Class B, Class C,
Class D, CTA, TMA, TRSA, or none

NOTE: Upon active navigation changes, the Figure 7-8 Airport Location Page Menu
active destination airport is used as the default
airport on the WPT pages. Manual selection of 4) The Airport Location Page displays information
the destination airport is available from the page regarding the next Flight Plan or Destination
menu. Airport.

Airport Location Page Options

The following options are available for the Airport
Location Page, by pressing the MENU Key:
• Select Next FPL Apt? - This option is only
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the
pilot to view the location information for the next
airport in the active flight plan
• Select Destination Apt? - This option is only
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows
the pilot to view the location information for the
active flight plan destination airport.

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7.3 Airport Runway Page 3) Turn the small right knob to display a window
listing all runways for the selected airport
The Airport Runway Page (Figure 7-9) displays runway (Figure 7-10).
designations, length, surface type, and lighting for the
selected airport. A map image of the runway layout and
surrounding area is also displayed on the Airport Runway
Page. The map image range appears in the lower left
corner and is adjustable using the RNG Key. For airports
with multiple runways, information for each runway is
available.
To view runway information for a particular airport on
the Airport Runway Page, enter the airport’s identifier per
Section 7.1.
Airport Identifier,
Symbol, and Type Figure 7-10 Runway Window

4) Continue turning the small right knob to select

Runway the desired runway.
Designations
Map Image Runway 5) Press the ENT Key to display information for
Length and the selected runway on the Airport Runway
Width
Page (Figure 7-11).
Runway
Surface
Runway
Current Lighting
Page Group

Position of Current Page Number of Pages in

within Current Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 7-9 Airport Runway Page

Displaying information for each additional

runway:
1) Press the small right knob to activate the Figure 7-11 Airport Runway Page
cursor.
6) To remove the flashing cursor, press the small
2) Turn the large right knob to place the cursor right knob.
on the runway designation field.

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Adjusting the range of the map image: Selecting an Airport Runway Page Menu
1) Press the down arrow of the RNG Key to Option:
display a smaller map area. 1) With a Flight Plan Active, select the Airport
2) Press the up arrow of the RNG Key to display Runway Page.
a larger map area. 2) Press the MENU Key to display the Airport
Runway Page Menu.
The following descriptions and abbreviations are used 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Select
on the Airport Runway Page: Next FPL Apt?’ or ‘Select Destination Apt?’ and
• Type - Usage type: Public, Heliport, Military, or press the ENT Key (Figure 7-12).
Private
• Surface - Runway surface types include: Hard,
Turf, Sealed, Gravel, Dirt, Soft, Unknown, or
Water Figure 7-12 Airport Runway Page Menu
• Lighting - Runway lighting types include: No 4) The Airport Runway Page displays information
Lights, Part Time, Full Time, Unknown, or regarding the next Flight Plan or Destination
Frequency (for pilot-controlled lighting) Airport.
Airport Runway Page Options
The following options are available for the Airport
Runway Page, by pressing the MENU Key:
• Select Next FPL Apt? - This option is only
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the
pilot to view the runway information for the next
airport in the active flight plan
• Select Destination Apt? - This option is only
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the
pilot to view the runway information for the active
flight plan destination airport.

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7.4 Airport Frequency Page scroll bar (Figure 7-13) along the right-hand
side of the screen indicates the cursor’s position
The Airport Frequency Page displays radio frequencies within the list.
and frequency types for the selected airport, as well as
sector and altitude restrictions (where applicable). If
the selected airport has a localizer-based approach,
the localizer frequency(ies) is also listed on the Airport
Frequency Page (Figure 7-13). The Airport Frequency
Page may be used to quickly select and tune a COM or
VLOC frequency.
To view frequency information for a particular airport
on the Airport Frequency Page, enter the Airport’s
Identifier per Section 7.1.
Frequency Airport Identifier, Frequency Figure 7-14 111.55 Highlighted
Type Symbol, and Type
3) Press the ENT Key to place the selected
frequency in the standby field of the COM or
VLOC Window (Figure 7-15).
Scroll
Bar
Usage
Restrictions
Information VLOC
Standby
Position of Field
Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 7-13 Airport Frequency Page

Figure 7-15 111.55 Moved to Standby Field

Scrolling through the frequency list and
tuning to a desired frequency on the list: 4) To remove the flashing cursor, press the small
1) Press the small right knob to activate the right knob.
cursor. Some listed frequencies may include designations for
2) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the limited usage, as follows:
list, placing the cursor on the desired frequency • ‘TX’ - Transmit only
(Figure 7-14). If there are more frequencies in
• ‘RX’ - Receive only
the list than can be displayed on the screen, a
• ‘PT’ - Part time frequency

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If a listed frequency has sector or altitude restrictions, The following descriptions and abbreviations are used
the frequency is preceded by an ‘Info?’ designation (Figure on the Airport Frequency Page:
7-13). • Type - Usage type: Public, Heliport, Military, or
Viewing usage restrictions for a frequency: Private
1) Turn the large right knob to place the cursor • Frequency - Communication frequencies which
on the ‘Info?’ designation directly to the left may include restrictions:
of the desired frequency (Figure 7-16).
Approach Arrival Class B
Class C CTA Departure
TMA Terminal TRSA
Communication frequencies without restrictions:
ATIS ASOS AWOS
Center Clearance Gate
Control Ground Helicopter
Multicom Pre-taxi Radar
Ramp Other Tower
Unicom
Figure 7-16 ‘Info?’ Highlighted Navigation frequencies:
ILS LOC
2) Press the ENT Key to display the restriction
information (Figure 7-17).

Figure 7-17 Restriction Information Page

3) To return to the Airport Frequency Page, press

the ENT Key.

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Airport Frequency Page Options 7.5 Airport Approach Page

The following options are available for the Airport The Airport Approach Page (Figure 7-19) shows the
Frequency Page, by pressing the MENU Key: available approach procedures for the selected airport.
• Select Next FPL Apt? - This option is only Where multiple initial approach fixes (IAFs) and feeder
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the routes are available, that information may also be
pilot to view the frequency information for the displayed. A map image provides a layout diagram for
next airport in the active flight plan each approach and transition.
• Select Destination Apt? - This option is only To view approach information for a particular airport
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the on the Airport Approach Page, enter the airport’s identifier
pilot to view the frequency information for the per Section 7.1.
active flight plan destination airport. Map Im- Airport Identifier,
age Symbol, and Type
Selecting an Airport Frequency Page Menu
Option: Approach
1) With a Flight Plan Active, select the Airport Procedure
Name
Runway Page.
Transitions:
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Airport IAF’s, Feeder
Runway Page Menu. Routes, and
Vectors-to-Final
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Select
Next FPL Apt?’ or ‘Select Destination Apt?’ and Position of
press the ENT Key (Figure 7-18). Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 7-19 Airport Approach Page
Figure 7-18 Airport Runway Page Menu
Scrolling through the available approaches
4) The Airport Frequency Page displays information
and transitions:
regarding the next Flight Plan or Destination
Airport. 1) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
2) Turn the large right knob to place the cursor
on the approach (APR) procedure name field.
3) Turn the small right knob to display a window
of available approaches for the selected airport
(Figure 7-20). Continue turning the small right
knob to select the desired approach.

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Airport Approach Page Options

The following options are available for the Airport
Approach Page, by pressing the MENU Key:
• Load into Active FPL? - Allows the pilot to load
the selected approach into the active flight plan
without activating it. This performs the same
Figure 7-20 Approach Window operation as selecting ‘Load?’ from the Procedures
Page ‘Select Approach?’ option. See Section 6.1.
4) Press the ENT Key. The cursor moves to the
transitions (TRANS) field. • Load and Activate? - Allows the pilot to load the
selected approach into the active flight plan and
5) Turn the small right knob to display a window
activate navigation guidance to the approach
of available transitions (Figure 7-21). Continue
transition (Section 6.1).
turning the small right knob to select the
desired transition or select ‘VECTORS’ for • Select Next FPL Apt? - This option is only
guidance only along the final course segment available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the
of the approach. pilot to view the available approaches for the next
airport in the active flight plan
• Select Destination Apt? - This option is only
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows
Figure 7-21 Transitions Window the pilot to view the available approaches for the
active flight plan destination airport.
6) Press the ENT Key. To remove the flashing
cursor, press the small right knob.

NOTE: Not all approaches in the database

are approved for GPS use. When selecting an
approach, a ‘GPS’ designation to the right of the
procedure name indicates the procedure can be
flown using the GPS receiver. Some procedures
do not have this designation, meaning the
GPS receiver may be used for supplemental
navigation guidance only. ILS approaches, for
example, must be flown by tuning the VLOC
receiver to the proper frequency and coupling
the VLOC receiver to the external CDI (or HSI).

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Loading an approach from the Airport 7.6 Airport Arrival Page

Approach Page:
The Airport Arrival Page (Figure 7-23) shows the
1) Select the desired approach and transition available Airport Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR)
using the steps outlined in Section 6.1. procedures for the selected airport. Where multiple
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Airport transitions or runways are associated with the arrival
Approach Page Menu. procedure, that information may also be displayed. A
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Load map image provides a layout diagram for each arrival,
into Active FPL?’ and press the ENT Key (Figure transition, and runway.
7-22). To view arrival information for a particular airport on
the Airport Arrival Page, enter the airport’s identifier per
Section 7.1.
Map Image Airport Identifier,
Symbol, and Type

Arrival
Procedure
Name
Transitions
Runway
associated
Figure 7-22 Airport Approach Page with arrival
Position of
4) The Active Flight Plan Page appears. Press Current Page
the FPL Key to return to the Airport Approach within Current
Page Group
Page. Current Number of Pages in
To select any of the other options from the Airport Page Group Current Page Group
Approach Page Menu, follow the preceding steps, but Figure 7-23 Airport Arrival Page
select the desired option in step 3.
Scrolling through the available arrivals:
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
2) Turn the large right knob to place the cursor
on the ‘ARRIVAL’ procedure name field.
3) Turn the small right knob to display a window
of available arrivals for the selected airport
(Figure 7-24). Continue turning the small right
knob to select the desired arrival.

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NOTE: (‘ALL’ may appear in the runway field,

indicating the arrival procedure applies to all
runways. For airports with parallel runways, ‘B’
may appear at the end of the runway designation
to indicate the arrival procedure applies to both
runways.)

Figure 7-24 Arrivals Window

4) Press the ENT Key. The cursor moves to the

transitions (TRANS) field.
5) Turn the small right knob to display a window
of available transitions (Figure 7-25). Continue
turning the small right knob to select the
desired transition. Figure 7-26 Runway Window

8) Press the ENT Key. To remove the flashing

cursor, press the small right knob.

Figure 7-25 Transitions Window

6) Press the ENT Key. The cursor moves to the

runway field.
7) Turn the small right knob to display a window
of available runways (Figure 7-26). Continue
turning the small right knob to select the
desired runway.

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Airport Arrival Page Options 7.7 Airport Departure Page

The following options are available for the Airport The Airport Departure Page (Figure 7-28) shows the
Arrival Page, by pressing the MENU Key: available Airport Standard Instrument Departure (SID)
• Load into Active FPL? - Allows the pilot to load procedures for the selected airport. Where multiple
the selected arrival into the active flight plan. runways or transitions are associated with the departure
This is identical to loading an arrival procedure procedure, that information may also be displayed. A
from the Procedures Page, as described in Section map image provides a layout diagram for each departure,
6.1. runway, and transition.
• Select Next FPL Apt? - This option is only To view departure information for a particular airport
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the on the Airport Departure Page, enter the airport’s identifier
pilot to view the available arrivals for the next per Section 7.1.
airport in the active flight plan Map Airport Identifier,
Image Symbol, and Type
• Select Destination Apt? - This option is only
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the Departure
pilot to view the available arrivals for the active Procedure
flight plan destination airport. Name
Runway
Loading an arrival procedure from the Associated with
Departure
Airport Arrival Page:
Transitions
1) Select the desired arrival, transition, and
runway using the steps above. Position of
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Airport Current Page
within Current
Arrival Page Menu. Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
3) Press the ENT Key to select the ‘Load into Page Group Current Page Group
Active FPL?’ option (Figure 7-27).
Figure 7-28 Airport Departure Page

Scrolling through the available departures:

1) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
Figure 7-27 Airport Arrival Page Menu
2) Turn the large right knob to place the cursor
4) The Active Flight Plan Page appears. Press the on the departure (DEP) procedure name field
FPL Key to return to the Airport Arrival Page. (Figure 7-28).
To select any of the other options from the Airport
Arrival Page Menu, follow the preceding steps, but select
the desired option in step 3.

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3) Turn the small right knob to display a window Airport Departure Page Options
of available departures for the selected airport
The following option is available for the Airport
(Figure 7-29). Continue turning the small right
Departure Page, by pressing the MENU Key:
knob to select the desired departure.
• Load into Active FPL? - Allows the pilot to load
the selected departure into the active flight plan.
This is identical to loading a departure procedure
from the Procedures Page, as described in Section
6.1.
• Select Next FPL Apt? - This option is only
available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the
Figure 7-29 Departure Window pilot to view the available departures for the next
4) Press the ENT Key. The cursor moves to the airport in the active flight plan
runway field. • Select Destination Apt? - This option is only
5) Turn the small right knob to display a window available when a Flight Plan is active. Allows the
of available runways (Figure 7-30). Continue pilot to view the available departures for the active
turning the small right knob to select the flight plan destination airport.
desired runway. (‘ALL’ may appear in the Loading a departure procedure from the
runway field, indicating the departure procedure Airport Departure Page:
applies to all runways. For airports with parallel 1) Select the desired departure, runway, and
runways, ‘B’ may appear at the end of the transition using the preceding steps.
runway designation to indicate the departure
procedure applies to both runways.) 2) Press the MENU Key to display the Airport
Departure Page Menu.
3) Press the ENT Key to select the ‘Load into
Active FPL?’ option (Figure 7-31).

Figure 7-30 Runway Window

6) Press the ENT Key. The cursor moves to the
transitions (TRANS) field. Figure 7-31 Airport Departure Page Menu
7) Turn the small right knob to display a window 4) The Active Flight Plan Page appears. Press
of available transitions. Continue turning the FPL Key to return to the Airport Departure
the small right knob to select the desired Page.
transition. To select any of the other options from the Airport
8) Press the ENT Key. To remove the flashing Arrival Page Menu, follow the preceding steps, but select
cursor, press the small right knob. the desired option in step 3.

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7.8 Intersection Page 7.9 NDB Page

The Intersection Page (Figure 7-32) displays the The NDB Page displays the facility name, city, region/
latitude, longitude, region, and country for the selected country, latitude, and longitude for the selected NDB
intersection. The Intersection Page also displays the (Figure 7-33). The NDB Page also displays the frequency
identifier, radial, and distance from the nearest VOR, and a weather broadcast indication (if applicable). As
VORTAC, or VOR/DME. Intersections may only be mentioned in Section 7.1, NDBs may be selected by
selected by identifier, as described in Section 7.1. identifier, facility name, or location (city).
Intersection Identifier Nearest Radial and
and Symbol VOR and Distance NDB Identifier Frequency and Weather
Symbol from Nearest and Symbol Broadcast Indication
VOR
Facility
Name, City,
Region/ and Region/
Country Country
Latitude/
Longitude Latitude/
Position Longitude
Position

Position of
Position of Current Page
Current Page within Current
within Current Page Group
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Current Number of Pages in Page Group Current Page Group
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 7-33 NDB Page
Figure 7-32 Intersection Page
The following descriptions and abbreviations are The following descriptions and abbreviations are
used: used:

• Position - Latitude/Longitude (degrees/minutes or • Symbol - See Section 3.4 for a graphic illustration
degrees/minutes/seconds), MGRS, or UTM/UPS of available NDB symbols

• RAD - Radial from nearest VOR in degrees • Position - Latitude/Longitude (degrees/minutes or

magnetic or degrees true (depending upon unit degrees/minutes/seconds), MGRS, or UTM/UPS
configuration) • FREQ - Frequency in kilohertz (kHz)
• DIS - Distance from nearest VOR, in nautical • Wx Brdcst - Weather information is broadcast on
miles/statute miles/kilometers (depending upon the selected facility’s frequency
unit configuration)
NOTE: The VOR displayed on the Intersection
Page is the nearest VOR, not necessarily the VOR
used to define the intersection.

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7.10 VOR Page As mentioned in Section 7.1, VORs may be selected by

identifier, facility name, or location (city). The VOR Page
The VOR Page (Figure 7-34) displays the facility may also be used to quickly tune the VLOC receiver to the
name, city, region/country, magnetic variation, latitude, selected VOR’s frequency.
and longitude for the selected VOR. The VOR Page also
displays the frequency and a weather broadcast indication Selecting a VOR frequency from the VOR
(if applicable). Page:
VOR Identifier Frequency and Weather
1) Select the VOR Page from the WPT Page Group,
and Symbol Broadcast Indication as described in Section 7.1.
2) Press the small right knob momentarily to
Facility
Name, City, place the cursor on the VOR identifier field.
and Region/ To select another VOR, use the small and large
Country
Magnetic right knobs and press the ENT Key when
Variation
finished.
Latitude/
Longitude 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
Position
frequency field (Figure 7-35) and press the ENT
Position of Key to place the frequency in the standby field
Current Page
within Current of the VLOC Window.
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 7-34 VOR Page
The following descriptions and abbreviations are
used:
• Symbol - See Section 3.4 for a graphic illustration
of available VOR symbols
• VAR - Magnetic variation in degrees
• Position - Latitude/Longitude (degrees/minutes or Figure 7-35 VOR Frequency Field Selected
degrees/minutes/seconds), MGRS, or UTM/UPS
• FREQ - Frequency in megahertz (MHz) 4) To activate the standby VLOC frequency, press
the VLOC Flip-flop Key.
• Wx Brdcst - Weather information is broadcast on
the selected facility’s frequency

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7.11 User Waypoint Page User waypoints may only be selected by name
(identifier), as described in Section 7.1.
In addition to the airport, VOR, NDB, and intersection
information contained in the Jeppesen NavData card, Creating User Waypoints
the GNS 530 allows the pilot to store up to 1,000 user-
User waypoints may be created from the User
defined waypoints. The User Waypoint Page (Figure
Waypoint Page or the Map Page. To create a new user
7-36) displays the waypoint name (up to five characters
waypoint, simply enter its name (identifier) and position,
long), identifier, radial from two reference waypoints, and
or reference another waypoint by radial and distance.
distance from one reference waypoint, along with the user
waypoint’s latitude/longitude position. Creating a new user waypoint by entering
its latitude/longitude position:
User Waypoint Reference Waypoint
Name Information 1) With the User Waypoint Page displayed, press
the small right knob to activate the cursor.
2) Use the small and large right knobs to enter a
name for the new waypoint (Figure 7-37) and
press the ENT Key. The present position appears
Latitude/ in the position field at the bottom of the page.
Create/
Longitude Modify To create a waypoint at the present position,
Position Action
Field
turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Create?’
Position of and skip to step 6.
Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 7-36 User Waypoint Page
The following descriptions and abbreviations appear
on the User Waypoint Page:
• REF WPT - Reference waypoint identifier (name)
• RAD - Radial from reference waypoint, in degrees
magnetic or degrees true (depending upon unit
configuration) Figure 7-37 User Waypoint Name Field Selected
• DIS - Distance from reference waypoint, in
nautical miles/statute miles/kilometers (depending 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
upon unit configuration) position field at the bottom of the page.

• Position - Latitude/Longitude (degrees/minutes or

degrees/minutes/seconds), MGRS, or UTM/UPS

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4) Use the small and large right knobs to enter

the position coordinates for the new waypoint
(Figure 7-38).

Figure 7-39 Reference Waypoint Field Highlighted

4) Use the small and large right knobs to enter

the identifier of the reference waypoint. The
Figure 7-38 Present Position Field Selected reference waypoint can be an airport, VOR,
NDB, intersection, or another user waypoint.
5) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected Press the ENT Key to accept the selected
position. identifier.
6) The cursor moves to ‘Create?’. Press the ENT 5) The cursor moves to the radial (RAD) field
Key to add the new waypoint to memory. (Figure 7-40). Use the small and large right
7) Press the small right knob to remove the knobs to enter the radial from the reference
flashing cursor. waypoint to the new user waypoint. Press the
Creating a new user waypoint by ENT Key to accept the selected radial.
referencing an existing waypoint:
1) With the User Waypoint Page displayed, press
the small right knob to activate the cursor.
2) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
a name for the new waypoint and press the
ENT Key.
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the first
reference waypoint (REF WPT) field (Figure 7-
39).
Figure 7-40 Radial Field Selected

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6) The cursor moves to the distance (DIS) field. Creating User Waypoints from the Map Page
Use the small and large right knobs to enter
The Map Page and panning target pointer (Section 3.4,
the distance from the reference waypoint to
Map Panning) provide a quick means of saving the present
the new user waypoint. Press the ENT Key to
position as a user-defined waypoint.
accept the selected distance.
Capturing and saving the present position
7) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Create?’
as a user waypoint:
and press the ENT Key.
1) With the Map Page displayed, press the small
8) Press the small right knob to remove the
right knob to activate the panning function.
flashing cursor.
The target pointer appears at the present
NOTE: The GNS 530 allows the pilot to create position (Figure 7-41).
a new user waypoint at a defined radial and
distance from the present position. To reference
the present position, follow the preceding steps,
but press the CLR Key in Step 4. ‘P.POS’ appears
in the reference waypoint (REF WPT) field to
indicate that radial and distance information
references the present position. The second
reference waypoint field (REF WPT) is a temporary
reference only, not a reference that is stored with
the user waypoint. By default, this field displays
a radial from the nearest VOR. However, the pilot
can select any waypoint by identifier to use as
a reference in this field. The GNS 530 can store Figure 7-41 Activate Panning Function
user-defined waypoints which are generated
2) Press the ENT Key to capture the position and
from other equipment in the panel. For example,
display the User Waypoint Page
an EFIS equipped with joystick inputs can be used
to create user waypoints which (if the installation 3) A four-digit name is automatically assigned to
supports this) automatically transfer to the GNS the waypoint. To change this name, turn the
530. large right knob to highlight the name field,
then use the small and large right knobs to
select a new name. Press the ENT Key to
accept the selected name.
4) The cursor moves to the ‘Create?’ action field.
Press the ENT Key to save the new waypoint.

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Modifying User Waypoints Modifying a user waypoint by changing

reference waypoint information:
To modify an existing waypoint, select that waypoint
on the User Waypoint Page and enter the new position 1) With the User Waypoint Page displayed, press
information directly over the old information. the small right knob to activate the cursor.
Modifying a user waypoint by changing its 2) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
latitude/longitude position: the name of the desired waypoint and press
the ENT Key.
1) With the User Waypoint Page displayed, press
the small right knob to activate the cursor. 3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the first
reference waypoint (REF WPT) field, to change
2) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
the reference waypoint. Otherwise, continue
the name of the desired waypoint and press
turning the large right knob to highlight
the ENT Key.
the radial (RAD) or distance (DIS) field, as
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the desired.
position field at the bottom of the page.
4) Use the small and large right knobs to change
4) Use the small and large right knobs to enter the identifier (if desired) of the reference
the new position coordinates (Figure 7-42) waypoint (Figure 7-43). The reference waypoint
and press the ENT Key to accept the selected can be an airport, VOR, NDB, intersection or
position. another user waypoint. Press the ENT Key to
accept the selected identifier.

Figure 7-42 Position Field Selected

Figure 7-43 Ref Waypoint Field Selected
5) The cursor moves to the ‘Modify?’ action field.
Press the ENT Key to modify the waypoint. 5) The cursor moves to the radial (RAD) field. Use
6) Press the small right knob to remove the the small and large right knobs to change the
flashing cursor. radial from the reference waypoint, if desired.
Press the ENT Key to accept the selected
radial.

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6) The cursor moves to the distance (DIS) field. User Waypoint Page Options
Use the small and large right knobs to change
The following User Waypoint Page options are available
the distance from the reference waypoint to the
by pressing the MENU Key:
new user waypoint, if desired. Press the ENT
Key to accept the selected distance. • View User Waypoint List? - displays a list of all
user waypoints currently stored in memory.
7) The cursor moves to the ‘Modify?’ action field.
Press the ENT Key to modify the waypoint. • Delete User Waypoint? - Allows the pilot to delete
the selected waypoint from memory.
8) Press the small right knob to remove the
flashing cursor. • Crossfill? - Allows the pilot to transfer a user
waypoint to another 400/500 series unit (if
NOTE: If the pilot attempts to modify or delete a installed). Please refer to Sections 5.1 and 10.1
waypoint which is currently a direct-to waypoint for detailed information on crossfill.
or the current ‘from’ or ‘to’ waypoint in the active
flight plan, the GNS 530 alerts the pilot with the Viewing a list of all user waypoints:
‘Can’t change an active waypoint’ or ‘Waypoint 1) From the User Waypoint Page, press the MENU
is active and can’t be deleted’ message. The Key to display the User Waypoint Page Menu.
pilot must first cancel the direct-to or remove
the waypoint(s) from the active flight plan before 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘View
modifying or deleting the waypoint(s). User Waypoint List?’ (Figure 7-44) and press
the ENT Key.

Figure 7-44 User Waypoint Page Menu

3) The top of the User Waypoint List indicates the

total number of user waypoints currently used
and available memory. If more user waypoints
are stored than can be displayed on a single
screen, turn the large right knob to scroll
through the User Waypoint List.

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4) Press the small right knob to return to the User Waypoint List
User Waypoint Page.
The User Waypoint List (Figure 7-46) allows the
Deleting a user waypoint: pilot to review, modify, rename, or delete a selected user
1) Select the desired waypoint on the User waypoint, or to delete all user waypoints currently stored
Waypoint Page and press the MENU Key to in memory. The top of the page shows the number of
display the User Waypoint Page Menu. waypoints used and available memory.
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Delete Reviewing and/or modifying a user
User Waypoint?’ (Figure 7-45) and press the waypoint from the User Waypoint List:
ENT Key. 1) Select the User Waypoint List, as described in
this section.
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
desired user waypoint (Figure 7-46).

Figure 7-45 User Waypoint Page Menu

3) Press the CLR Key to display a ‘delete waypoint’

confirmation window.
Figure 7-46 User Waypoint List Page
4) With ‘Yes?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key to
delete the selected user waypoint. 3) Press the ENT Key to display the User Waypoint
Page for the selected waypoint. From this page
the pilot may review all information defining
the waypoint and its position.
4) To modify the waypoint’s position or reference
waypoint information, follow the preceding
steps described in this section.
5) To exit the User Waypoint Page, turn the large
right knob to highlight ‘Done?’ and press the
ENT Key.

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Renaming a user waypoint from the User Deleting a user waypoint from the User
Waypoint List: Waypoint List:
1) Select the User Waypoint List, as described in 1) Select the User Waypoint List, as described in
this section. this section.
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
desired user waypoint. desired user waypoint.
3) Use the small and large right knobs to change 3) Press the CLR Key to display a ‘delete waypoint’
the name of the user waypoint (Figure 7-47). confirmation window (Figure 7-49).
(Enter the new name directly over the old
name.) Press the ENT Key to accept the new
name.

Figure 7-49 Delete Waypoint Window

4) With ‘Yes?’ highlighted, press the ENT Key to

delete the selected user waypoint.

Figure 7-47 User Waypoint Name Selected

4) A ‘rename waypoint’ confirmation window

is displayed (Figure 7-48). With ‘Yes?’
highlighted, press the ENT Key to rename the
selected user waypoint.

Figure 7-48 Rename Waypoint Window

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Deleting all user waypoints from memory:

1) Select the User Waypoint List, as described in
this section.
2) Press the MENU Key to display a menu for the
User Waypoint List (Figure 7-50).

Figure 7-50 User Waypoint List Page Menu

3) With ‘Delete All User Waypoints’ highlighted,

press the ENT Key.
4) A ‘delete all waypoints’ confirmation window
is displayed (Figure 7-51). With ‘Yes?’
highlighted, press the ENT Key to delete all
user waypoints from memory.

Figure 7-51 Delete All Waypoints Window

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NRST PAGES

SECTION 8: NRST PAGES Quickly selecting a NRST page:

1) From any page, press the NRST Key, ‘NRST’
appears along the bottom of the screen (see
8.1 NRST Page Group Figure 8-2).
Section 3.1 introduced the GNS 530’s main page groups
(Table 8-1)—NAV, WPT, AUX, NRST—and described
each page in the NAV group. This fourth page group
(NRST) provides detailed information for the nine nearest
airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, and user waypoints
within 200 nm of the current position. In addition, the
NRST pages (Figure 8-1) include the five nearest Flight
Service Station (FSS) and center (ARTCC/FIR) points of
communication, plus alerts the pilot to any nearby Special
Use (SUA) or Controlled Airspaces.
Figure 8-2 Nearest Airport Page
Page Groups
NAV Group WPT Group AUX Group NRST Group 2) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
see Section 3 see Section 7 see Section 10 8 NRST pages NRST page.
Table 8-1 Page Groups

NRST Airport NRST Intersection NRST NDB NRST VOR

NRST User NRST ARTCC NRST Flight Service NRST Airspace

Figure 8-1 NRST Pages

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Not all nine nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, The Nearest ARTCC Page and the Nearest FSS Page
or user waypoints can be displayed on the corresponding present detailed information for up to five nearby facilities,
NRST page at one time. The Nearest Airport Page displays displaying only one facility at a time. Again, the additional
detailed information for three nearest airports, with a scroll information is viewed using the flashing cursor and large
bar along the right-hand side of the page indicating which right knob to scroll through the list.
part of the list is currently being viewed. The Nearest Scrolling through the list of nearest
Airspace Page displays detailed information for up to flight service station or center points of
three special use or controlled airspace alerts. The NRST communication:
pages for VORs, NDBs, intersections, and user waypoints
displays five waypoints at a time. The flashing cursor and 1) Select the desired NRST page, using the steps
large right knob are used to scroll and view the rest of the outlined on the preceding page.
waypoints or airspaces in the list. 2) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
Scrolling through the list of nearest
airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, user 3) Turn the small right knob to scroll through the
waypoints, or SUAs: list (Figure 8-4).
1) Select the desired NRST page, using the steps
outlined on the preceding page.
2) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the
list. The scroll bar along the right-hand side
of the page indicates which part of the list is
currently being viewed (Figure 8-3).

Figure 8-4 Nearest ARTCC Page

4) Press the small right knob to remove the

Scroll flashing cursor.
Bar

Figure 8-3 Nearest Airport Page

4) Press the small right knob to remove the

flashing cursor.

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Navigating to a Nearby Waypoint 8.2 Nearest Airport Page

The NRST pages can be used in conjunction with the The Nearest Airport Page displays the identifier, symbol,
GNS 530’s direct-to function to quickly set a course to a bearing, and distance to the nine nearest airports (within
nearby facility, and can provide navigation to the nearest 200 nm of the present position). For each airport listed,
airport in case of an in-flight emergency. the Nearest Airport Page also indicates the best available
Selecting a nearby airport, VOR, NDB, approach, common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF),
intersection, or user waypoint as a direct- and the length of the longest runway (Figure 8-6).
to destination: Best Available
1) Use the flashing cursor to scroll through a NRST Approach
page list (Figure 8-5) and highlight the desired
nearest waypoint, as outlined in Section 8.1. Airport Identifier
Symbol, Bearing
To, and Distance To
Scroll
Tower or CTAF Bar
Frequency and
Longest Runway

Position of
Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 8-6 Nearest Airport Page
Figure 8-5 Nearest Airport Page
The Nearest Airport Page can be configured to exclude
2) Press the Direct-to Key to display the select shorter runways or undesirable runway surface types,
Direct-to Waypoint Page. so that the corresponding airports do not appear on the
3) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected list. The pilot may wish to use this feature to exclude
waypoint’s identifier and press the ENT Key seaplane bases or runway lengths which would be difficult
a second time with ‘Activate?’ highlighted to or impossible to land upon. See Section 10.5, Setup Page:
begin navigating to the selected waypoint. Nearest Airport Criteria for additional details.

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Quickly tuning the common traffic advisory 5) Press the COM Flip-flop Key to activate the
frequency (CTAF) from the Nearest Airport selected frequency (Figure 8-8).
Page:
Active
1) Select the Nearest Airport Page, using the steps Frequency
Field
outlined in Section 8.1.
2) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the
list, highlighting the COM frequency associated
with the desired airport.
4) Press the ENT Key to place the selected
frequency in the standby field of the COM
Figure 8-8 Frequency Moved to Active Field
Window (Figure 8-7).
6) Press the small right knob to remove the
Standby flashing cursor.
Frequency
Field Additional communication frequencies, runway
information, and more are available from the Nearest
Airport Page by highlighting the identifier of the desired
airport and pressing the ENT Key.
Viewing additional information for a
nearby airport:
Selected
Frequency 1) Select the Nearest Airport Page, using the steps
Figure 8-7 Frequency Moved to Standby Field
outlined in Section 8.1.
2) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor.
3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the
list, highlighting the identifier of the desired
airport (Figure 8-9).

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8.3 Nearest Intersection Page

The Nearest Intersection Page (Figure 8-11) displays
the identifier, symbol, bearing, and distance to the nine
nearest intersections (within 200 nm of the present
position).
To view additional information for a nearby intersection,
start from the Nearest Intersection Page and follow the
preceding steps 2 through 4.
Intersection Identifier Bearing To and
Figure 8-9 Desired Airport Highlighted and Symbol Distance To

4) Press the ENT Key to display the Airport

Location Page for the selected airport.
Scroll
5) To view additional WPT pages for the selected Bar
airport (including the Airport Runway Page and
the Airport Frequency Page) press the small
right knob to remove the flashing cursor. Turn
the small right knob to display the additional Position of
WPT pages (Figure 8-10). When finished, press Current Page
the small right knob to return the flashing within Current
Page Group
cursor to the screen. Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 8-11 Nearest Intersection Page

Figure 8-10 Additional WPT Page

6) To return to the Nearest Airport Page, verify

that ‘Done?’ is highlighted by the flashing
cursor and press the ENT Key (or press the
CLR Key).

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NRST PAGES

8.4 Nearest NDB Page 8.5 Nearest VOR Page

The Nearest NDB Page (Figure 8-12) displays the The Nearest VOR Page (Figure 8-13) displays the
identifier, symbol, bearing, distance, and frequency to identifier, symbol, bearing, and distance to the nine
the nine nearest NDBs (within 200 nm of the present nearest VORs (within 200 nm of the present position).
position). For each VOR listed, the nearest VOR Page also indicates
To view additional information for a nearby NDB, start the frequency and may be used to quickly tune the VLOC
from the nearest NDB Page and follow the preceding steps receiver to the nearby VOR. The selected frequency is
2 through 4. placed in the standby field of the VLOC window and
Intersection Identifier Bearing To and NDB activated using the VLOC Flip-flop Key.
and Symbol Distance To Frequency
VOR Identifier Bearing To and VOR
and Symbol Distance To Frequency

Scroll
Bar
Scroll
Bar

Position of
Current Page
within Current Position of
Page Group Current Page
Current Number of Pages in within Current
Page Group Current Page Group Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Figure 8-12 Nearest NDB Page Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 8-13 Nearest VOR Page

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Quickly tuning a VOR’s frequency from the Viewing additional information for a
nearest VOR Page: nearby VOR:
1) Select the nearest VOR Page, using the steps 1) Select the Nearest VOR Page, using the steps
outlined in Section 8.1. outlined in Section 8.1.
2) Press the small right knob to activate the 2) Press the small right knob to activate the
cursor. cursor.
3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the 3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the
list, highlighting the frequency associated with list, highlighting the identifier of the desired
the desired VOR (Figure 8-14). VOR (Figure 8-15).
4) Press the ENT Key to display the VOR Page for
the selected VOR.

Figure 8-14 Frequency Highlighted

4) Press the ENT Key to place the selected

frequency in the standby field of the VLOC Figure 8-15 Nearest VOR Page
Window. 5) To return to the Nearest VOR Page, verify that
5) Press the VLOC Flip-flop Key to activate the ‘Done?’ is highlighted by the flashing cursor
selected frequency. and press the ENT Key (or press the CLR
6) Press the small right knob to remove the Key).
flashing cursor. 6) Press the small right knob to remove the
flashing cursor.

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NRST PAGES

8.6 Nearest User Waypoint Page 8.7 Nearest Center (ARTCC) Page
The Nearest User Waypoint Page (Figure 8-16) displays The Nearest Center Page (Figure 8-17) displays the
the name, bearing, and distance to the nine nearest user facility name, bearing to, and distance to the five nearest
waypoints (within 200 nm of the present position). ARTCC points of communication (within 200 nm of the
present position). For each ARTCC listed, the Nearest
Waypoint Identifier Bearing To and
and Symbol Distance To Center Page also indicates one or more frequencies, and
may be used to quickly tune the COM transceiver to the
center’s frequency. The selected frequency is placed in the
standby field of the COM Window and activated using the
COM Flip-flop Key.
ARTCC Name Bearing To and
Distance To

Position of
Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in Frequency(ies)
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 8-16 Nearest User Waypoint Page
Position of
Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 8-17 Nearest ARTCC Page

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 SECTION 8
NRST PAGES

To quickly tune an ARTCC’s frequency from 8.8 Nearest Flight Service Station
the Nearest Center Page: (FSS) Page
1) Select the Nearest Center Page, using the steps
outlined in Section 8.1. The Nearest Flight Service Station Page (Figure
8-19) displays the facility name, bearing to, and distance
2) Press the small right knob to activate the to the five nearest FSS points of communication (within
cursor. 200 nm of the present position). For each FSS listed, the
3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the Nearest Flight Service Station Page also indicates one or
list, selecting the desired ARTCC. more frequencies and may be used to quickly tune the
4) Turn the large right knob to scroll down the COM transceiver to the FSS’s frequency.
page, highlighting the desired frequency. For duplex operations, ‘RX’ and ‘TX’ indications
appears beside the listed frequencies, indicating ‘receive
5) Press the ENT Key to place the selected
only’ or ‘transmit only’ frequencies. The associated VOR
frequency in the standby field of the COM
is also provided for reference.
Window.
6) Press the COM Flip-flop Key to activate the Bearing To and
Distance To
selected frequency (Figure 8-18).
Active
Frequency FSS Name
Field

Frequency(ies)
Selected
Frequency
VOR Identifier (For
Duplex Operation)
Position of
Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Figure 8-18 Frequency Moved to Active Field Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 8-19 Nearest FSS Page
7) Press the small right knob to remove the
flashing cursor.

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 SECTION 8
NRST PAGES

To quickly tune an FSS’s frequency from the 5) Press the ENT Key to place the selected
Nearest Flight Service Station Page: frequency in the standby field of the COM or
1) Select the Nearest Flight Service Station Page, VLOC Window.
using the steps outlined in Section 8.1 (Figure 6) Press the COM Flip-flop or VLOC Flip-flop
8-19). Key, as appropriate, to activate the selected
2) Press the small right knob to activate the frequency (figure 8-21).
cursor. Active
Frequency
3) Turn the small right knob to scroll through the Field
list, selecting the desired FSS.
4) Turn the large right knob to scroll down the Selected
page (Figure 8-20), highlighting the desired Frequency
frequency (COM frequency or VOR frequency
for duplex operation).

Figure 8-21 Frequency Moved to Active Field

Selected
Frequency 7) Press the small right knob to remove the
flashing cursor.

Figure 8-20 Frequency Field Selected

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 SECTION 8
NRST PAGES

8.9 Nearest Airspace Page

The last page in the NRST group, the Nearest Airspace
Page (Figure 8-24) alerts the pilot to as many as nine
controlled or special use airspaces near or in the flight
path. Alerts are provided according to the following
conditions:
• If the projected course will take the aircraft inside
an airspace within the next ten minutes, the alert Figure 8-23 Airspace Message
message ‘Airspace ahead -- less than 10 minutes’
appears. The Nearest Airspace Page shows the • If the aircraft has entered an airspace, the message
airspace as ‘Ahead’. ‘Inside Airspace’ appears. The Nearest Airspace
Page shows ‘Inside of airspace’.
• If the aircraft is within two nautical miles of Note that the airspace alerts are based on three-
an airspace and the current course will take dimensional data (latitude, longitude, and altitude) to
the aircraft inside, the message ‘Airspace near avoid nuisance alerts. The alert boundaries for controlled
and ahead’ appears (Figure 8-22). The Nearest airspace are also sectorized to provide complete
Airspace Page shows ‘Within 2nm of airspace’. information on any nearby airspace. Once one of the
described conditions exists, the message annunciator
flashes, alerting the pilot of an airspace message.
Viewing an airspace alert message:
1) When the message annunciator above the
MSG Key flashes, press the MSG Key.
2) Press the MSG Key again to return to the
previous page.
Figure 8-22 Airspace Message

• If the aircraft is within two nautical miles of an

airspace and the current course will not take the
aircraft inside, the message ‘Near airspace less
than 2nm’ appears (Figure 8-23). The Nearest
Airspace Page shows the airspace as ‘Ahead <
2nm’.

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NRST PAGES

Once an airspace alert message appears, detailed Viewing additional details for an airspace
information concerning the specific airspace is provided listed on the Nearest Airspace Page:
on the Nearest Airspace Page (Figure 8-24). The Nearest 1) Select the Nearest Airspace Page, using the
Airspace Page displays the airspace name, status (‘Ahead’, steps outlined in Section 8.1.
‘Ahead < 2nm’, etc., as described on the preceding
2) Press the small right knob to activate the
page), and a time to entry (if applicable). By selecting
cursor.
any airspace name listed on the Nearest Airspace Page,
additional details are provided—including controlling 3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the
agency, communication frequencies, and floor/ceiling list, highlighting the desired airspace.
limits. 4) Press the ENT Key to display the Airspace
Page for the selected nearby airspace (Figure
Airspace
Name 8-25).

Status and Airspace Name Floor/Ceiling

Time to Entry and Type Limits
‘Done?’ Field
Position of (Return to
Current Page Previous Page)
within Current
Page Group
Controlling
Agency
Message
Annunciator Status and
Time to Entry
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Position of
Figure 8-24 Nearest Airspace Page Current Page
within Current
Page Group
Current Number of Pages in
Page Group Current Page Group
Figure 8-25 Airspace Page

5) To return to the Nearest Airspace Page, verify

that ‘Done?’ is highlighted by the flashing
cursor and press the ENT Key.
6) Press the small right knob to remove the
flashing cursor.

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 SECTION 8
NRST PAGES

To view and quickly tune the frequency for 4) Press the ENT Key to place the selected
a controlling agency: frequency in the standby field of the COM
1) Follow steps 1 through 4 on the preceding page Window (Figure 8-27).
to display the Airspace Page for the desired
controlled or special use airspace. Standby
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight Frequency
‘Frequencies?’ and press the ENT Key. (Figure
8-26)

Selected
Frequency

Figure 8-27 Airport Frequency Page

5) Press the COM Flip-flop Key to activate the

selected frequency.
6) To return to the Airspace Page, turn the large
right knob to highlight ‘Done?’ and press the
Figure 8-26 Airport Frequency Page ENT Key (or press the CLR Key).
3) Turn the large right knob to scroll through the 7) To return to the Nearest Airspace Page, turn
list, highlighting the desired frequency. the large right knob to highlight ‘Done?’ and
press the ENT Key (or press the CLR Key).
8) Press the small right knob to remove the
flashing cursor.

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NRST PAGES

The Airspace Page (Figure 8-28) displays (and airspace

alert messages are provided for) the following airspace
types:
• Alert • Caution
• Class B • Class C
• Class D • CTA
• Danger • MOA
• Prohibited • Restricted
• TMA • Training Figure 8-28 Airspace Page for MOA
• TRSA • Unspecified
• Warning
The bottom right-hand corner of the Airspace Page
displays the floor and ceiling limits of the airspace. The
following are examples of what may appear as vertical
limits for an airspace:
• 5000 ft msl (5000 feet mean sea level)
• 5000 ft agl (5000 feet above ground level)
• MSL (at mean sea level)
• Notam (Notice to Airmen)
• Unknown • Unlimited
• See Chart • Surface
All airspace alert messages, except for prohibited areas,
may be turned on or off from the Airspace Alarms Page.
An altitude buffer is also provided on the Airspace Alarms
Page to provide an extra margin of safety above/below
the published limits (Section 10.4, Setup Page: Airspace
Alarms for additional details).

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 SECTION 9
VLOC RECEIVER

SECTION 9: VLOC RECEIVER The tuning cursor remains in the COM Window. To
select a VOR/Localizer/ILS frequency, press the small
left knob momentarily to place the cursor in the VLOC
9.1 VLOC (VOR/LOCALIZER/GLIDESLOPE) Window.
Receiver Operations
NOTE: The tuning cursor normally appears in the
The GNS 530 includes digitally-tuned VOR/localizer COM Window, unless placed in the VLOC Window
and glideslope receivers with the desired frequency by pressing the small left knob. When the tuning
selected in the VLOC Window, along the left-hand side of cursor is in the VLOC Window, it automatically
the display (Figure 9-1). Frequency selection is performed returns to the COM Window after 30 seconds of
inactivity. The active frequency in either window
by pressing the small left knob and turning the small and
cannot be accessed directly–—only the standby
large left knobs to select the desired frequency. frequency is highlighted by the tuning cursor.

To select a VOR/localizer/ILS frequency:

1) If the tuning cursor is not currently in the VLOC
Figure 9-1 VLOC Window Window, press the small left knob momentarily
(Figure 9-2).
Ident Audio and Volume Tuning Cursor in
VLOC Window
VLOC ident is enabled by pressing the VLOC Volume
Knob. When VLOC ident is enabled, an ‘ID’ indication
appears in the upper right corner of the VLOC Window,
to the immediate right of ‘VLOC’ (Figure 9-1).
VLOC audio volume is adjusted using the VLOC
Volume Knob. Turn the VLOC Volume Knob clockwise
to increase volume, or counterclockwise to decrease
volume.
VLOC Window and Tuning
VLOC frequencies are tuned with the large and small Figure 9-2 Tuning Cursor in VLOC Window
left knobs when the tuning cursor is in the standby VLOC
frequency field. The standby frequency always appears
below the active frequency. The active frequency is the
frequency currently in use.

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 SECTION 9
VLOC RECEIVER

2) Turn the large left knob to select the desired Auto-Tuning

megahertz (MHz) value. For example, the ‘113’
A frequency may also be quickly selected from the
portion of the frequency ‘113.00’.
database by simply highlighting the desired frequency on
3) Turn the small left knob to select the desired the VOR Page (Section 7.10) or the Nearest VOR Page
kilohertz (kHz) value. For example, the ‘.00’ (Section 8.5) and pressing the ENT Key. This process is
portion of the frequency ‘113.00’. referred to as auto-tuning. Once a frequency is selected
4) To make the standby frequency the active in the standby field, it may be transferred to the active
frequency (Figure 9-3), press the VLOC Flip- frequency by pressing the VLOC Flip-flop Key. (Auto-
flop Key. tuning can also be performed from VLOC frequencies
listed on the NAV/COM Page, the Airport Frequency Page,
and the Nearest Flight Service Station Page.)
To select a VLOC frequency from the VOR
Active VLOC Page or Nearest VOR Page:
Frequency Field
1) Select the desired page from the main pages
VLOC Ident (as discussed in the preceding paragraph).
Window
2) Press the small right knob momentarily to
activate the flashing cursor
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
frequency for the desired VOR (Figures 9-4 and
Figure 9-3 Frequency Moved to Active Field 9-5).

VLOC Ident Window

Directly below the VLOC Tuning Window is a VLOC
Ident Window (default setting). When the GNS 530 is
tuned to a nearby VOR, the VLOC Ident Window (Figure
9-3) displays the Morse code identifier of the selected
station, the radial from the VOR, and the distance from
the VOR. When tuned to a nearby localizer, the VLOC
Ident Window displays the identifier, associated airport,
and runway. The VLOC Ident Window can be replaced
with traffic information or configurable data fields, as Figure 9-4 Frequency Highlighted on VOR Page
outlined in Section 10.4.

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 SECTION 9
VLOC RECEIVER

To select an approach and automatically

tune the proper VLOC frequency:
1) Select the destination airport using the Direct-
to Key or as the last waypoint in the active
flight plan.
2) Press the PROC Key to display the Procedures
Page.
3) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Select
Approach?’ and press the ENT Key (Figure
Figure 9-5 Frequency Highlighted on NRST VOR Page 9-6).

4) Press the ENT Key to place the frequency in

the standby field of the VLOC Window.
5) Press the VLOC Flip-flop Key to activate the
selected frequency.
6) Press the small right knob to remove the
flashing cursor.

NOTE: For duplex COM operations, the VLOC

receiver may be auto-tuned from the Nearest
Flight Service Station Page. See Section 8.8 for
more info. Figure 9-6 Procedures Page

Tuning the VLOC when an approach is active 4) A window appears listing the available
procedures. Turn the small right knob to
When selecting a VOR or ILS approach, manual highlight the desired procedure and press the
tuning of the VLOC receiver is not required. Once the ENT Key. (When a direct-to destination is
approach procedure is ‘Loaded’ or ‘Activated’, the GNS selected, departures are offered for the nearest
530 automatically places the proper frequency in the airport.)
standby field of the VLOC Window. To use this frequency,
5) A second window appears listing available
press the VLOC Flip-flop Key to activate the frequency.
transitions. Turn the small right knob to
Additional information on approach procedures is
highlight the desired transition waypoint and
provided in Section 6.1.
press the ENT Key. (The approach ‘Vectors’
option assumes the pilot will receive vectors to
the final course segment of the approach and
will provide navigation guidance to intercept
this final course.)

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 SECTION 9
VLOC RECEIVER

6) Turn the large right knob to highlight ‘Load?’ CDI Key

or ‘Activate?’ (Figure 9-7) and press the ENT
The GNS 530’s CDI Key is used to couple the GPS
Key. (‘Load?’ adds the procedure to the
or VLOC receiver to the external CDI (or HSI). When
flight plan without immediately using it for
the external CDI (or HSI) is being driven by the GPS
navigation guidance. This allows the pilot to
receiver, ‘GPS’ appears at the bottom left corner of the
continue navigating the original flight plan, but
page, directly above the CDI Key. When the external CDI
keeps the procedure available on the Active
(or HSI) if being driven by the VLOC receiver, ‘VLOC’
Flight Plan Page for quick activation when
appears instead.
needed.)
To couple the external CDI (or HSI) to the GPS receiver
or VLOC receiver, press the CDI Key to display ‘GPS’ or
‘VLOC’, as desired (Figure 9-8).

Figure 9-7 Highlight ‘Load?’

7) For VOR and ILS approaches, the standby field

of the VLOC Window is automatically tuned to ‘GPS’ Annunciator ‘VLOC’ Annunciator
the proper frequency. To activate the frequency Figure 9-8 GPS and VLOC Annunciators
press the VLOC Flip-flop Key. To display VLOC
course information on the external CDI (or NOTE: The external CDI (or HSI) must be coupled
HSI) press the CDI Key and verify that ‘VLOC’ to the VLOC receiver for approaches which are
not approved for GPS. See ILS example in Section
is displayed at the bottom left corner of the
6.3.
screen, directly above the CLR Key.
8) For precision approaches and some non-
precision approaches, a reminder window
appears indicating that GPS guidance on such
approaches is strictly for monitoring only—use
the VLOC receivers and external CDI (or HSI) for
primary navigation. To confirm this reminder,
highlight ‘Yes?’ and press the ENT Key.

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 SECTION 10
AUX PAGES

SECTION 10: AUX PAGES Quickly selecting an AUX page:

1) From any page, press and hold the CLR Key to
select the Default NAV Page (Figure 10-2). If
10.1 AUX Page Group any of the main pages are already displayed,
Section 3.1 introduced the GNS 530’s main page this step may be skipped.
groups (Table 10-1)—NAV, WPT, AUX, NRST—and
described each page in the NAV group. The third page
group (AUX) allows the pilot to change unit settings. The
AUX pages (Figure 10-1) also provide trip planning, fuel
planning, density altitude, true airspeed, and winds aloft
calculations.

Page Groups
NAV Group WPT Group AUX Group NRST Group
see Section 3 see Section 7 3 AUX pages see Section 8
Figure 10-2 Default NAV Page
Table 10-1 Page Groups
2) Turn the large right knob to select the AUX
Page Group (Figure 10-3). ‘AUX’ appears along
the bottom of the screen.

Flight Planning Utility Setup

Figure 10-1 AUX Pages

NOTE: The AUX Page Group may have four AUX

pages available when the GNS 530 installation
includes connection to a weather information
source. See Section 14 of this manual for more
information.
Figure 10-3 Flight Planning Page

3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired

AUX page.

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 SECTION 10
AUX PAGES

10.2 Flight Planning Page 3) Press the ENT Key (Figure 10-5) to display the
desired page.
The Flight Planning Page (Figure 10-4) provides access
(via ‘menu options’) to E6B functions for fuel planning,
trip planning, density altitude/true airspeed/winds aloft
calculations, and a ‘Crossfill’ function to transfer flight
plans/user waypoints to a second 400/500-series Garmin
unit. When a menu option is selected, the corresponding
page appears providing additional information and
features.
Menu Options (to Select,
Highlight with Cursor and
Press the ENT Key)
Figure 10-5 Density Alt/TAS/Winds Page

The following menu options are available:

• Fuel Planning - When equipped with fuel flow
(FF) and/or fuel on board (FOB) sensors, this
option displays current fuel conditions along
the active direct-to or flight plan. The pilot may
Position of also manually enter fuel flow, ground speed (GS)
Current Page
within Current and (in some instances) fuel on board figures for
Page Group planning purposes. Fuel planning figures can be
displayed not only for the currently active flight
Current Page Group Number of Pages in
Current Page Group plan or direct-to, but also point-to-point between
Figure 10-4 Flight Planning Page
two specified waypoints and for any programmed
flight plan.
Selecting a menu option from the Flight Fuel planning figures can be entered and
Planning Page: displayed based upon one of three possible
1) Press the small right knob momentarily, to configurations:
activate the flashing cursor (Figure 10-4). ♦ No fuel sensors connected - In this instance
2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired fuel flow is manually entered and is used
menu option. to calculate fuel on board. When fuel flow
or fuel on board is manually entered, the
figures are retained the next time the page is
displayed (with fuel on board continuously
recalculated).

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 SECTION 10
AUX PAGES

♦ Fuel flow sensor installed, but no fuel on • Density Alt/TAS/Winds - Indicates the
board sensor - Fuel on board is manually theoretical altitude at which the aircraft can
entered. Fuel flow is automatically provided perform depending upon several environmental
by sensor. If fuel flow is manually entered conditions, including indicated altitude (IND
(to override the sensor), it does not affect the ALT), barometric pressure (BARO), and total air
FOB figure and is not retained the next time temperature (TAT; the temperature, including the
the page is displayed. heating effect of speed, read on a standard outside
♦ Fuel flow and fuel on board sensors installed temperature gauge). This menu option computes
- Fuel flow and fuel on board are automati- true airspeed (TAS), based upon the factors
cally provided by sensors. Fuel on board can above and the calibrated airspeed (CAS). Also,
NOT be entered manually. Fuel flow can be this menu option determines winds aloft (the
entered manually, but does not affect the FOB wind direction and speed) and a head wind/tail
figure and is not retained the next time the wind component, based upon the calculated
page is displayed. density altitude (DEN ALT), true airspeed, aircraft
• Trip Planning - Allows the pilot to view desired heading (HDG), and ground speed.
track (DTK), distance (DIS), estimated time • Scheduler - Displays reminder messages (such as
enroute (ETE), enroute safe altitude (ESA), and ‘Change oil’, ‘Switch fuel tanks’, ‘Overhaul’, etc.).
estimated time of arrival (ETA) information for a One-time, periodic, and event-based messages
direct-to, point-to-point between two specified are allowed. One-time messages appear once
waypoints, or for any programmed flight plan. the timer expires and reappear each time the
This option also displays the sunrise/sunset times GNS 530 is powered on, until the message is
for your destination waypoint (for the selected deleted. Periodic messages automatically reset
departure date). to the original timer value, once the message is
displayed. Event-based messages do not use a
NOTE: Point-to-point waypoints, flight plans, timer, but rather a specific date and time.
and/or ground speed (default is current GPS-
calculated ground speed) entered on the Fuel • Crossfill - Allows the pilot to transfer the active
Planning Page automatically transfers to the Trip flight plan, any stored flight plan, a user waypoint,
Planning Page, and vice versa. or all user waypoints between two 400/500-series
Garmin units in a dual-unit installation. See
Section 5.1, Flight Plan Catalog Options and
information following in this section for details.

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AUX PAGES

Flight Planning Page: Fuel Planning

Performing fuel planning operations:
1) Select ‘Fuel Planning’ from the Flight Planning
Page, using the steps described in Section
10.2.
2) The current fuel planning ‘mode’ is displayed at
the top of the page: ‘POINT TO POINT’ or ‘FPL’
(for a flight plan). To change the mode, press
the MENU Key to display the Fuel Planning
Page Menu for the other mode, then press the Figure 10-6 Fuel Planning Page, Point-to-Point
ENT Key to accept the other mode.
4) For flight plan fuel planning (Figure 10-7), turn
NOTE: The ‘Change Fields?’ option above is only the small right knob to select the desired flight
available on GNS 530 installations which include plan by number (already stored in memory;
a Shadin fuel computer. In these installations, use 00 is the active flight plan). Turn the large
the ‘Change Fields?’ option to review separate right knob to highlight the ‘LEG’ field and
fuel information for left and right engines. turn the small right knob to select the desired
leg of the flight plan, or select ‘Cum’ to apply
3) For point-to-point fuel planning (Figure 10-6), fuel planning calculations to the entire flight
turn the small and large right knobs to enter plan.
the identifier of the ‘from’ waypoint. Once
the waypoint’s identifier is entered, press the
ENT Key to accept the waypoint. The flashing
cursor moves to the ‘to’ waypoint. Again, turn
the small and large right knobs to enter the
identifier of the ‘to’ waypoint and press the
ENT Key to accept the waypoint. OR,

Figure 10-7 Fuel Planning Page, Flight Plan

5) If the fuel management system does not enter

the data automatically, turn the large right
knob to highlight the fuel on board (FOB)
field.

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 SECTION 10
AUX PAGES

6) Use the small and large right knobs to enter Flight Planning Page: Trip Planning
the amount of fuel on board. Press the ENT Performing trip planning operations:
Key when finished.
1) Select ‘Trip Planning’ from the Flight Planning
7) The flashing cursor moves to the fuel flow (FF) Page, using the steps described in this
field. Use the small and large right knobs to section.
enter the fuel flow rate. Press the ENT Key
when finished. Note that if a fuel system is 2) The current trip planning ‘leg mode’ is displayed
providing current fuel flow, the fuel flow field at the top of the page: ‘POINT TO POINT’ or
defaults to this value. ‘FPL LEG’ (for a flight plan leg). To change the
leg mode, press the MENU Key to display the
8) The flashing cursor moves to the ground speed Flight Planning Page Menu for the other leg
(GS) field. Use the small and large right knobs mode, then press the ENT Key to accept the
to enter the ground speed. Press the ENT Key other leg mode.
when finished.
3) For point-to-point trip planning, turn the small
9) With all variables entered, the following and large right knobs to enter the identifier
information is provided: of the ‘from’ waypoint. Once the waypoint’s
• REQ - Quantity of fuel required identifier is entered, press the ENT Key to
• LFOB - Left-over fuel on board accept the waypoint. The flashing cursor moves
• LRES - Left-over fuel reserve time to the ‘to’ waypoint (Figure 10-14). Again, turn
the small and large right knobs to enter the
• EFF - Efficiency, expressed in distance per fuel identifier of the ‘to’ waypoint and press the
units (e.g., nautical miles per gallon) ENT Key to accept the waypoint. OR,
• RNG - Range (distance) 4) For ‘flight plan leg’ trip planning, turn the small
• ENDUR - Flight endurance, or total available right knob to select the desired flight plan
flight time (already stored in memory), by number. Turn
10) To reconfigure the data fields press the MENU the large right knob to highlight the ‘LEG’ field
Key to display the options window (Figure (Figure 10-15) and turn the small right knob
10-13). Turn the small right knob to highlight to select the desired leg of the flight plan, or
the ‘change fields?’ option. Press the ENT Key select ‘Cum’ to apply trip planning calculations
to reconfigure the data fields. Turn the large to the entire flight plan.
right knob to select the desired field. Turn
the small right knob to highlight the desired
data. Press the ENT Key to select the data
configuration.

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5) Turn the large right knob to highlight the Flight Planning Page: Density Alt/TAS/Winds
departure time (DEP TIME) field (Figure
10-8). Calculating density altitude, true airspeed,
and winds aloft:
1) Select ‘Density Alt/TAS/Winds’ from the Flight
Planning Page, using the steps described at the
beginning of this section.
2) The flashing cursor highlights the indicated
altitude (IND ALT) field. Use the small and large
right knobs to enter the altitude indicated on
the altimeter (Figure 10-9). Press the ENT Key
when finished.

Figure 10-8 Departure Time Field Highlighted

6) Use the small and large right knobs to enter

the departure time. Press the ENT Key when
finished. Departure time may be entered in local
or UTC time, depending upon unit settings, see
Section 10.4, Setup Page: Date/Time.
7) The flashing cursor moves to the ground speed
(GS) field. Use the small and large right knobs
to enter the ground speed. Press the ENT Key Figure 10-9 Indicated Altitude Selected
when finished.
3) The flashing cursor moves to the calibrated
8) With all variables entered, the following airspeed (CAS) field. Use the small and large
information is provided: right knobs to enter the airspeed from the
• DTK - Desired track, or desired course airspeed indicator. Press the ENT Key when
• DIS - Distance finished.
• ETE - Estimated time enroute 4) The flashing cursor moves to the barometric
• ESA - Enroute safe altitude pressure (BARO) field. Use the small and large
right knobs to enter the barometric pressure
• ETA - Estimated time of arrival (altimeter setting). Press the ENT Key when
finished.

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5) The flashing cursor moves to the total air Flight Planning Page: Scheduler
temperature (TAT) field. Use the small and
large right knobs to enter the temperature Entering a scheduled message:
(Figure 10-10). Press the ENT Key when 1) Select ‘Scheduler’ from the Flight Planning Page,
finished. using the steps described in this section.
2) The flashing cursor highlights the first message
field. If necessary, turn the large right knob
to highlight the first blank message field.
3) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
the message text. Press the ENT Key when
finished. (The GNS 530 stores up to nine
scheduled messages holding 20 characters
each.)
4) The flashing cursor moves to the type field
under the new message. Turn the small right
Figure 10-10 TAT Selected
knob to display a window of available options
6) The flashing cursor moves to the aircraft (Figure 10-11): Event, One Time, Periodic.
heading (HDG) field. Use the small and large Press the ENT Key to select.
right knobs to enter the aircraft heading from
the directional gyro or compass. Press the ENT
Key when finished.
7) With all variables entered, the following
information is provided:
• DEN ALT - Density altitude
• TAS - True airspeed
• WIND - Wind direction and speed
• HEAD/TAIL WIND - Magnitude of head wind
or tail wind component Figure 10-11 Type Field Highlighted

NOTE: If the installation includes components

(such as an airdata sensor) to provide any of the
variables above, the Density Alt/TAS/Winds Page
data defaults to the values provided by these
components.

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5) The flashing cursor moves to the time/date field. Deleting a scheduled message:
Use the small and large right knobs to set the 1) Select ‘Scheduler’ from the Flight Planning Page,
time or date (Figure 10-12) required before using the steps described in this section.
the message is displayed. Time is entered as
2) The flashing cursor highlights the first message
hours/minutes/seconds (hhh:mm:ss). Event-
field. Turn the large right knob to highlight
based messages expire at a specific date and
the desired message field.
time. Press the ENT Key when finished.
3) Press the CLR Key to delete the message
text, followed by the ENT Key to confirm the
deletion.
Flight Planning Page: Crossfill
Select ‘Crossfill?’ from the Flight Planning Page, the
Default NAV Page, or Active Flight Plan Page by pressing
the MENU Key, and then scrolling down to ‘Crossfill’ and
pressing the ENT key.
The crossfill method options are Auto or Manual:
• Automatic Operation: If both units are set to
Figure 10-12 Date Field Selected
automatic, a change in the active flight plan of
Editing a scheduled message: one unit is also be seen in the other. Initiating a
direct-to to a waypoint on one unit also initiates a
1) Select ‘Scheduler’ from the Flight Planning Page,
direct-to to the same waypoint on the other unit.
using the steps described at the beginning of
this section. If one unit is set for automatic crossfill and the
other is set for manual crossfill, then only the
2) The flashing cursor highlights the first message
auto unit automatically sends data to the manual
field.
unit. In this configuration, the auto unit could be
3) To edit the message text, turn the large right thought of as the master unit.
knob to highlight the desired message field.
• Manual Operation: If manual operation is
Use the small and large right knobs to edit the
desired, the pilot must invoke all transfers
message text—entering the new text directly
from that unit. When a unit is configured for
over the old message. Press the ENT Key when
automatic transfer, a manual transfer can also
finished.
be done on command. If either of the messages
4) To edit the time field, turn the large right ‘data transfer error’ or ‘data transfer cancelled’ are
knob to highlight the field. Use the small and received during an automatic or manual transfer,
large right knobs to edit the new date or the pilot must force another transfer.
time—entering the new value directly over the
old figure. Press the ENT Key when finished.

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Transferring flight plans or user waypoints 3) The flashing cursor highlights the transfer data
to/from a second 400/500-series unit: option (TRANSFER) field. Turn the small right
1) Select ‘Crossfill’ from the Flight Planning Page, knob to display a window of available data
using the steps described at the beginning of options (Figure 10-14).
this section.
2) The flashing cursor highlights the method field.
Turn the small right knob to select ‘Auto’ or
‘Manual’ (Figure 10-13). ‘Auto’ automatically
transfers any selection of (or any change to) a
direct-to destination or active flight plan to a
second 400/500-series Garmin unit.

Figure 10-14 Transfer Window

• Active Flight Plan - Transfer the active flight plan

to/from a second 400/500-series Garmin unit in
a dual unit installation. This option is the default
when selecting ‘Crossfill’ from the Active Flight
Plan Page.
• Flight Plan - Transfer any stored flight plan
Figure 10-13 Crossfill Method Window
to/from a second 400/500-series unit, by selecting
NOTE: Crossfill requires both 400/500-series the flight plan by number. This option is the
units to have the same Jeppesen NavData default when selecting ‘Crossfill’ from the Flight
database cycle number. Plan Catalog Page. See also Section 5.1, Flight
Plan Catalog Page Options.
• User Waypoints (all) - Transfer all stored user
waypoints to/from a second 400/500-series unit.
• User Waypoint - Transfer the specified user
waypoint to a second 400/500-series unit.

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4) Continue turning the small right knob to select 10.3 Utility Page
the desired data option. Press the ENT Key
when finished. The Utility Page (Figure 10-15) provides access (via
menu options) to checklists, a count down/up timer, trip
5) For a stored flight plan (‘Flight Plan’ data timers, trip statistics, RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity
option), the flight plan number field is Monitoring) prediction, software versions, database
highlighted. Turn the small right knob to versions, and terrain database version information. When
select the desired flight plan and press the a menu option is selected, the corresponding page appears
ENT Key. providing additional information and features.
6) For a specified user waypoint (‘User Waypoint’
data option), the waypoint identifier field is NOTE: Scroll down to view the last 3 items
highlighted. Use the small and large right (Software Versions, Database Versions, and
knobs to enter the identifier of the desired user Terrain Database Versions) listed on the Utility
waypoint. Press the ENT Key when finished. Page.
7) The flashing cursor moves to the ‘CROSS-SIDE’ Menu Options (to Select,
field. Turn the small right knob to select ‘To’ Highlight with Cursor and
Press the ENT Key)
or ‘From’ and press the ENT Key.
8) The flashing cursor moves to the ‘Initiate
Transfer?’ confirmation field. Press the ENT
Key to transfer the selected data.

Position of
Current Page
within Current
Page Group

Current Page Group Number of Pages in

Current Page Group
Figure 10-15 Utility Page

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Selecting a menu option from the Utility • RAIM Prediction - Predicts if GPS coverage is
Page: available for the current location or at a specified
1) Press the small right knob momentarily, to waypoint at any time and date. Receiver
activate the flashing cursor (Figure 10-15). Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)
performs checks to ensure that the GNS 530
2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
will have adequate satellite geometry during
menu option
the flight. RAIM availability is near 100% in
3) Press the ENT Key to view the selected page Oceanic, Enroute, and Terminal phases of flight.
(Figure 10-16). Because FAA TSO requirements for non-precision
approaches specify significantly better satellite
coverage than other flight phases, RAIM may not
be available when flying some approaches. The
GNS 530 automatically monitors RAIM during
approach operations and warn the pilot if RAIM is
not available. In such cases, use an external LOC
receiver instead for many of the non-precision
and precision approaches stored on the Jeppesen
NavData Card. RAIM prediction helps the pilot
plan for a pending flight to confirm GPS operation
Figure 10-16 Trip Statistics Page during an approach.
The following menu options are available: An ‘INTEG’ annunciation at the bottom left corner
of the screen (Figure 10-17) indicates that satellite
• Checklists - Provides up to nine different user- coverage is insufficient to pass built-in RAIM tests.
defined checklists containing up to 30 items each. When this occurs, the GPS receiver continues to
• Flight Timers - Provides count up/down timers, provide navigation information, but should not
plus automatic recording of departure time and be used for primary navigation guidance. Use an
total trip time. Departure and total trip time alternate navigation source.
recording can be configured to run either any time
GNS 530 power is on, or only when ground speed
exceeds 30 knots.
• Trip Statistics - Provides readouts for trip
odometers, average speed, and maximum speed.
Figure 10-17 ‘INTEG’ Annunciation
These readouts are resettable (individually or all
at once) by pressing the MENU Key to display the
Trip Statistics Page Menu.

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If a ‘WARN’ annunciation appears at the Utility Page: Checklists

bottom left corner, GPS satellite coverage may
be sufficient, but the GNS 530 has detected a Creating a checklist:
position error which exceeds protection limits. 1) Select ‘Checklist’ from the Utility Page using
In this condition, all GPS navigation data on the the steps described at the beginning of this
GNS 530 is disabled. Use an alternate navigation section (10.3). Press the ENT Key to display a
source. list of checklists.
• Software Versions - Provides software version 2) Press the MENU Key to display the Checklist
information for the operating software within Page Menu (Figure 10-18). Turn the large
the GPS receiver, COM transceiver, and main right knob to select ‘Create New Checklist?’
processor board. and press the ENT Key.
• Database Versions - Displays the current Jeppesen
database type and expiration date, along with the
version and type of built-in land database.
• Terrain Database Versions - Displays the current
version and area of coverage of each terrain and
obstacle database. If a database is found to be
missing and/or deficient, the TAWS system fails
the self-test and issues a failure message.

Figure 10-18 Checklist Page Menu

3) Use the small and large right knobs to enter

the name of a checklist. Press the ENT Key
when finished. (Up to nine different checklists
can be created and stored in the GNS 530.)
4) Use the small and large right knobs to enter
each checklist item, followed each time by the
ENT Key. Each checklist may contain up to 30
line items of as much as 16 characters long.

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Executing a checklist: Inserting a checklist step into an existing

1) With the Checklists Page displayed, turn the checklist:
large right knob to select the desired checklist 1) With the Checklists Page displayed, turn the
and press the ENT Key. large right knob to select the desired checklist
2) As each checklist item is completed, press the and press the ENT Key.
ENT Key to move to the next item on the list. 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
Editing a checklist: existing checklist entry which immediately
follows the new checklist step.
1) With the Checklists Page displayed, turn the
large right knob to select the desired checklist 3) Turn the small and large right knobs to enter
and press the ENT Key. the new checklist step. Press the ENT Key
when finished.
2) Press the MENU Key to display an options
menu. Select ‘Edit Item?’ and press the ENT Deleting a checklist or all checklists:
Key, then use the small and large right knobs 1) With the Checklists Page displayed, press the
to edit each checklist item. Press the ENT Key MENU Key to display an options menu.
when finished. 2) Turn the large right knob to select ‘delete
checklist’ or ‘delete all checklists’ and press
the ENT Key.
3) With ‘Yes?’ highlighted on the confirmation
window (figure 10-19), press the ENT Key
to remove the checklist or all checklists from
memory.

Figure 10-19 Delete Checklist Confirmation Window

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Copying a checklist: Utility Page: Flight Timers

1) With the Checklists Page displayed and the
Viewing, using, or resetting the generic
desired checklist selected, press the MENU
timer:
Key.
1) Select ‘Flight Timers’ from the Utility Page,
2) Turn the large right knob to select ‘Copy
using the steps described at the beginning of
Checklist? and press the ENT Key to copy
this section (10.3).
the checklist to an empty checklist memory
location. 2) The flashing cursor highlights ‘Start?’. To start
the generic timer, press the ENT Key. Count up
Sorting the checklists by name or entry:
timers typically begin with this step; however,
1) With the Checklists Page displayed, press the for count down timers, to enter a count
MENU Key to display an options menu. direction and time before starting the timer,
2) Turn the large right knob to select ‘Sort List see the following steps.
By Entry?’ or ‘Sort List By Name?’ and press 3) To change the count direction, turn the large
the ENT Key. right knob to highlight the count direction
field (Figure 10-20): ‘Down’ or ‘Up’. Turn the
small right knob to select the desired count
direction. Press the ENT Key when finished.

Figure 10-20 Count Window

4) For a count down timer, turn the large right

knob to highlight the time field. Use the small
and large right knobs to enter the count down
time—in hours, minutes, and seconds. Press
the ENT Key when finished.

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5) To stop the generic timer, turn the large right Viewing, using, or resetting total trip time:
knob to highlight ‘Stop? and press the ENT 1) Select ‘Flight Timers’ from the Utility Page,
Key. using the steps described at the beginning of
6) To reset the generic timer, turn the large right this section.
knob to highlight the time field. Press the CLR 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the reset
Key, followed by the ENT Key. mode field, under ‘Total Trip Time’ (Figure 10-
Recording or resetting the departure time: 22). The reset mode field indicates ‘Pwr-on’ or
1) Select ‘Flight Timers’ from the Utility Page, ‘GS>30kt’.
using the steps described at the beginning of
this section (10.3).
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the reset
mode field, under ‘Departure Time’. The reset
mode field indicates ‘Pwr-on’ or ‘GS>30kt’.
3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
reset mode (Figure 10-21). ‘Pwr-on’ records
a departure time when the GNS 530 is turned
on. ‘GS>30kt’ records a departure time once
the GPS-computed ground speed exceeds 30
Figure 10-22 Total Trip Reset Mode Window
knots.
3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
reset mode. ‘Pwr-on’ records trip time, in
hours/minutes/seconds, any time the GNS 530
is turned on. ‘GS>30kt’ records trip time any
time the GPS-computed ground speed exceeds
30 knots.
4) Press the ENT Key when finished.
5) To reset the total trip time, turn the large right
knob to highlight ‘Reset?’ and press the ENT
Key.
Figure 10-21 Departure Reset Mode Window

4) Press the ENT Key when finished.

5) To reset the departure time, turn the large right
knob to highlight ‘Reset?’ and press the ENT
Key.

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Utility Page: Trip Statistics Utility Page: RAIM Prediction

Resetting trip statistics readouts: Predicting RAIM availability:
1) Select ‘Trip Statistics’ from the Utility Page , 1) Select ‘RAIM Prediction’ from the Utility Page,
using the steps described at the beginning of using the steps described at the beginning of
this section. this section.
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Trip 2) The flashing cursor highlights the waypoint
Statistics Page Menu with several reset options field. Use the small and large right knobs
(Figure 10-23): to enter the identifier of the waypoint at
• Reset Trip? - Resets trip odometer and average which the pilot wants to determine RAIM
ground speed readouts availability. Press the ENT Key when finished.
(To determine RAIM availability for the present
• Reset Max Speed? - Resets maximum speed
position, press the CLR Key, followed by the
readout only
ENT Key.)
• Reset Odometer? - Resets odometer readout
3) The flashing cursor moves to the arrival date
only
field. Use the small and large right knobs to
• Reset All? - Resets all trip statistics readouts enter the date for which the pilot wants to
determine RAIM availability. Press the ENT
Key when finished.
4) The flashing cursor moves to the arrival time
field. Use the small and large right knobs to
enter the time for which the pilot wants to
determine RAIM availability. Press the ENT
Key when finished.

Figure 10-23 Trip Statistics Page Menu

3) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
reset option and press the ENT Key.

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5) The flashing cursor moves to ‘Compute Utility Page: Software Versions

RAIM?’ (Figure 10-24). Press the ENT Key to
The Software Versions Page (Figure 10-25) displays
begin RAIM prediction. Once calculations are
software version information for each of the various
complete, the GNS 530 displays one of the
subsystems contained within the GNS 530. This page
following in the RAIM status field:
is for information purposes only—no user functions are
available from this page.

Figure 10-24 ‘Compute RAIM?’ Highlighted

• RAIM Not Available - Satellite coverage is Figure 10-25 Software Versions Page
predicted to NOT be sufficient for reliable
operation during non-precision approaches Utility Page: Database Versions
• RAIM Available - Satellite coverage is predicted The Database Versions Page (Figure 10-26) displays
to be sufficient for reliable operation during the navigation database type and version information as
all flight phases, including non-precision well as the land database type and version. This page
approaches is for information purposes only—no user functions are
available from this page.
NOTE: RAIM computations predict satellite
coverage within ±15 minutes of the specified
arrival date and time. Refer to Section 10.4 for
specific information regarding RAIM protection
limits, also refer to Section 15 for FDE (Fault
Detection and Exclusion) information.

Figure 10-26 Database Versions Page

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Utility Page: Terrain Database Versions 10.4 Setup Page

The Terrain Database Versions Page (Figure 10-27) The Setup Page (Figure 10-28) provides access (via
displays the current version and area of coverage of each menu options) to airspace alarms, CDI scale adjustment, an
terrain and obstacle database. This page is for information arrival alarm, units of measure settings, position formats,
purposes only—no user functions are available from this map datums, and settings for local or UTC time display.
page. When a menu option is selected, the corresponding page
appears providing access to the various unit settings.
Menu Options (to Select,
Highlight with Cursor and
Press the ENT Key)

Figure 10-27 Terrain Database Versions Page

Position of
Current Page
within Current
Page Group

Current Page Group Number of Pages in

Current Page Group
Figure 10-28 Setup Page

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Selecting a menu option from the Setup During approach operations the CDI scale
Page: gradually ramps down even further, to 0.3 nm.
1) Press the small right knob momentarily, to This transition normally occurs within 2.0 nm of
activate the flashing cursor. the final approach fix (FAF). If a lower CDI scale
setting is selected (i.e., 1.0 nm or 0.3 nm) the
2) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
higher scale settings are not selected during any
menu option, and press the ENT Key (Figure
phase of flight. For example, if 1.0 nm is selected,
10-29).
the GNS 530 uses this for the enroute and
terminal phase and ramp down to 0.3 nm during
an approach. Note that the Receiver Autonomous
Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) protection limits
listed in Table 10-2 follow the selected CDI scale
and corresponding modes:
CDI Scales and Corresponding Flight Phases

Oceanic
Figure 10-29 Units/Position Page
The following menu options are available:
• ‘CDI/Alarms’ - Allows the pilot to define the scale
for the GNS 530’s on-screen course deviation Enroute
indicator. The scale values represent full scale
deflection for the CDI to either side (Figure
10-30). The default setting is ‘Auto’. At this
setting, the CDI scale is set to 5 nm during the Terminal
enroute/oceanic phase of flight. Within 30 nm
of the destination airport the CDI scale gradually
ramps down to 1.0 nm (terminal area). Likewise
when leaving the departure airport the CDI scale Approach
is set to 1.0 nm and gradually ramps UP to 5 nm (for each scale/phase to be available,
beyond 30 nm (from the departure airport). ‘Selected CDI’ must be set to ‘5.00nm’)
Figure 10-30 CDI Scales

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CDI Scale/Flight Phase: RAIM Protection: • ‘Units/Position’ - Allows the pilot to configure
the displayed data to standard or metric units of
Auto (oceanic) 4.0 nm
measure. This setting applies to distance, speed,
±5.0 nm or Auto (enroute) 2.0 nm altitude, fuel, pressure, and temperature. Also
±1.0 nm or Auto (terminal) 1.0 nm provides three magnetic variation (heading)
±0.3 nm or Auto (approach) 0.3 nm options: True, Auto, or User-defined. If ‘Auto’ is
selected, all track, course and heading information
Table 10-2 CDI Scales is corrected to the magnetic variation computed
An ‘auto’ ILS CDI selection allows the GNS 530 by the GPS receiver. The ‘True’ setting references
to automatically switch the external CDI from all information to true north, and the ‘User’ setting
the GPS receiver to the VLOC receiver, when corrects information to an user-entered value.
established on the final approach course (Section Configuration settings for position format are
6.3). Or, select ‘manual’ to manually switch the also provided, and the map datum setting is
external CDI connection, as needed. shown. The map datum used in the GNS 530
An arrival alarm, provided on the CDI/Alarms is WGS 84. Note that a map datum that does
Page, may be set to notify the pilot with a message not match the charts can result in significant
when the aircraft has reached a user-defined differences in position information. When using
distance to the final destination (the direct-to the paper charts for reference only, the GNS 530
waypoint or the last waypoint in a flight plan). still provides correct navigation guidance to the
Once the aircraft has reached the set distance (up waypoints contained in the database, regardless of
to 99.9 units), an ‘Arrival at [waypoint]’ message the datum differences.
is displayed. • ‘Date/Time’ - Provides settings for time format
The Airspace Alarms fields allow the pilot to (local or UTC; 12- or 24-hour) and time offset.
turn the controlled/special-use airspace message The time offset is used to define current local
alerts on or off. This does not affect the alerts time. UTC (also called GMT or Zulu) date
listed on the Nearest Airspace Page or the and time are calculated directly from the GPS
airspace boundaries depicted on the Map Page. It satellites’ signals and cannot be changed. To use
simply turns on/off the warning provided when local time, simply designate the offset by adding
approaching or near an airspace. or subtracting the correct number of hours.
An altitude buffer is also provided which ‘expands’
the vertical range above or below an airspace. For
example, if the buffer is set at 500 feet, and the aircraft
is more than 500 feet above or below an airspace,
the pilot is not notified with an alert message; if
the aircraft is less than 500 feet above or below an
airspace and projected to enter it, the pilot is notified
with an alert message. The default is 200 feet.

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• ‘Display Backlight’ - Allows the pilot to adjust the Setup Page: CDI/Alarms
display for optimum viewing in any condition.
Automatic backlighting is available which uses Setting the airspace warning messages or
a built-in photocell (at the top left corner of changing the altitude buffer:
the display bezel) to make the proper display 1) Select ‘CDI/Alarms’ from the Setup Page, using
adjustments without any user intervention. The the steps described at the beginning of this
pilot may also select manual control of the display section.
contrast and backlighting of the GNS 530’s 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
display. ‘On’/’Off’ field next to the desired airspace
• ‘Nearest Airport Criteria’ - Defines the minimum type. ‘MOAs & Other Airspace’ includes military
runway length and surface type used when operation, alert, caution, danger, training, and
determining the nine nearest airports to display warning areas.
on the Nearest Airport Page. A minimum runway 3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘On’ or ‘Off’,
length and/or surface type may be entered to as desired (Figure 10-31). Press the ENT Key
prevent airports with small runways, or runways to accept the selection.
that are not of appropriate surface, from being
displayed. The default settings are ‘0 feet (or
meters)’ for runway length and ‘any’ for runway
surface type.
• ‘Data Field Configuration’ - Allows the pilot to
select what type of data is displayed in the data
field directly below the VLOC Window. Available
data options are: VOR/LOC data, or a configurable
data field (to display information such as ground
speed, track, or distance to destination). If the
GNS 530 is interfaced with a traffic information
Figure 10-31 Restricted Alarm Window
device (see Section 14), thumbnail traffic can be
configured for display in the data field.
• ‘COM Configuration’ - Allows the pilot to select 8.33
kHz or 25.0 kHz COM frequency channel spacing.

NOTE: 8.33 kHz VHF communication frequency

channel spacing is not approved for use in the
United States. Select the 25.0 kHz channel
spacing option for use in the United States.

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 SECTION 10
AUX PAGES

4) To change the altitude buffer, turn the large Setup Page: CDI Scale/Alarms
right knob to highlight the ‘Altitude Buffers’
field (Figure 10-32). Use the small and large Changing the maximum CDI scale:
right knobs to enter the desired buffer 1) Select ‘CDI/Alarms’ from the Setup Page, using
distance. Press the ENT Key when finished. the steps described at the beginning of this
section.
2) The flashing cursor highlights the ‘Selected CDI’
field (Figure 10-33). Turn the small right knob
to select the desired CDI scale. The selected
scale and any lower scale settings are used
during the various phases of flight as described
at the beginning of this section.

Figure 10-32 Buffer Distance Field Selected

NOTE: When an approach has been loaded into

the active flight plan, airspace alert messages
are disabled within 30nm of the destination
airport.

Figure 10-33 Selected CDI Field Highlighted

3) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected

scale. The ‘System CDI’ field displays the CDI
scale currently in use. The ‘System CDI’ setting
may differ from the ‘Selected CDI’ depending
upon the current phase of flight (as described
previously in this section).

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AUX PAGES

Changing the ILS CDI scale: Setting the arrival alarm and alarm
1) Select ‘CDI/Alarms’ from the Setup Page, using distance:
the steps described at the beginning of this 1) Select ‘CDI/Alarms’ from the Setup Page, using
section. the steps described at the beginning of this
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the ‘ILS section.
CDI Capture’ field. 2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the
3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Auto’ or ‘On’/’Off’ field (directly below ‘Arrival Alarm’).
‘Manual’ as desired (Figure 10-34). Press the 3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘On’ or
ENT Key to accept the selection. ‘Off’, as desired. Press the ENT Key to accept
the selection.
4) The flashing cursor moves to the alarm distance
field (to the immediate right of ‘On’ or ‘Off’).
To enter an arrival alarm distance, use the small
and large right knobs to enter the desired
alarm distance. Press the ENT Key when
finished.

NOTE: The CDI scale is always measured in

nautical miles, regardless of the current distance
units of measure selected on the Units/Position
Figure 10-34 ILS CDI Window Page.

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AUX PAGES

Setup Page: Units/Position Changing the units of measure:

1) Select ‘Units/Position’ from the Setup Page,
Setting the magnetic variation:
using the steps described at the beginning of
1) Select ‘Units/Position’ from the Setup Page, this section.
using the steps described at the beginning of
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the desired
this section.
units of measure category (Figure 10-36).
2) The flashing cursor highlights the heading
mode field. Turn the small right knob to
select the desired heading mode: Auto, True,
or User (Figure 10-35). Press the ENT Key to
accept the selection. (The heading modes are
described at the beginning of this section.)

Figure 10-36 Temp Units Window

The following categories, and corresponding units of
measure, are available:
• DIS, SPD - Distance and speed in Nautical
(nautical miles/knots), Statute (miles/miles
Figure 10-35 Heading Mode Window per hour), or Metric (kilometers/kilometers
per hour) terms
3) If ‘User’ is selected, the flashing cursor moves
• ALT, VS - Altitude and vertical speed in Feet/
to the user value field (to the immediate right of
feet per minute, Meters/meters per minute, or
‘User’). Use the small and large right knobs to
Meters/meters per second
enter the desired magnetic variation direction
and value. Press the ENT Key when finished. • PRESSURE - Barometric pressure in Inches or
Millibars
• TEMP - Temperature in degrees Celsius or
Fahrenheit
• FUEL - Fuel units in Gallons, Imperial Gallons,
Kilograms, Liters, or Pounds
3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
units of measure for the selected category.
Press the ENT Key to accept the selection.

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AUX PAGES

Changing the position format: Displaying the map datum:

1) Select ‘Units/Position’ from the Setup Page, 1) Select ‘Units/Position’ from the Setup Page,
using the steps described at the beginning of using the steps described at the beginning of
this section. this section.
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the 2) The WGS 84 map datum is displayed (Figure
‘Position Format’ field (Figure 10-37). 10-38), this field cannot be changed.

Figure 10-37 Position Format Window Figure 10-38 Units/Position Page

3) Turn the small right knob to select the desired

position format.
The following position formats are available:
• hddd°mm.mmm’ - Latitude and longitude in
degrees and decimal minutes
• hddd°mm’ss.s’ - Latitude and longitude in
degrees, minutes, and decimal seconds
• MGRS - Military Grid Reference System
• UTM/UPS - Universal Transverse Mercator/
Universal Polar Stereographic grids
3) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected
format.

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AUX PAGES

Setup Page: Date/Time Setting the local time:

1) Select ‘Date/Time’ from the Setup Page, using
Displaying local time or UTC:
the steps described at the beginning of this
1) Select ‘Date/Time’ from the Setup Page, using section.
the steps described at the beginning of this
2) Turn the large right knob to highlight the time
section.
offset field (Figure 10-40).
2) The flashing cursor highlights the time format
field. Turn the small right knob to display a
window of available time formats: Local 12hr,
Local 24hr, or UTC (Figure 10-39).

Figure 10-40 Time Offset Field Selected

3) Use the small and large right knobs to enter

the desired offset, beginning by entering a
Figure 10-39 Time Format Window minus (-) or plus (+) sign to indicate whether
the offset is behind UTC or ahead of UTC. In
3) Continue turning the small right knob to select the United States, all local time offsets use
the desired time format. minus, or behind UTC.
4) Press the ENT Key to accept the selection. 4) Press the ENT Key to accept the selected
offset.

NOTE: When a local time offset is entered, only

‘Local 12 hour’ or ‘Local 24 hour’ can be selected.
The ‘UTC’ time format setting ignores any time
offset entry.

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AUX PAGES

Setup Page: Display Backlight Setup Page: Nearest Airport Criteria

Changing the backlighting intensity: Setting the minimum runway length and
1) Select ‘Display Backlight’ from the Setup Page, runway surface:
using the steps described at the beginning of 1) Select ‘Nearest Airport Criteria’ from the
this section. Setup Page, using the steps described at the
2) The flashing cursor highlights the backlight beginning of this section.
mode field. Turn the small right knob to 2) The flashing cursor highlights the runway
select the desired mode: Auto or Manual surface field (Figure 10-42). Turn the small
(Figure 10-41). Press the ENT Key to accept right knob to select the desired surface. The
the selection. following options are available:
• Any surface
• Hard surfaces only
• Hard or Soft surfaces
• Water landings only

Figure 10-41 Backlight Mode Window

3) If ‘Manual’ is selected, the flashing cursor

moves to the backlight level field. Turn the
small right knob to select the desired level.
Press the ENT Key to accept the selection. Figure 10-42 Surface Type Window

3) Press the ENT Key to accept the runway surface

selection.
4) The flashing cursor moves to the minimum
runway length field. To enter a different
minimum runway length, use the small and
large right knobs to enter the desired length.
Press the ENT Key when finished.

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AUX PAGES

Setup Page: Data Field Configuration NOTE: The ‘Traffic’ selection in the Auxiliary
Configuration Field is only available if the GNS
Configuring the Auxiliary Data Field: 530 is configured for interface with a traffic
1) Select ‘Data Field Configuration’ from the information device (see Section 14).
Setup Page, using the steps described at the
3) Press the ENT Key to accept the data type.
beginning of this section..
4) If ‘Configurable Data Fields’ is selected, a
2) Turn the small right knob to select an option
second selection field appears. Turn the large
from the Auxiliary Configuration Window
right knob to highlight this second field, then
(Figure 10-43). The following options are
turn the small right knob to display a list of
available:
available navigation data types (Table 10-3).
• VOR/LOC Data - Displays the identifier, distance, Continue turning the small right knob to
and radial from the tuned VOR station active select the desired data type and press the ENT
in the VLOC window. When tuned to a nearby Key to confirm the selection.
localizer; the localizer identifier, associated air-
port, and runway are displayed instead. Abbreviation Data Type
• Configurable Data Fields - Displays a user-select- BRG Bearing
able data field of navigation data (see Table 10-3 CTS Course To Steer
for available options). DIS Distance
• Traffic Watch - If the GNS 530 is connected to DTK Desired Track
other equipment providing traffic alert informa- ESA Enroute Safe Altitude
tion, a window is provided to display traffic
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival
information. This allows traffic monitoring from
any page to quickly identify traffic hazards. FLOW Total Fuel Flow
GS Ground Speed
MSA Minimum Safe Altitude
TKE Track Angle Error
TRK Track
VSR Vertical Speed Required
WPT Active Waypoint
XTK Cross Track Error
Table 10-3

5) Press the small right knob to remove the cursor

Figure 10-43 AUX Configuration Window and return to the Setup Page.

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 SECTION 10
AUX PAGES

Setup Page: COM Configuration Restoring Factory Settings

Setting the COM channel spacing: When making changes to any Setup Page option, a
‘Restore Defaults?’ menu selection allows the pilot to
1) Select ‘COM Configuration’ from the Setup restore the original factory settings (for the selected option
Page, using the steps described at the beginning only). For example, with the CDI/Alarms Page displayed,
of this section. the ‘Restore Defaults?’ option restores all airspace alarms
2) The flashing cursor highlights the channel and CDI settings to the original factory values.
spacing field (Figure 10-44). Turn the small
Restoring a Setup Page option to the origi-
right knob to select the desired channel
nal factory settings:
spacing: 8.33 kHz or 25.0 kHz. Press the ENT
Key when finished. 1) Select the desired menu option from the
Setup Page, using the steps described at the
beginning of this section.
2) Press the MENU Key to display the CDI/Alarms
Page Menu (Figure 10-45).

Figure 10-44 Channel Spacing Window

Figure 10-45 CDI/Alarms Page Menu

3) With ‘Restore Defaults?’ highlighted, press the

ENT Key.

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Blank Page

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 SECTION 11
VERTICAL NAVIGATION

SECTION 11: VERTICAL Displaying the Vertical Navigation Page:

Press the VNAV key.
NAVIGATION (VNAV)
Target Altitude and Altitude
The GNS 530’s Vertical Navigation Page (Figure 11-2) Reference (AGL or MSL)
allows you to create a three-dimensional profile (Figure
11-1) which guides you from your present position and
altitude to a final (target) altitude at a specified location. Target Distance
This is helpful when you’d like to descend to a certain (from reference)
altitude near an airport or climb to an altitude before Vertical
Vertical Speed Speed
reaching a route or direct-to waypoint. Once the profile is Desired Required
defined, message alerts and additional data on the Default
NAV and Map Pages keep you informed of your progress.

NOTE: To use the vertical navigation features,

the ground speed must be greater than 35 knots Current Page
and direct-to navigation or a flight plan must be Figure 11-2 VNAV Page
activated.
VE
RT
I
CA
L
NA
VI
G
AT

TIME AND DISTANCE

IO

TO PROFILE
N
PR
O
FI

VER
LE

CURRENT ALTITUDE TIC

AND POSITION AL
SPE
ED
RE
QUIR
ED

TARGET ALTITUDE
AND POSITION

DISTANCE TO TARGET

AIRPORT

Figure 11-1 VNAV Profile

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 SECTION 11
VERTICAL NAVIGATION

Creating a vertical navigation profile: 6) Turn the small right knob to select “Before”
1) Press the VNAV Key to display the Vertical or “After” (Figure 11-4), and press the ENT
Navigation Page. Key. This setting designates whether the offset
distance defines a point before you reach the
2) Press the small right knob to activate the
target reference waypoint or after you reach
cursor.
the waypoint.
3) With the TARGET ALTITUDE field highlighted
(Figure 11-3), turn the small and large right
knobs to select the target altitude, and press
the ENT Key.

Figure 11-4 Position Window

7) When using a flight plan, the target reference

waypoint itself can be specified from the
Figure 11-3 Target Altitude Selected waypoints contained in the flight plan. By
default, the last waypoint in the flight plan is
4) Turn the small right knob to select “Above selected. To select a different waypoint, turn
Wpt” (AGL) or “MSL” and press the ENT Key. the small right knob to select the desired
“Above Wpt” uses the altitude of a destination waypoint and press the ENT Key.
airport as stored on the Jeppesen NavData 8) The default profile utilizes a 400 foot-per-
card. “MSL” lets you set a specific target minute descent rate. To change the rate, turn
altitude for any waypoint category: airport, the large right knob to highlight the “VS
VOR, NDB, intersection or user waypoint. Profile” field and use the small and large right
5) Turn the small and large right knobs to select knobs to enter a new rate. Press the ENT Key
a distance from the target reference waypoint when finished.
and press the ENT Key. If the target altitude
should occur at the target reference waypoint,
enter a distance of zero.

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VERTICAL NAVIGATION

With the profile set, the vertical speed required (VSR) • At 500 feet above (or below, for a climb) the
is displayed on the Vertical Navigation Page. Expect the target altitude, an “Approaching Target Altitude”
following to occur when using the vertical navigation message is provided (Figure 11-6). The VSR
feature: readout on the Default NAV and Map Pages is
• At one minute prior to reaching the initial descent blanked out, at this point.
point, a message “Approaching VNAV Profile”
(Figure 11-5) occurs. The descent (or climb)
angle also locks to prevent changes in speed from
altering the profile.

Figure 11-6 Target Altitude Message

Figure 11-5 VNAV Profile Message

• If selected, the vertical speed required (VSR)

readout on the default NAV and map pages shows
the desired vertical speed to maintain the proper
descent (or climb) angle.

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 SECTION 11
VERTICAL NAVIGATION

Vertical navigation messages can be turned on or off. Restoring the factory default VNAV
(By default the messages are off.) Turning the messages settings:
off allows you to keep the profile settings you’ve entered 1) Press the MENU Key to display the Verti-
previously, without having them generate messages when cal Navigation Page Options menu (Figure
the feature isn’t needed. 11-8).
Disabling/enabling the vertical navigation
(VNAV) messages:
1) Press the MENU Key to display the Vertical
Navigation Page Options menu (Figure
11-7).

Figure 11-8 VNAV Page Options Menu

2) Turn the large right knob to highlight “Restore

Defaults?” and press the ENT Key.

Figure 11-7 VNAV Page Options Menu

2) With “VNAV Messages On?” highlighted, press

the ENT Key. Or, if the messages are already
on and you wish to turn them off, make sure
‘VNAV Messages Off?’ is highlighted and press
the ENT Key.

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 SECTION 12
TERRAIN

SECTION 12: TERRAIN Limitations

NOTE: The data contained in the TERRAIN
NOTE: GNS 530 units may* display either a databases comes from government agencies.
TERRAIN Page or a TAWS Page, (but not both) Garmin accurately processes and cross-validates
depending upon the installed hardware and the data but cannot guarantee the accuracy and
configuration. completeness of the data.

* Some earlier units are not equipped to support the TERRAIN displays terrain and obstructions relative
TERRAIN and/or TAWS functionality, so therefore will not to the altitude of the aircraft. The displayed alerts are
have a TERRAIN or TAWS page available. advisory in nature only. Individual obstructions may
be shown if available in the database. However, all
12.1 INTRODUCTION obstructions may not be available in the database and
data may be inaccurate. Never use this information for
Garmin TERRAIN is a non-TSO-C151b-certified
navigation or to maneuver to avoid obstacles.
terrain awareness system incorporated into GNS 530
Terrain information is based on terrain elevation
units to increase situational awareness and aid in
information in a database that may contain inaccuracies.
reducing controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). TERRAIN
Terrain information should be used as an aid to situational
functionality is a standard feature found in GNS 530 units
awareness. Never use it for navigation or to maneuver to
with main software version 6.01 or above, along with
avoid terrain.
appropriate hardware upgrades.
TERRAIN uses terrain and obstacle information
Operating Criteria supplied by government sources. The data undergoes
verification by Garmin to confirm accuracy of the content,
TERRAIN requires the following to operate properly:
per TSO-C151b. However, the displayed information
• The system must have a valid 3-D GPS position should never be understood as being all-inclusive.
solution.
• The system must have a valid terrain/obstacle/
airport terrain database.

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 SECTION 12
TERRAIN

TERRAIN Alerting Baro-Corrected Altitude

TERRAIN uses information provided from the GPS Baro-corrected altitude (or indicated altitude) is derived
receiver to provide a horizontal position and altitude. by adjusting the altimeter setting for local atmospheric
GPS altitude is derived from satellite measurements. GPS conditions. The most accurate baro-corrected altitude
altitude is converted to a mean sea level (MSL)-based can be achieved by frequently updating the altimeter
altitude (GPS-MSL altitude) and is used to determine setting to the nearest reporting station along the flight
TERRAIN alerts. GPS-MSL altitude accuracy is affected path. However, because actual atmosphere conditions
by factors such as satellite geometry, but it is not subject seldom match the standard conditions defined by the
to variations in pressure and temperature that normally International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) model (where
affect pressure altitude devices. GPS-MSL altitude does pressure, temperature, and lapse rates have fixed values),
not require local altimeter settings to determine MSL it is common for the baro-corrected altitude (as read from
altitude. Therefore, GPS altitude provides a highly the altimeter) to differ from the GPS-MSL altitude. This
accurate and reliable MSL altitude source to calculate variation results in the aircraft’s true altitude differing from
terrain and obstacle alerts. the baro-corrected altitude.
TERRAIN utilizes terrain and obstacle databases that
are referenced to mean sea level (MSL). Using the GPS Using TERRAIN
position and GPS-MSL altitude, TERRAIN displays a 2-D During power-up, the terrain/obstacle database
picture of the surrounding terrain and obstacles relative versions are displayed along with a disclaimer to the pilot.
to the position and altitude of the aircraft. Furthermore, At the same time, TERRAIN self-test begins. A test failure
the GPS position and GPS-MSL altitude are used to is annunciated for TERRAIN as shown in Table 12-4.
calculate and “predict” the aircraft’s flight path in relation
to the surrounding terrain and obstacles. In this manner,
TERRAIN can provide advanced alerts of predicted
dangerous terrain conditions. Detailed alert modes are
described later in this section.

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 SECTION 12
TERRAIN

12.2 TERRAIN Page NOTE: If an obstacle and the projected flight path
of the aircraft intersect, the display automatically
See Section 3.5 for a complete description of the
zooms in to the closest potential point of impact
TERRAIN Page and its operation.
on the TERRAIN Page.
TERRAIN Symbols
The symbols and colors in Figure 12-1 and Table
12-1 are used to represent obstacles and potential
impact points on the TERRAIN Page. TERRAIN
uses yellow (caution) and red (warning) to depict
terrain information relative to aircraft altitude.
Each color is associated with an alert severity level.
Terrain graphics and visual annunciations also use
these color assignments.
Potential Impact Point

Projected Flight Path Terrain above or

within 100 ft
100 ft Threshold below the aircraft
Unlighted Obstacle altitude (Red)

1000 ft

Terrain between 100 ft and 1000 ft below the

aircraft altitude (Yellow)

Terrain more than 1000 ft below the aircraft altitude (Black)

Figure 12-1 Terrain Altitude/Color Correlation

Unlighted Obstacle Lighted Obstacle Potential

Impact
< 1000’ > 1000’ < 1000’ > 1000’ Obstacle Location Alert Level
Points
AGL AGL AGL AGL
Obstacle above or within
Obstacle Symbol

WARNING
100’ below current aircraft
(Red)
altitude
Obstacle between 100’ and
CAUTION
1000’ below current aircraft
(Yellow)
altitude
Table 12-1 Terrain/Obstacle Colors and Symbology

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 SECTION 12
TERRAIN

12.3 TERRAIN Alerts Pop-up terrain alerts (Figures 12-3 & 12-4) can also
appear during an alert, but only when the TERRAIN Page
TERRAIN Alerts are issued when flight conditions is not displayed.
meet parameters that are set within TERRAIN software There are two options when an alert is displayed:
algorithms. TERRAIN alerts typically employ either an
ADVISORY or a CAUTION alert severity level, or both. • Press the CLR Key. This acknowledges the
When an alert is issued, visual annunciations are pop-up alert and returns to the currently
displayed. viewed page.
Annunciations appear in a dedicated field in the lower • Press the ENT Key. This acknowledges the
left corner of the display (Figure 12-2). Annunciations pop-up alert and accesses the TERRAIN Page.
are color-coded according to Table 12-2.
TERRAIN Annunciation Field

Figure 12-3 TERRAIN Advisory Pop-up

Figure 12-2 TERRAIN Annunciation Field

NOTE: TERRAIN Advisory Alerts are displayed

as constant black text on a yellow background;
TERRAIN Caution Alerts are displayed as flashing
black text on a yellow background.

Figure 12-4 TERRAIN Caution Pop-up (Flashing)

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 SECTION 12
TERRAIN

Table 12-2 shows the possible TERRAIN alert types with corresponding annunciations.
Alert Type Annunciation Pop-Up Alert
TERRAIN Failure None
TERRAIN Inhibited None
TERRAIN Not Available None
Required Terrain Clearance (RTC) Advisory

Required Terrain Clearance (RTC) Caution

(FLASHING) (FLASHING)
Imminent Terrain Impact (ITI) Advisory

Imminent Terrain Impact (ITI) Caution

(FLASHING) (FLASHING)
Required Obstacle Clearance (ROC) Advisory

Required Obstacle Clearance (ROC) Caution

(FLASHING) (FLASHING)
Imminent Obstacle Impact (IOI) Advisory

Imminent Obstacle Impact (IOI) Caution

(FLASHING) (FLASHING)
Premature Descent Alert (PDA) Advisory
Table 12-2 TERRAIN Alert Summary

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Table 12-3 shows system status annunciations that may also be issued:
TERRAIN Page
Alert Type Pop-Up Alert
Annunciation
TERRAIN System Test Fail None
TERRAIN Alerting is disabled None
No GPS position or excessively degraded None
GPS signal
System Test in progress None
System Test pass None None
Table 12-3 Additional System Annunciations

Forward Looking Terrain Avoidance

The Forward Looking Terrain Avoidance (FLTA) alert is used by TERRAIN and is composed of:
• Reduced Required Terrain Clearance (RTC) and Reduced Required Obstacle Clearance (ROC) -These alerts are
issued when the aircraft flight path is above terrain, yet is projected to come within the minimum clearance
values in Table 12-4. When an RTC or ROC alert is issued, a potential impact point is displayed on the
TERRAIN Page.
• Imminent Terrain Impact (ITI) and Imminent Obstacle Impact (IOI) - These alerts are issued when the
aircraft is below the elevation of a terrain or obstacle cell in the aircraft’s projected path. ITI and IOI alerts are
accompanied by a potential impact point displayed on the TERRAIN Page. The alert is annunciated when the
projected vertical flight path is calculated to come within minimum clearance altitudes in Table 12-4.
During the final approach phase of flight, FLTA alerts are automatically inhibited when the aircraft is below 200
feet AGL while within 0.5 nm of the approach runway or below 125 feet AGL while within 1.0 nm of the runway
threshold.

Phase of Flight Minimum Clearance Minimum Clearance

Altitude Level Flight (ft) Altitude Descending (ft)
Enroute 700 500
Terminal 350 300
Approach 150 100
Departure 100 100
Table 12-4 Minimum Terrain and Obstacle Clearance Values for FLTA Alerts

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Premature Descent Alerting TERRAIN Inhibit

A Premature Descent Alert (PDA) is issued when the TERRAIN also has an inhibit mode that deactivates the
system detects that the aircraft is significantly below the FLTA/PDA visual alerts. Pilots should use discretion when
normal approach path to a runway (Figure 12-5). inhibiting TERRAIN and always remember to enable the
PDA alerting begins when the aircraft is within 15 nm system when appropriate.
of the destination airport. PDA alerting ends when the Inhibiting TERRAIN:
aircraft is either:
1) Select the TERRAIN Page and press the MENU
• 0.5 nm from the runway threshold Key. ‘Inhibit Terrain?’ is selected by default
OR (Figure 12-6).
• at an altitude of 125 feet AGL while within 1.0
nm of the threshold.
700
Height Above Terrain (Feet)

600
Figure 12-6 TERRAIN Page Menu
500
2) Press the ENT Key. The ‘TER INHB’ annunciation
400
is displayed in the TERRAIN annunciator field
300
when TERRAIN is inhibited (Figure 12-7).
Annunciator Field
200 “Too Low Terrain”
100

Runway 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Threshold
Distance From Destination Airport (nm) Figure 12-7 Annunciator Field

Figure 12-5 PDA Alerting Threshold Enabling TERRAIN:

1) Select the TERRAIN Page and press the MENU
Key. ‘Enable Terrain?’ is selected by default.
2) Press the ENT Key. The TERRAIN system is
functional again.

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TERRAIN

TERRAIN Not Available Alert TERRAIN Failure Alert

TERRAIN requires a 3-D GPS navigation solution TERRAIN continually monitors several system-critical
along with specific vertical accuracy minimums. Should items such as database validity, hardware status, and GPS
the navigation solution become degraded or if the aircraft status. If the terrain/obstacle database is not available,
is out of the database coverage area, the annunciation ‘TER FAIL’ is generated in the annunciation window, and
‘TER N/A’ is generated in the annunciation window and ‘TERRAIN FAILED’ is generated on the TERRAIN Page
‘TERRAIN NOT AVAILABLE’ is generated on the TERRAIN (Figure 12-9).
Page (Figure 12-8). When the GPS signal is re-established
and the aircraft is within the database coverage area, the
‘TER N/A’ visual annunciation is removed.

Figure 12-9: TERRAIN FAILED Display

Figure 12-8: TERRAIN NOT AVAILABLE Display

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TERRAIN

12.4 Database Information for Database Versions

TERRAIN The version and area of coverage of each terrain/obstacle
database is shown on the Terrain Database Versions Page,
General Database Information located in the AUX Page Group (Figures 12-10 and 12-11,
also Section 10.3). Databases are checked for integrity
Garmin TERRAIN uses terrain and obstacle
at power-up. If a database is found to be missing and/
information supplied by government sources. The data
or deficient, the TERRAIN system fails the self-test and
undergoes verification by Garmin to confirm accuracy of
displays the TERRAIN system failure message (see Table
the content, per TSO-C151b. However, the displayed
12-3).
information should never be understood as being all-
inclusive. Pilots must familiarize themselves with
the appropriate sectional charts for safe flight.

NOTE: 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.

The terrain/obstacle databases are contained on a

datacard which is inserted in the right-most slot of the
GNS 530 units (Appendix A). Figure 12-10 Utility Page

NOTE: Obstacles 200’ and higher are included

in the Obstacle Database. It is very important
to note that not all obstacles are necessarily
charted and therefore may not be contained in
the Obstacle Database.

Figure 12-11 Terrain Database Versions Page

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 SECTION 12
TERRAIN

Database Updates Terrain/Obstacle Database Areas of Coverage

Terrain/obstacle databases are updated periodically Table 12-5 lists the area of coverage available in each
with the latest terrain and obstacle data. Visit the Garmin database. Regional definitions may change without
website to check for newer versions of terrain/obstacle notice.
databases (compare database cycle numbers to determine
if a newer version is available). Updated terrain data cards Database Coverage Area
may be obtained by calling Garmin at one of the numbers Latitudes: N75 to S60
Worldwide (WW)
listed in the front of this document. Longitudes: W180 to E180
Updating terrain/obstacle databases: Limited to the United States plus
United States (US) some areas of Canada, Mexico,
1) Acquire a new terrain data card from
Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Garmin.
Alaska, Austria, Belgium, Canada*,
2) Turn off the power to the GNS 530.
Caribbean*, Czech Republic,
3) Remove the old terrain data card from and Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
insert the new card into the right-most slot of Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Iceland,
the GNS 530. US/Europe Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
4) Turn on the GNS 530 and verify that the Mexico*, Netherlands, Norway,
TERRAIN system passes self-test. Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom, United States
* Indicates partial coverage
Table 12-5 Database Coverage Areas

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

SECTION 13: TAWS Limitations

NOTE: The data contained in the TAWS databases
NOTE: GNS 530 units may* display either a comes from government agencies. Garmin
TERRAIN Page or a TAWS Page, (but not both) accurately processes and cross-validates the
depending upon the installed hardware and data but cannot guarantee the accuracy and
configuration. completeness of the data.

* Some earlier units are not equipped to support the TAWS displays terrain and obstructions relative to the
TERRAIN and/or TAWS functionality, so therefore will not altitude of the aircraft. The displayed caution and warning
have a TERRAIN or TAWS page available. alerts are advisory in nature only. Individual obstructions
may be shown if available in the database. However, all
13.1 INTRODUCTION obstructions may not be available in the database and
data may be inaccurate. Never use this information for
TAWS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System) is
navigation or to maneuver to avoid obstacles.
a feature to increase situational awareness and aid in
Terrain information is based on terrain elevation
reducing controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). TAWS
information in a database that may contain inaccuracies.
satisfies TSO-C151b Class B requirements for certification.
Terrain information should be used as an aid to situational
Class B TAWS is required for all Part 91 aircraft operations
awareness. Never use it for navigation or to maneuver to
with six or more passenger seats and for Part 135 turbine
avoid terrain.
aircraft operations with six to nine passenger seats (FAR
TAWS uses terrain and obstacle information supplied
Parts 91.223, 135.154).
by government sources. The data undergoes verification
TAWS functionality is an available feature found in
by Garmin to confirm accuracy of the content, per TSO-
GNS 530 TAWS units with main software version 6.01 or
C151b. However, the displayed information should never
above, along with appropriate hardware upgrades. TAWS
be understood as being all-inclusive.
provides visual and aural annunciations when terrain and
obstacles are within the given altitude threshold from the TAWS Alerting
aircraft.
TAWS uses information provided from the GPS receiver
Operating Criteria to provide a horizontal position and altitude. GPS altitude
is derived from satellite measurements. GPS altitude is
TAWS requires the following to operate properly:
converted to a mean sea level (MSL)-based altitude (GPS-
• The system must have a valid 3-D GPS position MSL altitude) and is used to determine TAWS alerts.
solution. GPS-MSL altitude accuracy is affected by factors such
• The system must have a valid terrain/obstacle/ as satellite geometry, but it is not subject to variations in
airport terrain database. pressure and temperature that normally affect pressure
altitude devices. GPS-MSL altitude does not require local
altimeter settings to determine MSL altitude. Therefore,
GPS altitude provides a highly accurate and reliable MSL
altitude source to calculate terrain and obstacle alerts.

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

TAWS utilizes terrain and obstacle databases that Using TAWS

are referenced to mean sea level (MSL). Using the GPS
During power-up, the terrain/obstacle database versions
position and GPS-MSL altitude, TAWS displays a 2-D
are displayed along with a disclaimer to the pilot. At the
picture of the surrounding terrain and obstacles relative to
same time, TAWS self-test begins. One of the following
the position and altitude of the aircraft. Furthermore, the
aural messages is generated:
GPS position and GPS-MSL altitude are used to calculate
and “predict” the aircraft’s flight path in relation to the • “TAWS System Test OK”
surrounding terrain and obstacles. In this manner, TAWS • “TAWS System Failure”
can provide advanced alerts of predicted dangerous terrain A test failure is also annunciated for TAWS as shown
conditions. Detailed alert modes are described later in in Table 13-4.
this section.
Baro-Corrected Altitude
Baro-corrected altitude (or indicated altitude) is derived
by adjusting the altimeter setting for local atmospheric
conditions. The most accurate baro-corrected altitude
can be achieved by frequently updating the altimeter
setting to the nearest reporting station along the flight
path. However, because actual atmosphere conditions
seldom match the standard conditions defined by the
International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) model (where
pressure, temperature, and lapse rates have fixed values),
it is common for the baro-corrected altitude (as read from
the altimeter) to differ from the GPS-MSL altitude. This
variation results in the aircraft’s true altitude differing from
the baro-corrected altitude.

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

13.2 TAWS Page NOTE: If an obstacle and the projected flight path
of the aircraft intersect, the display automatically
See Section 3.6 for a complete description of the TAWS
zooms in to the closest potential point of impact
Page and its operation.
on the TAWS Page.
TAWS Symbols
The symbols and colors in Figure 13-1 and
Table 13-1 are used to represent obstacles and
potential impact points on the TAWS Page. TAWS
uses yellow (caution) and red (warning) to depict
terrain information relative to aircraft altitude.
Each color is associated with an alert severity level.
Terrain graphics and visual annunciations also use
these color assignments.
Potential Impact Point

Projected Flight Path Terrain above or

within 100 ft
100 ft Threshold below the aircraft
Unlighted Obstacle altitude (Red)

1000 ft

Terrain between 100 ft and 1000 ft below the

aircraft altitude (Yellow)

Terrain more than 1000 ft below the aircraft altitude (Black)

Figure 13-1 Terrain Altitude/Color Correlation for TAWS

Unlighted Obstacle Lighted Obstacle Potential

Impact
< 1000’ > 1000’ < 1000’ > 1000’ Obstacle Location Alert Level
Points
AGL AGL AGL AGL
Obstacle above or within
Obstacle Symbol

WARNING
100’ below current aircraft
(Red)
altitude
Obstacle between 100’ and
CAUTION
1000’ below current aircraft
(Yellow)
altitude
Table 13-1 TAWS Terrain/Obstacle Colors and Symbology

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

13.3 TAWS Alerts

TAWS Alerts are issued when flight conditions meet
parameters that are set within TAWS software algorithms.
TAWS alerts typically employ either a CAUTION or a
WARNING alert severity level, or both.
When an alert is issued, visual annunciations are
displayed. Aural alerts are simultaneously issued.
Annunciations appear in a dedicated field in the lower
left corner of the display (Figure 13-2). Annunciations
are color-coded according to Table 13-2. Figure 13-3 Caution Alert Pop-up
TAWS Annunciation Field

Figure 13-2 TAWS Annunciation Field Figure 13-4 Warning Alert Pop-up

Pop-up terrain alerts (Figures 13-3 & 13-4) can also

NOTE: Alerts with multiple messages (see Table
appear during an alert, but only when the TAWS Page is
13-2) are configurable at installation and are
not displayed.
installation-dependent.
There are two options when an alert is displayed:
• Press the CLR Key. This acknowledges the NOTE: TAWS Caution Alerts are displayed as
pop-up alert and returns to the currently constant black text on a yellow background;
TAWS Warning Alerts are displayed as constant
viewed page.
white text on a red background.
• Press the ENT Key. This acknowledges the
pop-up alert and accesses the TAWS Page.

NOTE: To further capture the attention of the

pilot, TAWS issues aural (voice) messages that
accompany visual annunciations and pop-up
alerts.

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

Table 13-2 shows the possible TAWS alert types with corresponding annunciations and aural messages.
TAWS Page
Alert Type Pop-Up Alert Aural Message
Annunciation
Excessive Descent Rate (EDR) Warning “Pull Up”
Reduced Required Terrain Clearance * “Terrain, Terrain; Pull Up, Pull Up”*
(RTC) Warning or or
“Terrain Ahead, Pull Up; Terrain Ahead, Pull Up”
Imminent Terrain Impact (ITI) Warning * Terrain Ahead, Pull Up; Terrain Ahead, Pull Up’*
or or
“Terrain, Terrain; Pull Up, Pull Up”
Reduced Required Obstacle Clearance * “Obstacle, Obstacle; Pull Up, Pull Up”*
(ROC) Warning or or
“Obstacle Ahead, Pull Up; Obstacle Ahead, Pull Up”
Imminent Obstacle Impact (IOI) * “Obstacle Ahead, Pull Up; Obstacle Ahead, Pull Up”*
Warning or or
“Obstacle, Obstacle; Pull Up, Pull Up”
Reduced Required Terrain Clearance * “Caution, Terrain; Caution, Terrain”*
(RTC) Caution or or
“Terrain Ahead; Terrain Ahead”
Imminent Terrain Impact (ITI) Caution * “Terrain Ahead; Terrain Ahead”*
or or
“Caution, Terrain; Caution, Terrain”
Reduced Required Obstacle Clearance * “Caution, Obstacle; Caution, Obstacle”*
(ROC) Caution or or
“Obstacle Ahead; Obstacle Ahead”
Imminent Obstacle Impact (IOI) Caution * “Obstacle Ahead; Obstacle Ahead”*
or or
“Caution, Obstacle; Caution, Obstacle”
Premature Descent Alert (PDA) Caution “Too Low, Terrain”
Altitude Callout “500” None None “Five-Hundred”
Excessive Descent Rate (EDR) Caution “Sink Rate”
Negative Climb Rate (NCR) Caution * “Don’t Sink”*
or or
“Too Low, Terrain”
Table 13-2 TAWS Alerts Summary
* Indicates the default configuration

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

Table 13-3 shows system status annunciations that may also be issued:
TAWS Page
Alert Type Pop-Up Alert Aural Message
Annunciation
TAWS System Test Fail None “TAWS System Failure”
TAWS Alerting is disabled None None
No GPS position or excessively degraded None “TAWS Not Available”
GPS signal “TAWS Available” is generated when sufficient
GPS signal is re-established.
System Test in progress None None
System Test pass None None “TAWS System Test OK”
Table 13-3 Additional System Annunciations

Forward Looking Terrain Avoidance

The Forward Looking Terrain Avoidance (FLTA) alert is used by TAWS and is composed of:
• Reduced Required Terrain Clearance (RTC) and Reduced Required Obstacle Clearance (ROC) -These alerts are
issued when the aircraft flight path is above terrain, yet is projected to come within the minimum clearance
values in Table 13-4. When an RTC or ROC alert is issued, a potential impact point is displayed on the TAWS
Page.
• Imminent Terrain Impact (ITI) and Imminent Obstacle Impact (IOI) - These alerts are issued when the
aircraft is below the elevation of a terrain or obstacle cell in the aircraft’s projected path. ITI and IOI alerts are
accompanied by a potential impact point displayed on the TAWS Page. The alert is annunciated when the
projected vertical flight path is calculated to come within minimum clearance altitudes in Table 13-4.

Phase of Flight Minimum Clearance Minimum Clearance

Altitude Level Flight (ft) Altitude Descending (ft)
Enroute 700 500
Terminal 350 300
Approach 150 100
Departure 100 100
Table 13-4 Minimum Terrain and Obstacle Clearance Values for FLTA Alerts
During the final approach phase of flight, FLTA alerts are automatically inhibited when the aircraft is below 200
feet AGL while within 0.5 nm of the approach runway or below 125 feet AGL while within 1.0 nm of the runway
threshold.

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

Premature Descent Alerting TAWS Inhibit

A Premature Descent Alert (PDA) is issued when the TAWS also has an inhibit mode that deactivates the
system detects that the aircraft is significantly below the FLTA/PDA aural and visual alerts. Pilots should use
normal approach path to a runway (Figure 13-5). discretion when inhibiting TAWS and always remember
PDA alerting begins when the aircraft is within 15 nm to enable the system when appropriate. Only the FLTA
of the destination airport. PDA alerting ends when the air- and PDA alerts are disabled in the inhibit mode.
craft is either: Inhibiting TAWS:
• 0.5 nm from the runway threshold 1) Select the TAWS Page and press the MENU Key.
OR ‘Inhibit Terrain?’ is selected by default (Figure
• at an altitude of 125 feet AGL while within 1.0 13-6).
nm of the threshold.
700
Height Above Terrain (Feet)

600

500 Figure 13-6 TAWS Page Menu

400
2) Press the ENT Key. The ‘TER INHB’ annunciation
300 is displayed in the TAWS annunciator field
when TAWS is inhibited (Figure 13-7).
200 “Too Low Terrain”
Annunciator Field
100

Runway 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Threshold
Distance From Destination Airport (nm)
Figure 13-7 Annunciator Field
Figure 13-5 PDA Alerting Threshold

Enabling TAWS:
1) Select the TAWS Page and press the MENU
Key. ‘Enable Terrain?’ is selected by default.
2) Press the ENT Key. The TAWS system is
functional again.

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

Excessive Descent Rate Alert

The purpose of the Excessive Descent Rate (EDR) alert is to provide suitable notification when the aircraft is deter-
mined to be closing (descending) upon terrain at an excessive speed. Figure 13-8 shows the parameters for the alert as
defined by TSO-C151b.
6000

5500

5000

4500
Height Above Terrain (Feet)

"
TE
4000
K RA
IN
3500 "S
3000

2500

2000

1500

1000 "PULL UP"

500

0
2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000
Descent Rate (FPM)

Figure 13-8 Excessive Descent Rate Alert Criteria

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

Negative Climb Rate After Takeoff Alert (NCR)

The purpose of the Negative Climb Rate (NCR) After Takeoff alert (also referred to as “Altitude Loss After Takeoff”) is
to provide suitable alerts to the pilot when the system determines that the aircraft is losing altitude (closing upon terrain)
after takeoff. The aural message “Don’t Sink” is given for NCR alerts, accompanied by an annunciation and a pop-up
terrain alert on the display. NCR alerting is only active when departing from an airport and when the following condi-
tions are met:
• The height above the terrain is less than 700 feet.
• The distance from the departure airport is 2 nm or less.
• The heading change from the heading at the time of departure is less than 110 degrees.
Figure 13-9 shows two figures which illustrate the NCR alerting parameters as defined by TSO-C151b. The NCR alert
is issued when the altitude loss and height are within the range in the first figure, or when the sink rate (negative vertical
speed) and height are within the range in the second figure.
Height Above Terrain (Feet)

1000

800

600

400
“DON’T SINK”
200

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Altitude Loss (Feet)

Height Above Terrain (Feet)

1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300 “DON’T SINK”
200
100

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

Sink Rate (Feet Per Minute)

Figure 13-9 Negative Climb Rate (NCR) Alert Criteria

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

‘Five-Hundred’ Aural Alert TAWS Failure Alert

The purpose of the aural alert message “Five-Hundred” TAWS continually monitors several system-critical
is to provide an advisory alert to the pilot that the air- items such as database validity, hardware status, and GPS
craft is 500 feet above terrain. When the aircraft descends status. If the terrain/obstacle database is not available,
within 500 feet of terrain, the aural message “Five-Hun- the aural message “TAWS System Failure” is generated
dred” is generated. There are no display annunciations or along with ‘TER FAIL’ in the annunciation window, and
pop-up alerts that accompany the aural message. ‘TERRAIN FAILED’ on the TAWS Page (Figure 13-11).

TAWS Not Available Alert

TAWS requires a 3-D GPS navigation solution along
with specific vertical accuracy minimums. Should the
navigation solution become degraded or if the aircraft is out
of the database coverage area, the annunciation ‘TER N/A’
is generated in the annunciation window and ‘TERRAIN
NOT AVAILABLE’ is generated on the TAWS Page (Figure
13-10). The aural message “TERRAIN Not Available” is
generated. When the GPS signal is re-established and
the aircraft is within the database coverage area, the
Figure 13-11: TAWS FAILED Display
‘TER N/A’ visual annunciation is removed (there is no
associated aural message).

Figure 13-10: TAWS NOT AVAILABLE Display

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

13.4 Database Information for TAWS Database Versions

The version and area of coverage of each terrain/obstacle
General Database Information database is shown on the Terrain Database Versions Page,
Garmin TAWS uses terrain and obstacle information located in the AUX Page Group (Figures 13-12 and 13-13,
supplied by government sources. The data undergoes also Section 10.3). Databases are checked for integrity
verification by Garmin to confirm accuracy of the content, at power-up. If a database is found to be missing and/or
per TSO-C151b. However, the displayed information deficient, the TAWS system fails the self-test and displays
should never be understood as being all-inclusive. the TAWS system failure message (see Table 13-3).
Pilots must familiarize themselves with the
appropriate sectional charts for safe flight.

NOTE: 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.

The terrain/obstacle databases are contained on a

datacard which is inserted in the right-most slot of the
GNS 530 units (Appendix A). Figure 13-12 Utility Page

NOTE: Obstacles 200’ and higher are included

in the Obstacle Database. It is very important
to note that not all obstacles are necessarily
charted and therefore may not be contained in
the Obstacle Database.

Figure 13-13 Terrain Database Versions Page

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 SECTION 13
TAWS

Database Updates Terrain/Obstacle Database Areas of Coverage

Terrain/obstacle databases are updated periodically Table 13-5 lists the area of coverage available in each
with the latest terrain and obstacle data. Visit the Garmin database. Regional definitions may change without
website to check for newer versions of terrain/obstacle da- notice.
tabases (compare database cycle numbers to determine if
a newer version is available). Updated terrain data cards Database Coverage Area
may be obtained by calling Garmin at one of the numbers Latitudes: N75 to S60
Worldwide (WW)
listed in the front of this document. Longitudes: W180 to E180
Updating terrain/obstacle databases: Limited to the United States plus
United States (US) some areas of Canada, Mexico,
1) Acquire a new terrain data card from
Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Garmin.
Alaska, Austria, Belgium, Canada*,
2) Turn off the power to the GNS 530.
Caribbean*, Czech Republic,
3) Remove the old terrain data card from and Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
insert the new card into the right-most slot of Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Iceland,
the 500 Series unit. US/Europe Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
4) Turn on the GNS 530 and verify that the TAWS Mexico*, Netherlands, Norway,
system passes self-test. Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom, United States
* Indicates partial coverage
Table 13-5 Database Coverage Areas

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 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

SECTION 14: ADDITIONAL NOTE: Proximity Advisories and Other Traffic

symbols normally displayed in white may be
FEATURES displayed in cyan if configured for alternate traffic
color (see the 500 series installation manual).
CAUTION: The Weather Data Link and TIS
information contained in this section is not 14.1 Traffic Information Service (TIS)
intended to replace the documentation that is Interface
supplied with the GDL 49, the GDL 69(A) Data
Link, and the GTX 330 Transponder. This section is written for:
• Garmin GNS 500 Series Main System Software
CAUTION: TIS is not intended to be used as a Version 6.01 and later
collision avoidance system and does not relieve
pilot responsibility to ‘see and avoid’ other
• GTX 330/330D Main Software Version 4.01 and
aircraft. TIS should not be used for avoidance later
maneuvers during Instrument Meteorological Some differences in operation may be observed when
Conditions (IMC) or other times when there is comparing the information in this manual to earlier or
no visual contact with the intruder aircraft. TIS
later software versions.
is intended only to assist in visual acquisition
of other aircraft in Visual Meteorological
Conditions (VMC). Avoidance maneuvers are NOTE: This section is written exclusively for
not recommended, nor authorized, as a direct GNS 530 units that are configured with the GTX
result of a TIS intruder display or TIS alert. 330 Mode S Transponder. Refer to the 400/500
Series Display Interfaces Pilot’s Guide Addendum
NOTE: Garmin is not responsible for Mode S (190-00140-10) when interfacing with non-
geographical coverage. Operation of the ground Garmin products.
stations is the responsibility of the FAA. Refer
to the Aeronautical Information Manual for a TIS Operation
Terminal Mode S Radar Site Map covering the The Traffic Information Service (TIS) provides a
U.S.
graphic display of traffic advisory information in the
NOTE: This Section assumes the user has cockpit for non-TCAS equipped aircraft. TIS is a ground-
experience operating the GNS 530 and the based service providing relative location of aircraft tracked
Garmin GTX 330 Transponder. by ATC radar within a specified service volume. The TIS
ground sensor uses real-time track reports to generate
NOTE: TIS and Weather Data Link displays traffic notification. TIS Traffic display is available to
are available only when GNS 530 units are
aircraft equipped with a Mode S Data Link, such as the
configured with the GTX 330 Mode S Transponder
Garmin GTX 330 Transponder. TIS traffic information
and a GDL 49 or GDL 69(A) Data Link Satellite
Receiver. from a GTX 330 Transponder can then be displayed on a
GNS 530 unit. Surveillance data includes aircraft tracked
by ATC radar within the coverage volume. Aircraft without
an operating transponder are invisible to TIS.

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 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

TIS displays up to eight traffic targets within 7 nautical TIS Limitations

miles horizontally from 3000 feet below to 3500 feet
above the requesting aircraft (Figure 14-1). NOTE: This section on TIS Limitations is not
comprehensive. Garmin recommends the
user review the TIS Limitations section of the
3,500 ft Aeronautical Information Manual, Section
1-3-5.

7.0 nm TIS is not intended to be used as a collision avoidance

system and does not relieve the pilot responsibility to
‘see and avoid’ other aircraft. TIS should not be used for
avoidance maneuvers during IMC or other times when
3,000 ft there is no visual contact with the intruder aircraft. TIS
is intended only to assist in visual acquisition of other
Not to Scale aircraft in VMC. No recommended avoidance maneuvers
are provided for, nor authorized, as a direct result of a TIS
Figure 14-1 TIS Coverage Volume intruder display or TIS advisory.

TIS Operational Procedures NOTE: The main difference between TIS and TCAS
is the source of surveillance data. TCAS uses an
TIS warns the user with voice and visual traffic airborne interrogator with a half-second update
advisories when it predicts an intruder to be a threat. rate, while TIS uses the terminal Mode S ground
The user should not start evasive maneuvers using interrogator and its Data Link to provide about
information from the GNS 530 display or on a traffic a 5-second update rate. The range accuracy of
advisory only. The display and advisories are intended TIS and TCAS is similar.
only for assistance in visually locating the traffic, due to
the lack in resolution and coordination ability. The flight While TIS is a useful aid to visual traffic avoidance, it
crew should attempt to visually acquire the intruder has some system limitations that must be fully understood
aircraft and maintain a safe separation in accordance with to ensure proper use. Many of these limitations are
regulatory requirements and good operating practice. If inherent in secondary radar surveillance. In other words,
the flight crew cannot visually acquire the aircraft, they the information provided by TIS is no better than that
should contact ATC to obtain any information that may provided to ATC. TIS only displays aircraft with operating
assist concerning the intruder aircraft. Based on the above transponders installed.
procedures, minor adjustment to the vertical flight path TIS relies on surveillance of the Mode S radar, which
consistent with air traffic requirements are not considered is a ‘secondary surveillance’ radar similar to the ATCRBS.
evasive maneuvers. TIS operation may be intermittent during turns or other
maneuvering. TIS is dependent on two-way, ‘line-of-
sight’ communications between the aircraft and the
Mode S radar. When the structure of the client aircraft

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 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

comes between the transponder antenna (usually located The preceding errors are relatively rare occurrences
on the underside of the aircraft) and the ground-based and are corrected in a few radar scans once the course has
radar antenna, the signal may be temporarily interrupted. stabilized.
Other limitations and anomalies associated with TIS are Users of TIS can render valuable assistance in the
described in the AIM, Section 1-3-5. correction of malfunctions by reporting their observations
of undesirable performance.
TIS is unavailable at low altitudes in many areas Reporters should identify:
of the U.S., particularly in mountainous regions.
Also, when flying near the ‘floor’ of radar cov-
• Time of observation
erage in a particular area, intruders below the • Location, type, and identity of aircraft
client aircraft may not be detected by TIS.
• Condition observed
TIS information is collected one radar scan prior to • Type of transponder, processor, and software in
the scan during which the uplink occurs. Therefore, the use
surveillance information is approximately 5 seconds old.
Since TIS performance is monitored by maintenance
In order to present the intruders in a ‘real time’ position,
personnel rather than ATC, it is suggested that malfunctions
the TIS ground station uses a predictive algorithm in
be reported in the following ways:
its tracking software. This algorithm uses track history
data to extrapolate intruders to their expected positions • By telephone to the nearest Flight Service Station
consistent with the time of display in the cockpit. (FSS) facility.
Occasionally, aircraft maneuvering causes this algorithm • By FAA Form 8000-7, Safety Improvement
to induce errors in the GNS 530 display. These errors Report, a postage-paid card designed for this
primarily affect relative bearing information and traffic purpose. These cards may be obtained at FAA
target track vector (it lags); intruder distance and altitude FSS’s, General Aviation District Offices, Flight
remain relatively accurate and may be used to assist in Standards District Offices, and General Aviation
“see and avoid”. Some of the more common examples of Fixed Based Operations.
these errors follow:
• When client or intruder aircraft maneuvers
excessively or abruptly, the tracking algorithm
may report incorrect horizontal position until the
maneuvering aircraft stabilizes.
• When a rapidly closing intruder is on a course
that crosses the client aircraft course at a shallow
angle (either overtaking or head on) and either
aircraft abruptly changes course within .25 nm,
TIS may display the intruder on the wrong side of
the client.

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TIS Audio Alerting Altitude trend is displayed as an up arrow (> +500

The TIS audio alert is generated when the number of fpm), down arrow (< -500 fpm), or no symbol if less than
Traffic Advisories (TA) on the GNS 530 display increases 500 fpm rate in either direction.
from one scan to the next. Limiting TAs only reduces The traffic ground track vector protrudes from each
‘nuisance’ alerting due to proximate aircraft. For example, symbol in the direction of travel.
when the first TAs appears on the TIS display, the user is Traffic Type Symbol
alerted audibly. As long as a single aircraft remains on Traffic Advisory
the TIS display, no further audio alert is generated. If a
Out-of-Range Traffic Advisory
second (or more) TAs appears on the display, a new audio
alert is sounded. Other Traffic
If the number of TAs on the TIS display decreases
Table 14-1 TIS Symbology
and then increases, a new audio alert is sounded. A TIS
audio alert is also generated when TIS service becomes
‘Other’ (Intruder) Traffic Ground
unavailable. The volume, pitch, and duration of the audio Traffic Symbol Track Vector
alert (including the choice between a male or female voice)
is configured during installation.
Traffic Advisory
The following TIS audio alerts are available: (TA) Symbol
• ‘Traffic’ - TIS traffic alert is received. ‘Own’ (Client)
• ‘Traffic Not Available’ - TIS service is not available Aircraft Symbol
or out of range.
TIS Symbology
TIS traffic is displayed on the GNS 530 unit according
to TCAS symbology on a dedicated Traffic page, and on
Figure 14-2 Traffic Page
the moving Map Page. The symbology is shown in Table
14-1 and Figures 14-2, 14-3, and 14-4. The symbology is
Out-of-Range
described in Table 14-2. A Traffic Advisory (TA) symbol Traffic Advisory
appears as a solid yellow circle (or half circle on the outer (TA) Symbol
range ring if the traffic is outside the range of the dedicated
Traffic Page). Other Traffic is displayed as hollow white
(may be configured as cyan) diamonds.
Altitude deviation from own (client) aircraft altitude is
displayed (in hundreds of feet) for each target symbol. If
traffic is above own aircraft altitude the deviation is shown
above the target next to a ‘+’ symbol. If traffic is below
own aircraft altitude the deviation is shown below the
target next to a ‘-’ symbol. Figure 14-3 Out-of Range TA Symbol

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Altitude Traffic Page

Deviation
TIS Traffic data is displayed on the Traffic Page (Figure
14-5) and the Map Page. Unlike other forms of traffic, TIS
Altitude traffic does not require heading data to be valid on the map.
Trend
The only difference between TIS and other traffic data
occurs on the Traffic Page. If heading is available, then the
traffic data is compensated and displayed as heading-up. If
it is not available, the Traffic Page is a track-up display. It is
Figure 14-4 Altitude Trend and Deviation labeled on the upper portion of the Traffic Page.
Heading or Track
Up Indicator
Traffic Type Description Mode
Selection
Traffic This symbol (solid yellow circle) is generated Field
Advisory (TA) when an intruder aircraft approaches on a
course that projects to intercept (defined by
a 0.5 nm horizontal radius and a relative
altitude of ± 500 ft) the pilot’s current
course within 34 seconds.
Out-of- This solid yellow half circle appears under
Range Traffic the same conditions and has the same
Advisory urgency as a TA. Its appearance differs from
the TA only to signify that the intruder is Figure 14-5 Traffic Page
outside of the current range of the Traffic
Page.
Other Traffic This symbol (hollow white diamond)
Symbol represents traffic detected within the
selected display range that does not meet
the criteria for a TA. (May be configured as
cyan).
Traffic The target track vector is a short line
Ground Track displayed in 45° increments. The vector
protrudes from each target symbol in the
approximate direction of travel.
Table 14-2 TIS Options

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TIS Traffic Display Status and Pilot Response • FAILED - ‘FAILED’ is displayed when the GTX
330 has indicated it has failed (Figure 14-8). The
• AGE - If traffic data is not refreshed within 6 pilot should see the installer for corrective action.
seconds, an age indicator (e.g., ‘AGE 00:12’) is
displayed in the lower right corner of the display
(when displaying traffic). See Figure 14-6. After
another 6 seconds, if data is still not received,
the traffic is removed from the display. The pilot
should be aware that the quality of displayed
traffic is reduced in this condition.

Figure 14-8 ‘Failed’ Message

• NO DATA - ‘NO DATA’ is displayed when no data

Traffic is being received from the GTX 330 (Figure 14-9).
Coasting
Banner The pilot should be aware that this status may be
and Age
Indicator a normal mode of operation in a dual transponder
installation where the GTX 330 with TIS is not the
Figure 14-6 Traffic Age Indicator and Coasting Banner selected transponder.

• DATA FAIL - ‘DATA FAIL’ is displayed when data

is being received from GTX 330 (Figure 14-7),
but there was a failure detected in the data stream.
The pilot should see the installer for corrective
action.

Figure 14-9 ‘No Data’ Message

• OPER - When the Traffic Page displays OPER in
the upper right hand corner of the display (Figure
14-11), the TIS system is in operational mode and
available to display traffic on the Traffic or Map
Page.
Figure 14-7 ‘Data Fail’ Message

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• STANDBY - When the Traffic Page displays • UNAVAIL - When a 60 second period elapses with
STANDBY (Figure 14-10), the TIS system is in no data, TIS is considered to be unavailable. This
standby mode and cannot display traffic data. state is indicated by the text ‘UNAVAIL’ (Figure
14-12). The pilot should be aware that ‘UNAVAIL’
could indicate a TIS coverage limitation due to a
line-of-sight situation, a low altitude condition,
or a result of flying directly over the radar site
providing coverage (cone of silence).

Figure 14-10 ‘Standby’ Message

• TRFC CST - The ‘TRFC CST’ (traffic coasting)
banner (located above the ‘AGE’ indicator in
Figure 14-6) indicates that displayed traffic is held
even though the data is stale. The pilot should
be aware that the quality of displayed traffic is Figure 14-12 ‘UNAVAIL’ Message
reduced in this condition.
Traffic Warning Window
• TRFC RMVD - The ‘TRFC RMVD’ banner (Figure
When the unit is on any page (other than the NAV
14-11) indicates that traffic has been removed
Traffic Page) and a traffic threat is imminent, the Traffic
from the display due to the age of the data being
Warning Window is displayed (Figure 14-13). The Traffic
too old to ‘coast’ (for the time period of 12-60
Warning Window shows a small thumbnail map which
seconds from the last receipt of a TIS message).
can take the user to the Traffic Page by pressing the ENT
The pilot should be aware that traffic may be
Key, or go back to the previous page by pressing the CLR
present but not shown.
Key.

‘Traffic
Removed’
Banner
and Age Figure 14-13 Traffic Warning Window
Indicator
NOTE: The Traffic Warning Window is disabled
Figure 14-11 Traffic Removed Banner when the aircraft ground speed is less than 30
knots or when an approach is active.

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Non-Bearing Traffic Advisory (TA) Banner Map Page

Traffic is only displayed graphically if aircraft heading TIS traffic is displayed on the Map Page (Figure 14-15)
data is available. When heading is not available, Traffic in addition to the Traffic Page. When a Traffic Advisory
Advisories are displayed as non-bearing banners. The is active, the Traffic Banner is displayed in the lower right
banner shown in Figure 14-14 consists of (left to right): corner of the Map Page.

Non-
Bearing Traffic
Traffic Advisory
Advisory Banner
Banner

Figure 14-14 Non-Bearing TA Banner Figure 14-15 Map Page Displaying Traffic
• The ‘TA’ annunciation.
• The distance in miles ‘1.5’, from the client
aircraft’s present position to the intruder aircraft.
• A ‘+’ or ‘-’ symbol indicating whether the intruder
aircraft is above (+) or below (-) the client aircraft.
• The difference in altitude ‘04’ (shown in hundreds
of feet) between the intruder aircraft and the client
aircraft.
• An up or down arrow indicating that the intruder
aircraft is climbing or descending at a rate greater
than 500 fpm.
Traffic Page Display Range
Various display ranges can be selected for optimal
display of TIS traffic information.
Changing the display range on the Traffic
Page:
Press the RNG Key to zoom through the range
selections which are: 12/6 nm, 6/2 nm, and 2
nm.

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Configuring TIS traffic on the Map Page: Thumbnail Traffic on Map Page
1) Turn the small right knob to select the Map The Map Page can display traffic in a thumbnail format
Page. in any of the top three data fields on the right side of the
2) Press the MENU key. Turn the small right Map Page.
knob to select ‘Setup Map’? and press the ENT Displaying Thumbnail Traffic on the Map
Key. Page:
3) The flashing cursor highlights the GROUP field. 1) Turn the small right knob to select the Map
Turn the small right knob to select ‘Traffic’ Page.
(Figure 14-16) and press the ENT Key.
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Page
Menu.
3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Change
Fields?’ and press the ENT Key.
4) Select one of the top three configurable fields.
Select ‘TRFC’ from the Select Field Type List and
Figure 14-16 Map Setup Window press the ENT Key. Note that the thumbnail
4) Turn the large right knob to select the desired range defaults to 6 nm and cannot be changed
Traffic Mode option. Turn the small right knob (Figure 14-17).
to select the desired option and press the ENT
Key. Repeat the step for Traffic Symbol and
Traffic Label.
5) Press the CLR Key to return the Map Page.
The traffic mode selection menu allows the user to
choose from the following:
• All trfc - All traffic is displayed on the Map Page.
• TA/PA - Only traffic and proximity advisories are
displayed on the Map Page (proximity advisories Figure 14-17 Thumbnail Traffic on Map Page
are not applicable to TIS configuration).
• TA only - Only traffic advisories are displayed on
the Map Page.

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Highlighting TIS Traffic Using Map Page Power-Up Test

Panning The TIS interface performs an automatic test during
Another Map Page feature is panning, which allows the power-up.
pilot to move the map beyond its current limits without
adjusting the map scale. Press the small right knob to • If the system passes the power-up test, the
select the panning function, a target pointer flashes on the Standby Screen appears on the Traffic Page.
map display. A window appears at the top of the map • If the system passes the power-up test and the
display showing the latitude/longitude position of the aircraft is airborne (as determined by system
pointer, plus the bearing and distance to the pointer from configuration at the time of installation, see the
the present position. installer for detailed criteria information), traffic is
displayable on the Traffic Page in operating mode.
Activating the panning feature and panning
the map display: • If the system fails the power-up test, one of the
1) Press the small right knob to activate the messages listed in Table 14-3 will be displayed .
panning target pointer. See the installer for corrective action if the ‘DATA
FAIL’, or ‘FAILED’ message is displayed.
2) Turn the small right knob to move up (turn
clockwise) or down (counterclockwise). Message Description
3) Turn the large right knob to move right (turn FAILED GTX 330 has failed
clockwise) or left (counterclockwise).
Data is being received from the GTX 330,
4) To cancel the panning function and return to DATA FAIL
but a failure was detected in the data stream
the present position, press the small right
NO DATA Data is not being received from the GTX 330
knob.
Table 14-3 Power-up Messages
When the target pointer is placed on traffic, the traffic
range and altitude separation are displayed (Figure 14-18). NOTE: ‘NO DATA’ may be a normal mode of
operation in a dual transponder installation
Traffic Range
and Altitude where the GTX 330 with TIS is not the selected
Separation transponder.

Target
Pointer

Figure 14-18 Traffic Range and Altitude Separation

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Manual Override Flight Procedures

The user can manually switch between standby (STBY) Once the aircraft is airborne (determined by system
and operating (OPER) mode of operation to manually configuration at the time of installation) the system
override automatic operation. switches from standby mode to operating mode. The
Placing the display into operating mode GNS 530 unit displays OPER in the upper right hand
from the standby mode (to display TIS corner of the display and begins to display traffic on the
traffic): Traffic or Map Page.
The TIS Traffic Advisory (TA) should alert the crew to
1) Press the small right knob to activate the use additional vigilance to identify the intruding aircraft.
cursor, and highlight ‘STBY’. Any time the traffic symbol becomes a yellow circle or
2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘OPER?’. a voice warning is announced, conduct a visual search
3) Press the ENT Key to confirm. for the intruder. If successful, maintain visual contact
to ensure safe operation. See TIS Traffic Display Status
Placing the display into standby mode from
and Pilot Response, in this section for a list of TIS display
operating mode (to stop displaying TIS
messages and respective pilot responses.
traffic):
1) Press the small right knob to activate the After Landing
cursor, and highlight ‘OPER’. Once the aircraft is on ground (determined by system
2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘STBY?’. configuration at the time of installation) the system
3) Press the ENT Key to confirm. switches from operating mode to standby mode. The
GNS 530 unit displays ‘STBY’. As described previously,
both the standby and operating modes can be manually
overridden by the display controls.

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14.2 GTS 8XX Traffic Systems System Description

Introduction The GNS 530 provides an optional display interface for
All information in this section pertains to the display and the GTS 8XX Traffic Advisory (TAS) and Traffic Collision
control of the Garmin GNS 530/GTS 8XX interface, refer to Avoidance (TCAS I) Systems. The GTS 800 and GTS
the 400/500 Series Display Interfaces Pilot’s Guide Addendum 820 are TAS systems, the GTS 850 is a TSO-Certified
(190-00140-10) when interfacing with non-Garmin products TCAS I system. The GTS 8XX uses active interrogations of
Mode A/C/S (GTS 820 and GTS 850 only) and Mode A/C
WARNING: The GTS 8XX interface is intended transponders to provide Traffic Advisories to the GNS 530.
for advisory use only to aid the pilot in visually The GTS 8XX is an active traffic advisory system that
acquiring traffic. No avoidance maneuvers
operates as an aircraft-to-aircraft interrogation device. The
should be based solely upon TAS or TCAS I traffic
information. It is the responsibility of the pilot in GTS 8XX monitors the airspace surrounding an aircraft,
command to see and manuever to avoid traffic. and advises the flight crew where to look for transponder-
equipped aircraft that may pose a collision threat. When
NOTE: This section assumes the user has the GTS 8XX receives replies to its interrogations, it
experience operating the GNS 530 and the computes the responding aircraft’s range, bearing, relative
GTS 8XX. altitude, and closure rate. The GTS 8XX then determines
NOTE: References to the GTS 8XX throughout the advisory status of the target and sends the location
this document refer equally to the GTS 800, GTS information and alert status to the GNS 530 for display.
820, and GTS 850 unless otherwise noted. The GTS 800 is capable of tracking up to 45 Mode
A/C/S intruders. The GTS 820/850 is capable of tracking
NOTE: TIS is disabled when a GTS 8XX unit is up to 45 Mode A/C plus 30 Mode S intruders. Up to 30
installed. of the most threatening targets are displayed.
Symbol Traffic Type Description
A TA (Traffic Advisory) is generated when the GTS 8XX predicts that an intruder aircraft may
Traffic pose a collision threat. A solid yellow circle represents an intruder aircraft that meets the TA
Advisory (TA) criteria as described in the TA Alerting Conditions section. A TA consists of the traffic symbol
and an aural alert (e.g., “traffic, 12 o’clock, high, 3 miles”).
Out-of- This solid yellow half circle appears (on the outer range ring) under the same conditions and
Range Traffic has the same urgency as a TA. Its appearance differs from the TA only to signify that the
Advisory intruder is outside of the current range of the Traffic Page.
Proximity Advisories (PA) are displayed as solid white (may be configured as cyan) diamonds.
Proximity
PAs are defined as traffic within the 6.0-nm range, within ±1200 ft. of altitude separation, and
Advisory (PA)
are not a traffic advisory (TA).
The hollow white (may be configured as cyan) diamond represents traffic detected within the
Other Traffic
selected display range that does not meet the criteria for a TA or a PA and does not pose an
Symbol
immediate collision threat.
Table 14-4 TAS/TCAS Symbology

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Pilots should be aware of TAS/TCAS system In all other conditions, Level B (greater sensitivity) TA
limitations. If an intruder transponder does not respond sensitivity is used to assess TA threats.
to interrogations due to antenna shading or marginal
Traffic Symbology
transponder performance, it will not be displayed, or
Traffic information from the GTS 8XX is displayed
display may be intermittent. Pilots should remain vigilant
on the GNS 530 unit using TAS/TCAS symbology (Table
for traffic at all times when using TAS/TCAS systems for
14-4) on a dedicated Traffic page, and on the moving Map
non-transponder equipped airplanes or unresponsive
Page. The displayed traffic information generally includes
airplanes.
the relative range, bearing, and altitude of intruder aircraft.
TCAS I Surveillance Volume The GTS 8XX also generates aural announcements heard
Top and bottom mounted antennas allow an active on the cockpit audio system.
surveillance range of up to 12 nm (GTS 800) or 40 nm Target altitude relative to own aircraft altitude (relative
(GTS 820/850) in the forward direction, and somewhat altitude) is displayed (in hundreds of feet) for each target
reduced ranges to the sides and aft of own aircraft due symbol (Figure 14-19). If traffic is above own aircraft altitude
to the directional interrogation patterns. Interference the relative altitude is shown above the target next to a ‘+’
limiting in GTS 820/850 units may automatically reduce symbol. If traffic is below own aircraft altitude the relative
range in high density traffic areas. altitude is shown below the target next to a ‘-’ symbol.
Altitude trend (Figure 14-19) is displayed as an up
TA Alerting Conditions arrow (≥ +500 fpm), down arrow (≤ -500 fpm), or no
The GTS 8XX automatically adjusts its TA sensitivity level symbol if less than 500 fpm rate in either direction.
(Table 14-5) to reduce the likelihood of nuisance TA alerting Relative
during flight phases likely to be near airports. Sensitivity Altitude
Level A (less sensitivity) TA is used when the aircraft’s radar Traffic Altitude
Type Trend
altimeter (if equipped) indicates own altitude is less than
2000 feet AGL. If no radar altimeter is present, Sensitivity
Level A is active when the landing gear is extended. Level A
is also active when groundspeed is less than 120 knots with
no radar altimeter present in a fixed gear aircraft. Figure 14-19 Traffic Symbol Components

Sensitivity Intruder
Level Altitude TA Alerting Conditions
Available
Intruder closing rate provides less than 20 seconds of vertical and horizontal separation.
A Yes Or:
Intruder range is within 0.2 nm and vertical separation is within 600 feet.
A No Intruder closing rate is less than 15 seconds.
Intruder closing rate provides less than 30 seconds of vertical and horizontal separation.
B Yes Or:
Intruder range is within 0.55 nm and vertical separation is within 800 feet.
B No Intruder closing rate is less than 20 seconds.
Table 14-5 TA Sensitivity Level and TA Alerting Criteria

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Aural Alerts
A TA consists of a displayed traffic symbol (solid yellow
circle) and an aural alert. The aural alert announces
“traffic”, followed by the intruder aircraft’s position,
altitude relative to own aircraft (“high”, “low”, or “same
altitude”), and distance from own aircraft; e.g. “traffic, 12
o’clock, high, 3 miles”.
Self-Test Figure 14-20 Standby Mode
The GTS 8XX automatically performs a self-test upon User-initiated Test
power up. The self-test checks internal parameters and In addition to the power-up test, the GTS 8XX performs
calibrates components of the GTS 8XX. The self-test can self-tests during normal operation. A self-test is performed
also be initiated by the user during normal operation. once per minute to verify that the antenna is connected.
Check for the following test criteria on the Traffic Page Also, a calibration is performed at varying intervals based
during power-up: on time and temperature. A user-initiated test of the
• If the GTS 8XX passes the power-up test; and GTS 8XX interface can also be performed. The test criteria
the aircraft both has a squat switch and is on the are identical to the power up self-test, although the user-
ground, the Standby Screen is displayed (Figure initiated test is concluded by an aural pass/fail message.
14-20).
• If the GTS 8XX passes the power-up test and the NOTE: A user-initiated test can only be performed
aircraft both has a squat switch and is airborne, when in standby or failed mode.
the Traffic Page is displayed on the 6-nm display Performing a user-initiated test:
range and in the normal altitude display mode. 1) Turn the small right knob to select the Traffic
• If the GTS 8XX passes the power-up test and the Page.
aircraft does not have a squat switch, the Standby 2) From the Traffic Page, press the MENU Key to
Screen is displayed (Figure 14-20). display the Page Menu.
• If the GTS 8XX fails the power-up test (as 3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Self Test?’.
indicated by a FAILED screen), the GTS 8XX is 4) Press the ENT Key, ‘TEST’ is displayed.
inoperable, see the GTS 8XX Installation Manual Test-Mode
for detailed information on Failure Response. Indication

NOTE: The FAILED message is displayed when

the system detects an error that prohibits further
traffic display operation.
NOTE: When the system is in standby, the
GTS 8XX does not transmit, interrogate, or track
intruder aircraft.
Figure 14-21 Self-Test Mode

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Switching Between Standby and Operating Traffic Page

Modes Traffic can be displayed both on the Map Page (only
The unit must be in operating mode for traffic to be if heading is available) and on the Traffic Page (Figure
displayed. The ability to switch out of standby into operating 14-22). The orientation source shown at the top of the
mode on the ground is especially useful for scanning the display first uses heading (‘HDG’), then GPS Track (‘TRK’)
airspace around the airport before takeoff. Operating Mode if no heading is available, to orient the display.
is confirmed by the display of ‘OPER’ in the upper right- If the GTS 8XX does not have bearing information for
hand corner of the Traffic Page (Figure 14-22). an active TA, ‘TA’ followed by range, relative altitude, and
altitude trend is displayed in the lower right corner. The
Switching to Operating Mode from Standby
Traffic Banner is displayed if more than one TA with no
Mode:
bearing info is active, while the TA of most immediate
1) Press the small right knob to activate the
threat is displayed in text below the banner.
cursor and highlight ‘STBY’.
Traffic Orientation Source Operating Mode
2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘OPER?’.
3) Press the ENT Key to confirm and place the
GTS 8XX in operating mode, the GTS 8XX
switches out of standby into the 6-nm display
range.

NOTE: The GTS 8XX will automatically switch out Traffic Banner
of standby 8 to 10 seconds after takeoff, which Display
is determined by ground speed or by a transition Range Traffic Advisory
of the aircraft squat switch (if connected). (with no bearing
information)
Switching to Standby Mode from the Traffic Figure 14-22 Traffic Page
Page: Traffic Page Display Range
1) Press the small right knob to activate the The display range on the Traffic Page can be changed
cursor and highlight ‘OPER’. at any time.
2) Turn the small right knob to select ‘STBY?’. Changing the display range on the Traffic
3) Press the ENT Key to confirm and place the Page:
GTS 8XX in standby mode. Press the RNG Key to step through the
NOTE: The GTS 8XX goes into standby mode 24 following range options:
seconds after landing, which is determined by • 2 nm
ground speed or by a transition of the aircraft • 2 and 6 nm
squat switch (if connected). This delay allows • 6 and 12 nm
the GTS 8XX to remain out of standby during a • 12 and 24 nm (GTS 820/850 only)
touch-and-go maneuver. • 24 and 40 nm (GTS 820/850 only)

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ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Altitude Display Mode

The GTS 8XX has four altitude display modes Note: Confirmation is not required, the mode is
changed immediately when using the small right
(Figure 14-23); Normal (±2,700 ft), Above (-2,700 ft to
knob.
+9,000 ft), Below (-9,000 ft to +2,700 ft), and Unrestricted
(±9,900 ft). The GTS 8XX continues to display up to 30 Altitude Display Mode
intruder aircraft within its maximum surveillance range,
regardless of the altitude display mode selected.
The selected altitude display mode (Figure 14-24)
is displayed in the upper left-hand corner of the Traffic
Page.
Changing the Altitude Display Mode:
1) From the Traffic Page, press the small right
knob to activate the cursor and highlight the
current mode (Figure 14-24).
2) Turn the small right knob to cycle through Figure 14-24 “UNR” Selected
the options. The screen changes to display
the traffic detected within the selected 3) Press the small right knob to turn the cursor
altitude display range. Refer to Figure 14-23 off after the selection is made.
for information regarding altitude display
ranges.
+9,900 ft

+9,000 ft

+2,700 ft +2,700 ft
Unrestricted (UNR)

Normal (NRM)

Above (ABV)
Below (BLW)

0 ft 0 ft

Drawing Not to Scale

-2,700 ft

-9,000 ft
-9,900 ft

Figure 14-23 Altitude Display Modes

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Traffic Warning Window Configuring Traffic Data on the Map Page

When the unit is not on the traffic page and the GTS Traffic is only displayed on the Map Page if aircraft
issues a Traffic Advisory, the Traffic Warning Window heading data is available.
(Figure 14-24) is displayed, which shows a small The Traffic Mode setting allows the operator to
thumbnail map. When the Traffic Warning Window is choose which traffic type is displayed (all traffic, traffic
displayed, press the ENT Key to display the Traffic Page, and proximity advisories, or traffic advisories only). The
or press the CLR Key to return to the previous page. Traffic Symbol and Traffic Label settings determine the
maximum ranges at which these items are displayed.
NOTE: The Traffic Warning Window is disabled Configuring traffic on the Map Page:
when the aircraft ground speed is less than 30
knots or when an approach is active. 1) Turn the small right knob to select the Map
Page.
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Page
Menu.
3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Setup
Map?’.
4) Press the ENT Key. The flashing cursor
highlights the GROUP field.
Figure 14-25 Traffic Warning Window
5) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Traffic’.
6) Press the ENT Key (Figure 14-27).
Map Page Traffic Banner
A ‘Traffic’ banner will be displayed in the lower right
corner of the Map Page (Figure 14-26) if the Display
Range setting is beyond the Traffic Symbol setting (Figure
14-27), and a Traffic Advisory is active.

Figure 14-27 Traffic Setup Menu

Traffic
Display Advisory 7) Turn the large right knob to select the desired
Range Banner
Traffic Mode option.
8) Turn the small right knob to select the desired
Figure 14-26 Traffic Banner option
9) Press the ENT Key. Repeat steps 7-9 for Traffic
Symbol and Traffic Label.

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10) Return to the Map Page by pressing the CLR Highlighting Traffic Data Using Map Panning
Key. Another map page function is panning, which allows
changing the map beyond its current limits without
Thumbnail Traffic on Map Page adjusting the map scale. Select the panning function by
Traffic in a thumbnail format can be displayed in any pressing the small right knob, a target pointer flashes on
of the three data fields on the right side of the Map Page the map display (Figure 14-29). Also a window appears at
(Figure 14-28). the top of the map display showing the latitude/longitude
Displaying Thumbnail Traffic on the Map position of the pointer, and the bearing and distance to
Page the pointer from the present position.
1) Turn the small right knob to select the Map Selecting the panning function and panning
Page. the map display:
2) Press the MENU Key to display the Page 1) Press the small right knob to activate the
Menu. panning target pointer (Figure 14-29).
3) Turn the small right knob to select ‘Change
Fields?’.
4) Press the ENT Key.
5) Turn the large right knob to select one of the
three fields.
6) Turn the small right knob to select ‘TRFC’ from
the Select Field Type List.
7) Press the ENT Key. (Figure 14-28)

Figure 14-29 Panning the Map Display

2) Turn the small right knob clockwise to move

up, or counterclockwise to move down.
3) Turn the large right knob clockwise to move
right, or counterclockwise to move left.
4) To cancel the panning function and return to
the present position, press the small right
Figure 14-28 Thumbnail Traffic on Map Page
knob.
When the target pointer is placed on traffic, the traffic
Note: The thumbnail range defaults to 6 nm and
cannot be changed.
range and altitude deviation are displayed (Figure 14-29).
The traffic is identified as:
• TA: Traffic Advisory • TRFC: Other Traffic
• PA: Proximity Advisory

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14.3 Weather Data Link Interface around for delivery to ORBCOMM in less than
five seconds (ORBCOMM is a provider of global
This section is written for:
messaging services using a constellation of 26
• Garmin 500 Series Main System Software Version
low-Earth orbiting satellites). The message is
6.01 and later
relayed from the satellites to the GDL 49 aboard
• GDL 49 Main Software Version 2.03 and later the aircraft. Once the GDL 49 receives the
• GDL 69/69A Main Software Version 2.14 and later message, it is displayed on the GNS 530 unit.
Some differences in operation may be observed when • GDL 69/69A - NEXRAD and METAR data
comparing the information in this manual to earlier or is collected by the National Weather Service
later software versions. and disseminated to WxWorks™, a weather
information provider. This data is then delivered
NOTE: This section is written exclusively for 500 to XM Satellite for rebroadcast. Data from two
Series units that are configured with the GDL
XM satellites is then made immediately available
49 or GDL 69(A) Data Link Satellite Receiver.
to XM customers. The GDL 69/69A receives
Refer to the 400/500 Series Display Interfaces
Pilot’s Guide Addendum (190-00140-10) when streaming weather data, processes the data, then
interfacing with non-Garmin products. sends it to the GNS 530 unit for display.
Functions provided by the Weather Data Link system
Introduction include:
GNS 530 units can interface with the GDL 49 or the • Request for and display of NEXRAD radar
GDL 69/69A. The GNS 530 unit provides the display and imagery.
control interface for the textual and graphical weather
data link. • Request for and display of text-based METAR
Satellite up-linked textual and graphical weather data.
data is received by the GDL 49 on a request/reply basis. • Request for and display of a compressed form of
Transmissions are made using bursts of compressed METAR data that allows icon representations at
data at a rate of 4800 bps. Weather data transmissions reporting stations on a moving map indicating
are streamed directly to the GDL 69/69A from the XM visibility, ceiling, etc.
Satellite Radio network. • Position tracking services are provided through
The following operational differences are noted periodic position report transmissions from the
between the GDL 69/69A and the GDL 49: GNS 530 unit (available with GDL 49 only).
• GDL 49 - NEXRAD and METAR data is collected
by the National Weather Service and disseminated
to Meteorlogix™, a weather information provider.
This data is then delivered to a weather server
in the Echo Flight Message System. With
the weather data on the system, an incoming
customer request is filled, logged, and turned

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Weather Products NEXRAD Limitations

The following weather products are available for CAUTION: NEXRAD weather data is to be used
display on the 500 Series unit via the Weather Data Link for long-range planning purposes only. Due to
interface: inherent delays and relative age of the data
• NEXRAD Data that can be experienced, NEXRAD weather data
cannot be used for short-range avoidance of
• Graphical METAR Data weather.
• Text-based METAR Data
Certain limitations exist regarding the NEXRAD
• Graphical Temperature/Dewpoint Data
radar displays. Some, but not all, are listed for the user’s
• Graphical Wind Data awareness:
NEXRAD Description • NEXRAD base reflectivity does not provide
sufficient information to determine cloud layers or
WSR-88D weather surveillance radar or NEXRAD
precipitation characteristics (hail vs. rain, etc).
(NEXt generation RADar) is a Doppler radar system that
has greatly improved the detection of meteorological • NEXRAD base reflectivity is sampled at the
events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. minimum antenna elevation angle. An individual
An extensive network of NEXRAD stations provides NEXRAD site cannot depict high altitude storms
almost complete radar coverage of the continental United at close ranges, and has no information about
States, Alaska, and Hawaii. The range of each NEXRAD storms directly over the site.
station is 124 nautical miles. • NEXRAD resolution varies, depending on the
amount and complexity of the weather data being
NEXRAD Abnormalities
received. The displayed NEXRAD data will reflect
There are possible abnormalities regarding displayed the highest intensity level sampled within a 2 x 2
NEXRAD images. Some, but not all, of those include: km (4 sq km) unit of area (depending on available
• Ground clutter system memory).
• Spurious radar data
• Sun strobes, when the radar antenna points
directly at the sun
• Military aircraft deploy metallic dust (chaff) which
can cause alterations in radar scans
• Interference from buildings or mountains, which
may cause shadows

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NEXRAD Intensity
Colors are used to identify the different NEXRAD echo intensities (reflectivity) measured in dBZ (decibels of Z).
Reflectivity (designated by the letter Z) is the amount of transmitted power returned to the radar receiver. The dBZ values
increase as returned signal strength increases. Precipitation intensity is displayed on the GNS 530 units using colors
represented by the dBZ values listed in Table 14-6.
Display dBZ Rain Snow Source of NEXRAD Echo
GDL 49 GDL 69 (inches/hour) (inches/hour) Atmos Cloud Rain Snow Sleet Hail
<-10 .00 .00 √
-10 .00 .00 √ √
-5 .00 trace √ √
0 .00 trace - .05 √ √ Very Light
5 .00 trace - .10 √ √ Light
10 0 – trace .10 √ √ Light Light
15 .01 .1-.2 Light Light
20 .02 .2-.3 Light Light
25 .05 .3-.5 Light Light – Medium
30 .09 .5-.7 Light – Moderate Moderate
35 .24 .7-1.0 Moderate Heavy √
40 .48 >1 or sleet Heavy Heavy √
45 1.25 >1 or sleet Heavy Heavy √
50 2.5 sleet Intense √ √
55 5.7 sleet Extreme √ √
60 12.7 Extreme √
65 Extreme √
70 Large
75 Large

Table 14-6 NEXRAD Intensity Colors

NOTE: The information presented in this Pilot’s Guide regarding NEXRAD is not meant to be comprehensive.
The NOAA website (www.noaa.gov) contains complete and detailed information regarding NEXRAD weather
radar operation and theory.

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Requesting NEXRAD Data The NEXRAD Request Page has the following user-
selectable fields:
NEXRAD data can be requested from the Data Link
Page or the Map Page. • Center - This field allows the pilot to specify
reference points for the request. The following
Requesting NEXRAD data from the Data
five options are available for the ‘Center’ field:
Link Page:
1) Select the Data Link Page from the AUX Page ♦ Current Position - Request NEXRAD data from
Group. the aircraft’s current position.
2) Press the small right knob to activate the ♦ Look Ahead - Request NEXRAD data ahead of
cursor. ‘NexRad Request’ is highlighted (Figure (along) the current route.
14-30). ♦ From ID - Request NEXRAD data from a
specific waypoint identifier. If ‘From ID’ is
selected as the reference point for the request,
the ‘WPT’ field is displayed (in place of
‘Position’). The ‘WPT’ field is used to enter a
waypoint identifier as the reference point for
the request.
♦ From Lat/Lon - Request NEXRAD data from
a specific latitude and longitude. This is only
selectable when requesting from the map. The
Figure 14-30 Data Link Page (GDL 49) ‘Position’ field displays the position of the map
cursor and cannot be edited.
3) Press the ENT Key. The NEXRAD Request Page ♦ From Flight Plan - Request NEXRAD data from
(see Figure 14-31) is displayed. one of the waypoints in the active flight plan.
This is only selectable when an active Flight
Plan has been selected. The ‘Flight Plan’ field
(displayed in place of ‘Position’) is used to select
which waypoint in the active flight plan to use
as the reference point for the request.
• Radius - This field selects a request radius from 50
to 250 nautical miles from the selected position.
• Position (also WPT or Flight Plan) - ‘Current
Posn’-Position is current, ‘Look Ahead’-Position is
Figure 14-31 NEXRAD Request Page (GDL 49) look ahead position. ‘From ID’-Position is from
the ID entered into the WPT field. ‘Flight Plan’ is
the ID selected from the active flight plan.

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• Auto Request (GDL 49 Only) - This field is Requesting NEXRAD data from the Map
used to set the time interval for the GDL 49 to Page:
automatically send a NEXRAD data request. The 1) Select the Map Page.
time options are OFF, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30
2) Press the MENU Key. The Map Page Options
min, 45 min, and 1 hour. When an auto request
Menu is displayed.
time is selected, the first request is sent after the
specified time has elapsed from when the field 3) Select ‘Request NEXRAD?’ (Figure 14-32) and
was set (as opposed to immediately sending a press the ENT Key.
request).

NOTE: It is recommended that the pilot turn

the Auto Request function ‘on’ by setting it to
‘10 min’ updates. This setting provides best
performance for the GDL 49.

• The ‘Manual Send?’(GDL 49) or ‘Update Request?’

(GDL 69) field is used to request NEXRAD Data.
4) Use the small and large right knobs to select Figure 14-32 Map Page Options Menu
the desired data (listed on preceding page)
and the ENT Key to enter the data into the 4) Follow the preceding steps 4 - 6.
appropriate fields on the NEXRAD Request
Page. NOTE: The pilot may also use the map panning
function to request NEXRAD data at a specific
5) Select ‘Manual Send?’ or ‘Update Request?’ map position. After panning and selecting a
and press the ENT Key. The request has been position on the map, the pilot can press the
sent. Note that selecting ‘Auto Request’ MENU Key and request the NEXRAD data.
and pressing the ENT Key does not send the
request until after the auto time period. Data Received Message (GDL 49 Only)
6) To exit from the NEXRAD Request Page, press When the request has been answered, the message
the small right knob. The Data Link Page is annunciator (MSG) flashes to alert the pilot to one of
displayed. the following messages depending on the type of data
received:
• New NEXRAD Received
• New Graphic METAR Received
• New Text METAR Received

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Displaying NEXRAD Data on the Weather Page Customizing NEXRAD Data on the Weather
Page
To display NEXRAD Data on the Weather
Page: The pilot can customize the NEXRAD data on the
Weather Page from the Page Options Menu.
1) Select the NAV Weather Page (Figure 14-33)
using the small and large right knobs. When Customizing the NEXRAD data on the
the GNS 530 is configured with the Data Link Weather Page:
interface, the Weather Page is the third page 1) From the Weather Page, press the MENU Key
in the NAV Page Group (it is the fourth page to display the NAV Weather Page Options
if a traffic sensor is also configured). Menu.
2) Select from the following options to customize
the NEXRAD data:
• View 120°? / View 360°? - There are two
viewing options available, each shown relative
to the position of the aircraft. When the MENU
Key is pressed, the alternate selection is shown.
Use this option to switch between a radar-like,
120° display of the data, and the default 360°
display.
Figure 14-33 NEXRAD Data on Weather Page • Request NEXRAD?/Request METAR? - This
option is a link to either the NEXRAD or METAR
2) Press the small right knob. The upper left hand Request Pages, depending on which is currently
corner field flashes. displayed on the Weather Page.
3) Turn small right knob and select ‘NEXRAD’. • Display Legend? - This option is a link to the
4) Press the small right knob. Weather Legend Page. See the Weather Legend
Page paragraph following in this section.

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Displaying NEXRAD Data on the Map Page The density values are LOW-MED-HIGH. Press
the ENT Key to make the selection then press
When NEXRAD data is received, it is displayed on the
the CLR Key to go back to the Map Page.
Map Page, in addition to the Weather Page and the Default
NAV Page. Precipitation Pattern Color
Intensity – Map
Customizing NEXRAD Data on the Map Page Configuration
The pilot can customize NEXRAD data on the Map
Page by using the Page Menu. Light Precipitation –
Green
Low
Customizing the Map Page: (sparse dotted area fill)
1) Go to the Map Page in the NAV Page Group. Light Precipitation –
Green
2) Press the MENU Key and select ‘Setup Map?’ Medium Density
(dense dotted area fill)
from the page menu.
3) Select ‘Weather’ from the GROUP field in the Light Precipitation –
Green
Map Setup window (Figure 14-34). High Density
(solid area fill)
Moderate Precipitation
– Low & Medium Yellow
Density (dense dotted area fill)
Moderate Precipitation
Yellow
– High Density
(solid area fill)

Heavy Precipitation –
Red
Low & Medium Density
(dense dotted area fill)
Figure 14-34 Map Setup Window
4) Highlight the NEXRAD Symbol field, and use Heavy Precipitation –
Red
the small right knob to set the desired map High Density
(solid area fill)
range at which to overlay NEXRAD data. The
range values are ‘Off’ to 2000 nm miles. Press Table 14-7 NEXRAD Density Patterns
the ENT Key for the desired range selection.
Press the CLR Key to go back to the Map NOTE: If the pilot changes the NEXRAD Density
Page. and/or NEXRAD Symbol fields, these settings
changes also affect the Weather Page. For
5) Highlight the NEXRAD Density field, use the example, if the pilot selects ‘Low’ NEXRAD
small right knob to set the density desired Density, both the Weather Page and the Map
(i.e., the transparency, see Table 14-7) of the Page display the NEXRAD graphics in the ‘Low’
NEXRAD cells. mode.

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The pilot may use the ‘NEXRAD Off?’ and ‘NEXRAD Once the Airport Location Page is displayed, enter the
On?’ fields in the Page Menu (Figure 14-35) to turn off the identifier for the desired airport. Press the MENU Key. The
display of NEXRAD data from the Map Page. options menu appears (Figure 14-36) listing the following
three options:
• Request NEXRAD?
• Request METAR?
• View Text METAR? (if available)

Figure 14-35 Map Page Options Menu

NOTE: If the GNS 530 unit is configured for

Weather Data Link Interface with a GDL 49 or
GDL 69, pressing the CLR Key while viewing
the Map Page reduces the NEXRAD density one Figure 14-36 Airport Location Page Options Menu
incremental step. All NEXRAD data is removed
if the CLR Key is pressed while density is set to Highlight the desired option and press the ENT Key.
low. ‘Request NEXRAD?’ and ‘Request METAR?’ options select
the NEXRAD and METAR Request Pages, respectively.
Request Shortcuts ‘View Text METAR?’ selects the Textual METAR Page for
The pilot can quickly select the NEXRAD, METAR, or the desired airport, if textual METAR is available for that
Textual METAR Page for a specific airport from the Airport airport.
Location Page.
Three methods of selecting the Airport
Location Page:
• Use the small and large right knobs to select
the Airport Location Page from the WPT Group
of pages.
• On the Map Page, move the target pointer to
highlight an on-screen airport. Press the ENT
Key.
• On any page that displays an airport identifier,
use the cursor and highlight the desired airport
identifier. Press the ENT Key.

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Data Link Request Log Page (GDL 49 Only) Sending Position Reports (GDL 49 Only)
The Data Link Request Log Page (Figure 14-38) is used The Data Link allows for accurate location tracking of
to display the data that was requested. When a request is the aircraft by sending the aircraft’s position manually or
received, a check mark is placed in the box. automatically to the EchoFlight website (www.EchoFlight.
Viewing the Data Link Request Log Page: com) for use by third-party EchoFlight customers.
1) Use the small and large right knobs and select Sending the Present Position:
the Data Link Page from the AUX Group of 1) Select the Data Link Page (see preceding step
pages. 1).
2) Highlight ‘Data Link Log’ (Figure 14-37) and 2) Highlight ‘Position Report’ (Figure 14-39) and
press the ENT Key. press the ENT Key.

Figure 14-37 Data Link Page Figure 14-39 Data Link Page

3) The Data Link Request Log Page is displayed 3) The ‘Position Report’ Page is displayed with the
(Figure 14-38). following six fields:
• Nearest VOR - Nearest VOR identifier.
• Distance - The distance from the nearest
VOR.
• Radial - The radial from the nearest VOR.
• Position - Displays the aircraft’s current position
expressed in Latitude and Longitude.

Figure 14-38 Data Link Request Log Page

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• Auto Request - This field is used to set the Requesting Graphical METARS
time interval for the system to automatically
Graphical METAR data can be requested from the Data
send the position. The time options are OFF,
Link Page, Map Page, or Airport Page.
10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30 min, 45 min, and
1 hr. When an auto request time is selected, Requesting graphical METARS from the
the first report is sent after the specified Data Link Page:
time has elapsed from when the field was 1) Select the Data Link Page from the AUX Page
set (as opposed to immediately sending a Group.
report). Note that in order to take advantage 2) Press the small right knob to activate the
of EchoFlight’s Automatic Weather Delivery cursor. Turn the small right knob and highlight
(AWD) service, the time interval must be set ‘Metar Request’ (Figure 14-41).
to 15 minutes.
• Manual Send? - This field is used to send out a
current single position report (Figure 14-40).

Figure 14-41 Data Link Page

3) Press the ENT Key. The ‘METAR REQUEST’

Figure 14-40 Position Report Page Page is displayed (Figure 14-42).

Figure 14-42 Metar Request Page

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The METAR Request Page has the following user- • Radius (Graphical requests only) - This field
selectable fields: selects a request radius from 50 to 250 nautical
• Format - This field is used to select between miles from the selected position.
requesting the raw METAR text (Textual) or • Position (also WPT or Flight Plan) - ‘Current
requesting a graphical summary (Graphic) of Posn’-Position is current, ‘Look Ahead’-Position is
several METARS. look ahead position. ‘From ID’-Position is from
the ID entered into the WPT field. ‘Flight Plan’ is
NOTE: Textual METARS can only be requested the ID selected from the active flight plan.
by identifier or by flight plan (if the flight plan
• Auto Request (GDL 49 Only) - This field is
contains a METAR station identifier).
used to set the time interval for the GDL 49 to
• Center - This field allows the pilot to specify automatically send a NEXRAD data request. The
reference points for the request. The following time options are OFF, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30
five options are available for the ‘Center’ field: min, 45 min, and 1 hour. When an auto request
time is selected, the first request is sent after the
♦ Current Position - Request METAR data from
specified time has elapsed from when the field
the aircraft’s current position.
was set (as opposed to immediately sending a
♦ Look Ahead - Request METAR data ahead of request).
(along) the current route.
NOTE: It is recommended that the pilot turn the
♦ From ID - Request NEXRAD data from a Auto Request function ‘on’ by setting it to ‘10 min’
specific waypoint identifier. If ‘From ID’ is updates. This setting provides best performance
selected as the reference point for the request, for the GDL 49.
the ‘WPT’ field is displayed (in place of
‘Position’). The ‘WPT’ field is used to enter a • The ‘Manual Send?’(GDL 49) or ‘Update Request?’
waypoint identifier as the reference point for (GDL 69) field is used to request METAR Data.
the request. 4) Use the small and large right knobs to select
the desired data and the ENT Key to enter the
♦ From Lat/Lon - Request NEXRAD data from
data into the appropriate fields on the METAR
a specific latitude and longitude. This is only
Request Page.
selectable when requesting from the map. The
‘Position’ field displays the position of the map 5) Select ‘Manual Send?’ or ‘Update Request?’
cursor and cannot be edited. and press the ENT Key. The request has been
sent. Note that selecting ‘Auto Request’
♦ From Flight Plan - Request METAR data from
and pressing the ENT Key does not send the
one of the waypoints in the active flight plan.
request until after the auto time period.
This is only selectable when an active Flight
Plan has been selected. The ‘Flight Plan’ field 6) To exit from the NEXRAD Request Page, press
(displayed in place of ‘Position’) is used to select the small right knob. The Data Link Page is
which waypoint in the active flight plan to use displayed.
as the reference point for the request.

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Requesting graphical or textual METARS Displaying graphical METARS on the NAV

from the Map Page: Weather Page
1) Select the Map Page. Once received, graphical METAR data is displayed on
2) Press the MENU Key. The Map Page Options the NAV Weather Page.
Menu is displayed (Figure 14-43). Displaying graphical METARS on the NAV
Weather Page:
1) Select the NAV Weather Page.
2) Press the small right knob. The upper left hand
corner field flashes.
3) Turn small right knob and select ‘METAR’.
4) Press the small right knob.
Viewing graphical METAR Data for a
specific airport from the Map Page:
Figure 14-43 Map Page Menu 1) Select the Map Page.
3) Select ‘Request METAR’ and press the ENT 2) Move the target pointer to highlight a desired
Key. The METAR Request Page is displayed. airport. Graphical METAR data is displayed for
There are four user-selectable parameter that airport in a thumbnail image.
fields: Format, Center, Radius, and Position
(see preceding pages for detailed information). NOTE: For the GDL 69/69A, METAR data is
automatically updated every twelve minutes
Change the request parameters as desired.
from the time of initial request.
4) Enter the type of desired METAR Data and the
desired radius (graphical requests only).
5) Select ‘Manual Send?’ or ‘Update Request?’
and press the ENT Key. The request has
been sent. Note that selecting ‘Auto Request’
and pressing the ENT Key does not send the
request until after the auto time period.
6) To exit from the METAR Request Page, press
the small right knob. The Map Page is
displayed.

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Weather Legend Page The following symbology is shown for the various
types of data:
The symbology unique to Graphical METAR, Winds,
For METAR Data:
and Temperature/Dewpoint data is displayed on the
Weather Legend Page. The Weather Legend is accessed • Age of Data in Minutes
from the Weather Page. • Ceiling, Visibility, and Precipitation
NOTE: All METAR, Wind, and Temp-Dewpoint • Ceiling, Visual Flight Rules
symbols are depicted at the end of this section. • Precipitation

Displaying the Weather Legend: For Wind Data:

1) Select the Weather Page and activate the • Age of Data in Minutes
cursor. This selects the weather selection field • Winds
in the upper left corner of page.
• Wind Gust
2) Use the small right knob to select METAR,
WINDS, or TEMP/DP. For Temperature/Dewpoint Data:
3) Press the MENU Key. The Weather Page Menu • Age of Data in Minutes
is displayed. • Temperature/Dewpoint
4) Turn the small right knob, highlight ‘Display
Displaying Textual METARS
Legend’, and press the ENT Key. The Weather
Legend is displayed (Figure 14-44) for the Once received, textual METARS are displayed on the
type of data that was selected. Use the small METARS Text Page.
right knob and scroll through the various
descriptions for the symbols that are shown.
Press the small right knob to return to the
Weather Page.

Figure 14-44 Weather Legend Page for METAR Data

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Selecting the METARS Text Page: Displaying Wind Data

1) Select the Data Link Page.
Displaying wind data on the NAV Weather
2) Select ‘Textual Metar’. Page:
3) Press the ENT Key. The Textual METAR Page 1) Select the NAV Weather Page.
(Figure 14-45) is displayed for the airport
2) Press the small right knob. The upper left hand
selected. The pilot can enter a different
corner field flashes.
identifier on the Textual METAR Page.
3) Turn the small right knob and select
‘WINDS’.
4) Press the small right knob. The wind icons are
displayed on the NAV Weather Page.
Displaying Temperature/Dewpoints
Temperature/Dewpoints are displayed on the NAV
Weather Page.
Displaying Temperature/Dewpoints on the
Figure 14-45 Textual METAR Page NAV Weather Page:
1) Select the NAV Weather Page.
Entering an identifier:
2) Press the small right knob. The upper left hand
1) Select the Data Link Page. Highlight ‘TEXTUAL corner data field flashes.
METAR’ and press the ENT Key.
3) Turn the small right knob and select ‘TEMP/
2) Turn the small right knob and scroll through DP’.
the list of four letter identifiers.
4) Press the small right knob. The Temperature/
3) Highlight the desired identifier and press the Dewpoints are displayed on the NAV Weather
ENT Key. Page.
4) The text box displays the METAR data for the
selected identifier. NOTE: See a complete description of all METAR,
Wind, and Temp-Dewpoint symbols at the end
5) To request an updated graphic or textual of this section.
METAR for this airport, press the MENU key
to access the page menu and select ‘Request
METAR?’.
6) The METAR Request Page is displayed. The
request option is displayed on the Textual
METAR Page.

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Troubleshooting Monitoring the Data Link

Although it is the responsibility of the facility that The Data Link Status Page provides an indication of
installed the GDL 49 or GDL 69/69A to correct any the integrity of the Data Link. The Data Link Page allows
hardware problems, the pilot can perform some quick the pilot to monitor the system and determine the possible
troubleshooting steps to find the possible cause of a cause of a failure.
failure. View the Data Link Status Page:
First, ensure that the owner/operator of the aircraft
in which the GDL 49 or GDL 69/69A is installed has 1) From the AUX Page Group, select the Data Link
subscribed to Echo Flight or XM Satellite Radio for a Page.
Service Plan, and verify that it has been activated. Perform 2) Highlight ‘Data Link Status’ and press the ENT
a quick check of the circuit breakers to ensure the GDL 49 Key.
or GDL 69/69A has power applied. If a failure still exists, 3) The Data Link Status Page (Figure 14-46) is
continue to the Data Link Status Page. displayed.
The fields on the Data Link Status Page may provide
insight to a possible failure. Information displayed at this
page should be noted and provided to the repair station.
The Connectivity Message table should also provide a
clear indication of any potential internal failures. If no
indications exist, check the circuit breakers and electrical
connections to the GDL 49 or GDL 69/69A, and ensure
the unit has power applied. Repair stations are equipped
to repair the system, should a hardware failure exist.

Figure 14-46 Data Link Status Page

The GDL 49 Datalink Status Page shows the following
fields:
• TX Queue - Shows the number of requests in the
GDL 49’s transmit queue waiting to be sent to the
satellite.
• RX Queue - Shows the number of responses in the
GDL 49’s receive queue waiting to be sent to the
GNS 530.
• Sat ID/Connectivity - Shows the current satellite
in view and also indicates the status of the current
satellite connection. See Table 14-8.

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 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The GDL 69 Datalink Status Page shows the following

SAT ID/CONNECTIVITY FIELD fields:
MESSAGE DESCRIPTION
• Sat ID/Connectivity - This field shows the current
‘_ _ _’ RS-232 communication with the GDL activation status and signal strength of the XM
49 has been lost. Satellite Radio weather service. Table 14-10 lists
‘Data Link has There is a disconnect inside the GDL the messages that may be shown in the Sat ID
failed’ 49. field.
‘Linked to sat’ Can exchange data with the satellite.
‘Satellite in view’ Found satellite but have not yet SAT ID FIELD
identified it. MESSAGE DESCRIPTION
‘Searching...’ No satellite is currently in view. ‘--’ GDL 69/69A - GNS 530 interface
Table 14-8 Sat ID/Connectivity Field communications not yet established.
‘-0’, ‘-1’, ‘-’ = Satellite radio service is not activated.
• SATCOM Operation - This field indicates the
‘-2’, or ‘-3’ Satellite signal quality is indicated by the
current activity being performed by the satellite
numbers 0, 1, 2, or 3; where 0=none,
communicator within the GDL 49. Table 14-9
1=poor, 2=good, and 3=excellent.
lists the messages that can be displayed, including
interpretations of the most common ones: ‘XM’ GDL 69/69A not yet communicating with
internal satellite radio hardware (normal
SATCOM OPERATION FIELD during power-up).
MESSAGE DESCRIPTION ‘X0’, ‘X1’, ‘X’ = Satellite radio service activated.
‘_ _ _’ Unknown task is being performed, ‘X2’, or Satellite signal quality is indicated by the
or RS-232 communication with the ‘X3’ numbers 0, 1, 2, or 3; where 0=none,
GDL 49 has been lost. 1=poor, 2=good, and 3=excellent.
Table 14-10 Sat ID Field
‘Idle’ Waiting to perform the next task.
‘Receiving Receiving a response from the
message’ satellite.
‘Sending message’ Transmitting a message.
‘Sending request’ Transmitting a request to the
satellite.
Table 14-9 SATCOM Operation Field
• SATCOM SER NUM - This field shows the serial
number assigned to the GDL 49’s internal satellite
communicator.
• GDL SW - This field shows the currently installed
software version for the GDL 49.
14-34 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H
 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Table 14-11 lists the messages that may be shown in Standard Aviation Forecast Abbreviations
the Sat Connectivity field.
The standard aviation forecast abbreviations are listed
in Table 14-12.
CONNECTIVITY FIELD
MESSAGE DESCRIPTION STANDARD AVIATION FORECAST ABBREVIATIONS
‘Satellite in Indicates a signal quality between 1 ‘+’ – (Heavy) ‘-’ – (Light)
view’ and 3. ‘/’ – (Missing or separator) Axxxx – Altimeter setting
‘Searching...’ No satellite is currently in view, signal (xxxx are numbers)
quality is ‘0’. AFT – After BKN – Broken clouds
Table 14-11 Connectivity Field
BLO – Below BR – Light fog
• SATCOM Operation - This field always indicates CIG – Ceiling CLR – Sky clear
‘Idle’ for the GDL 69/69A. DZ – Drizzle FEW – Few clouds
• SATCOM SER NUM - The first eight characters of FG – Thick fog FM – From
this field indicate the satellite radio ID number. FZ – Freezing G – Gusts
A dash separates the satellite radio ID from the
KT – Knots OBSCD – Obscured
currently installed METAR database version in the
GDL 69/69A. OVC – Overcast clouds Pxxxx – Hourly Precipitation
(xxxx are numbers)
• GDL SW - This field shows the currently installed
PRESFR – Pressure falling PRESRR – Pressure rising
software version for the GDL 69/69A.
rapidly rapidly
RA – Rain RMK – Remarks
SCT – Scattered clouds SLP – Sea Level Pressure
SM – Statue Miles SN – Snow
TEMPO – Occasionally Trrn – Terrain
TS – Thunderstorm VV – Vertical Visibility
Table 14-12 Forecast Abbreviations

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 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

METAR Graphics Ceiling and Visibility - Flight Rules

The age symbols listed in Table 14-13 are common to
METARs, Winds, and Temperature/Dewpoint graphics:

METAR, Winds, and Temperature/Dewpoints Age VFR Marginal IFR Low IFR
Graphics VFR
Table 14-15 Ceiling and Visibility Graphics

The symbol in Figure 14-47 indicates the ceiling at

0 - 10 11 - 20 21 - 30 31 - 60 61+ Unknown KMWM is marginal VFR, with heavy snow and low IFR
minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes (Yellow) visibility. The data age is 31-60 minutes old.
(Green) (Green) (Green) (Green) (Yellow)
Ceiling Precipitation
Table 14-13 Weather Age Graphics

METARs
Precipitation Graphics Data Age Visibility
Light Moderate Heavy
Station Identifier
(Green) (Green) (Yellow)
No Figure 14-47 METAR Symbol
Precipitation
Rain

Snow

Unknown

Table 14-14 Precipitation Graphics

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 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Winds To interpret wind speed, add the values of each of the

wind speed barbs. In Figure 14-48, there are two long
Wind Vector - The wind vector indicates the barbs (10 knots each) and one short barb (5 knots each).
direction of the surface wind to the nearest 30˚ Thus, the total wind speed is 25 knots. Adding the gust
increment (e.g. 30˚, 60˚, 90˚, 120˚, etc.). offset to this figure gives winds gusting to 36 knots. Thus,
Wind Speed - In general, the sum of the wind barbs the symbol in Figure 14-48 indicates the surface wind at
(see Table 14-16) is the sustained surface wind KFRM is coming from a direction of 300° at a speed of
speed. 25 knots, gusting to 36 knots or greater. The data age is
11-20 minutes old.
Wind Speed
Gust Offset Wind Speed
(Blank) Unknown
Short Barb 5 kts
Long Barb 10 kts
≥ 37 kts
Wind Vector
Data Age
Table 14-16 Wind Speed Graphics

Gust Offset
(Blank) Gusts are unknown or < 5 kts above Figure 14-48 Wind Symbol
sustained wind speed.
G10 Wind is gusting 5 - 10 kts more than
(Green) sustained speed.
G11+ Wind is gusting 11 kts or more above its
(Yellow) sustained speed.
Table 14-17 Gust Offset Graphics

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 SECTION 14
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Temperature - Dewpoints
The Temperature-Dewpoint Range symbols (Table
14-18) display the difference between the reported
temperature and dewpoint. Differences are shown in
degrees Fahrenheit.

Temp - Dewpoint Display Ranges

(Blank) Unknown
11°+
(Green)

7° - 10°
(Green)

0° - 6°
(Yellow)

Table 14-18 Temp-Dewpoint Ranges

This symbol in Figure 14-49 displays the difference

between the reported temperature and dewpoint as 7-10
degrees Fahrenheit at KSPW.
Temperature Dewpoint

Figure 14-49 Temp-Dewpoint Symbol

14-38 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 15 – FAULT DETECTION
AND EXCLUSION

SECTION 15: FAULT DETECTION Figure 15-1 shows satellite number 9 exclusion during
oceanic phase of flight. No message notifying the user
and EXCLUSION of exclusion appears. In addition to the EPE and DOP
fields, there is the Horizontal Uncertainty Level (HUL)
NOTE: This section is intended for pilots expe-
field which displays a 99% confidence level that the
rienced with the operation of the GNS 530 and
aircraft position is within a circle with a radius of the value
are familiar with RAIM. For more information
regarding RAIM, see sections 10.3 and 10.4 of displayed in the HUL field.
this manual. Excluded Satellite Horizontal Uncertainty
(Checkered Pattern) Level
FDE is an acronym that stands for Fault Detection and
Exclusion. FDE was incorporated in the Garmin GNS
530 Main and GPS Software version 3.00 and higher.
FDE algorithms, provide a basis for approval per the
requirements for ‘GPS as a Primary Means of Navigation for
Oceanic/Remote Operations’ per FAA Notice N8110.60.
The oceanic flight phase is used by the GNS 530 when the
aircraft is more than 200 nm from the nearest airport. FDE
requires no pilot interaction during flight, but predicting Oceanic
Mode
the capability of the GPS constellation to provide service
during a flight is done by the pilot prior to departure.
Figure 15-1 Satellite Status Page
15.1 Detection and Exclusion
FDE consists of two distinct parts, fault detection
and fault exclusion. The detection function refers to
the capability to detect a satellite failure which can affect
navigation. Upon detection, the exclusion function
excludes one or more failed satellites and prevent them
from being used during navigation. This allows the GPS to
return to normal performance without interruption. The
process is entirely automated and does not require pilot
interaction during flight. On the Satellite Status Page,
the pilot can view information related to FDE operation.
To enhance safety, FDE functionality is provided for
other phases of flight (non-precision approach, terminal,
enroute). The FDE functionality for non-oceanic flight
phases adheres to the same missed alert probability, false
alert probability, and failed exclusion probability specified
by N8110.60.

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 15-1

SECTION 15 – FAULT DETECTION
AND EXCLUSION

15.2 Pre-Departure Verification of FDE

Since FDE is based upon the exclusion of ‘bad’ satellites,
it is necessary to ensure there will be an adequate number
of satellites in the GPS constellation that are still able to
provide a navigation solution. An FDE prediction must be
performed prior to departure for a flight involving:
• Oceanic/Remote operation where GPS is to be the
sole source of navigation per FAA Notice 8110.60
• U.S. Area Navigation (RNAV) routes, Standard
Instrument Departures (SIDs), or Standard
Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) if a NOTAM
indicates a GPS satellite (or satellites) is scheduled
to be out-of-service, per FAA AC 90-100 ‘U.S.
Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV)
Operations’
Prior to departure, the operator must use the FDE
Prediction Program supplied with the 500 Series Trainer
Software (Figure 15-2) to demonstrate that there are no
outages in the capability to navigate on the specified
route of flight (the FDE Prediction Program determines
whether the GPS constellation is robust enough to provide Figure 15-2 Garmin 500 Series Trainer Software
a navigation solution for the specified route of flight). The
trainer software and the document ‘400/500 Series FDE
Prediction Instructions’ (190-00643-00) are available on
Garmin’s website (www.garmin.com) for free download.

15-2 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

SECTION 16: MESSAGES, Altitude input failure - The GNS 530 is

configured to receive altitude serializer data
ABBREVIATIONS, and NAV TERMS (Icarus, Rosetta, or Shadin) and it is not being
received. Or, the data was being received, but has
been interrupted. If a grey code altitude input
16.1 Messages is available, it is used instead. If the problem
The GNS 530 uses a flashing ‘MSG’ annunciator at the persists, contact a Garmin dealer and check the
bottom of the screen (directly above the MSG Key) to installation and installation settings. When this
alert the pilot of any important information or warnings. message occurs, no pilot action is required if
While most messages are advisory in nature, warning enough satellites are available for a 3D position
messages may require pilot intervention. fix (provided no RAIM warnings are present).
When the ‘MSG’ annunciator flashes, press the MSG However, if only a 2D position fix is possible, the
Key to display the message. Press the MSG Key again to pilot should maintain the GPS altitude within
return to the previous page. 1,000 feet of pressure altitude by entering the
The following is a list of available messages and their altitude on the Position Page.
meanings: Approach is not active - The approach could
Airspace ahead -- less than 10 minutes - The not transition to ‘active’, at 2 nm or closer to
GPS-calculated course is projected to enter a the FAF. Verify that ‘SUSP’ DOES NOT appear
special use airspace within 10 minutes. This directly above the OBS Key, indicating the auto
message is automatically disabled within 30 nm of waypoint sequencing is suspended. This message
an arrival airport, when an approach is loaded. also appears if Receiver Autonomous Integrity
Monitoring (RAIM) has determined that sufficient
Airspace near and ahead - The GPS-calculated
GPS satellite coverage DOES NOT exist for the
position is within 2 nm of the boundary of a
current phase of flight (along with a ‘RAIM not
special use airspace and the course is projected
available from FAF to MAP’ message).
to enter the airspace within 10 minutes. This
message is automatically disabled within 30 nm of Approaching target altitude - The current GPS-
an arrival airport, when an approach is loaded. computed altitude is within 500 feet of the final
Vertical Navigation target altitude.
All data referenced to True North - The GNS
530 has not detected a NavData card in the left Approaching VNAV profile - The aircraft is
data card slot. within one minute of reaching the initial Vertical
Navigation descent, or climb, point.
Arrival at waypoint [waypoint name] - The
aircraft is within the arrival alarm circle for the
indicated waypoint. The size of the arrival alarm
circle is defined from the ‘CDI/Alarms’ menu
option on the Setup Page.

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

Cannot navigate locked FPL - The pilot has COM needs service - The GNS 530 has detected
attempted to navigate a flight plan (FPL) with a failure in its communications transceiver. The
one or more locked waypoints. A waypoint can COM transceiver may still be usable, but the unit
be ‘locked’ when the NavData card is replaced should be returned (at the earliest convenience) to
and the waypoint(s) does not exist in the new a Garmin dealer for service.
database. COM push-to-talk key stuck - The external
Can’t change an active waypoint - An attempt push-to-talk (PTT) switch is stuck in the enabled
has been made to modify the position of the active (or pressed) state. Try pressing the PTT switch
‘to’ or ‘from’ waypoint. The GNS 530 does not again to cycle its operation. If the message
allow modifications to user waypoints currently persists, contact a Garmin dealer for assistance.
being utilized for navigation guidance. COM remote transfer key is stuck - The
Can’t delete an active or FPL waypoint - An remote COM transfer switch is stuck in the
attempt has been made to delete the active ‘to’ or enabled (or pressed) state. Try pressing the
‘from’ waypoint. The GNS 530 will not allow the switch again to cycle its operation. If the message
deletion of user waypoints currently being utilized persists, contact a Garmin dealer for assistance.
for navigation guidance. COM transfer key stuck - The COM Flip-flop
CDI key stuck - The CDI Key is stuck in the Key is stuck in the enabled (or pressed) state. Try
enabled (or pressed) state. Try pressing the CDI pressing the COM Flip-flop Key again to cycle
Key again to cycle its operation. If the message its operation. If the message persists, contact a
persists, contact a Garmin dealer for assistance. Garmin dealer for assistance.
Check unit cooling - The GNS 530 has detected COM transmitter power has been reduced
excessive display backlighting temperature. The - The GNS 530 has detected excessive unit
backlighting has been automatically dimmed temperature and/or an insufficient voltage level.
to reduce the temperature. Check for adequate The COM transceiver transmit power has been
ventilation or check cooling air flow. Contact a automatically reduced to compensate for the
Garmin dealer for assistance. condition. For excessive temperatures, check for
COM has failed - The GNS 530 has detected a adequate ventilation or check cooling air flow. If
failure in its communications transceiver. The the message persists, contact a Garmin dealer for
COM transceiver is not available and the unit assistance.
should be returned to a Garmin dealer for service. Data card failure - The GNS 530 has detected
COM is not responding - Internal system- a problem with the NavData card. The data is
to-system communication between the main not usable and the card should be returned to
processor and the COM transceiver has failed. Jeppesen or a Garmin dealer.
Operational status of the COM transceiver is
unknown and the unit should be returned to a
Garmin dealer for service.

16-2 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

Data transfer cancelled (crossfill is busy) Degraded accuracy - GPS position accuracy has
- An attempt to transfer flight plan data during a been degraded and RAIM is not available. Poor
unit-to-unit crossfill was cancelled. The host unit satellite geometry (or coverage) has resulted in
is busy or unable to communicate. Wait until any a horizontal DOP greater than 4.0. Additional
previous crossfill operation is complete before cross-checking using another navigation source
attempting the transfer again. is required to verify the integrity of the GPS
Data transfer cancelled (data invalid) - An position.
attempt to transfer a single user waypoint during a Display backlight failure - The GNS 530 has
unit-to-unit crossfill was cancelled. No waypoint detected a failure in the display backlighting. The
was specified on the Crossfill Page. Select a user unit should be taken to your Garmin dealer for
waypoint and attempt the transfer again. service.
Data transfer cancelled (version mismatch) Do not use for navigation - The GNS 530 is
- An attempt to transfer data during a unit-to-unit in Demo Mode and must not be used for actual
crossfill was cancelled. The database versions navigation.
of the two 500 Series units are not identical. If FPL has been truncated - The flight plan (FPL)
necessary, update the database(s) so they match. was truncated because not enough room existed
Contact Jeppesen or your Garmin dealer for to insert an approach, departure, or arrival. This
assistance. message also appears when an approach has
Data transfer error, please re-transmit - An been deleted from a stored flight plan because an
error was detected during unit-to-unit crossfill approach could not be found. These conditions
of user data (user waypoints and/or flight plans). may occur upon power up when a database
The data transfer should be attempted again. change increases the number of waypoints in,
Data transfer is complete - The unit-to-unit or removes an approach from, an instrument
crossfill of user waypoint data has finished. procedure.
Database changed, validate user modified FPL is full - remove unnecessary waypoints
procedures - One or more approaches, - An attempt has been made to add more than 31
departures, or arrivals have been modified from waypoints to a flight plan (FPL). The GNS 530
their original published form. When the NavData does not allow more than 31 waypoints per flight
card is replaced (database update), the changes in plan.
the new database must be manually verified. This FPL leg will not be smoothed - The upcoming
message occurs each time a flight plan containing flight plan (FPL) leg is too short for smooth
a modified procedure (generated from a prior waypoint transitions. Expect a rapid change in
database version) is activated. To eliminate the the CDI.
message, re-create the flight plan from the new
database, then make the desired modifications.

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

FPL waypoint is locked - At least one flight plan GPS is not responding - Internal system-
(FPL) waypoint is locked because the waypoint to-system communication between the main
has been removed from the current NavData card processor and the GPS receiver has failed.
(database change), the data card is missing, or the Operational status of the GPS receiver is unknown
data card has failed. and the unit should be returned to a Garmin
FPL waypoint moved - The position data for dealer for service.
one or more flight plan (FPL) waypoints moved at GPS needs service - The GNS 530 has detected a
least 0.33 arc minutes in the current NavData card failure in its GPS receiver. The GPS receiver may
(database change). still be usable, but the unit should be returned (at
FPL waypoint was deleted - At least one flight the earliest convenience) to a Garmin dealer for
plan (FPL) waypoint is no longer available when service.
a new NavData card was installed (database GPS stored data was lost - Satellite almanac,
change). ephemeris and time data have been lost due to
G/S has failed - The GNS 530 has detected a a memory battery failure, system reset, or data
failure in its glideslope receiver. The glideslope expiration (data over six months old).
receiver is not available and the unit should be Heading input failure - The heading selection
returned to a Garmin dealer for service. on the external HSI’s (or CDI’s) OBS course
G/S is not responding - Internal system- selector cannot be read properly. A Garmin dealer
to-system communication between the main may need to check the installation.
processor and the glideslope receiver has failed. Inside airspace - A GPS-calculated position lies
Operational status of the glideslope receiver is within the boundaries of a special use airspace.
unknown and the unit should be returned to a This message is automatically disabled within
Garmin dealer for service. 30 nm of an arrival airport, when an approach is
G/S needs service - The GNS 530 has detected loaded.
a failure in its glideslope receiver. The glideslope Invalid closest pt of FPL - A closest point
receiver may still be usable, but the unit should be cannot be created from the waypoint entered on
returned (at the earliest convenience) to a Garmin the ‘Closest point of flight plan’ window. This
dealer for service. occurs when the selected waypoint is beyond the
GPS has failed - The GNS 530 has detected a limits of all legs in the flight plan, too far away,
failure in its GPS receiver. The GPS receiver is or when a unique waypoint name for the closest
not available and the unit should be returned to a point cannot be created.
Garmin dealer for service. Invalid FPL modification - An attempt was
made to modify the final course segment (FAF to
MAP) of an instrument approach. The GNS 530
does not allow the modifications.

16-4 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

Invalid waypoint ident - An attempt was made No altitude input is being received - No
to create a user waypoint with an invalid name. altitude data is being received from RS-232
The GNS 530 does not allow spaces between (Serializer: Icarus, Rosetta or Shadin) or grey code
characters in the waypoint name. inputs. If the problem persists, contact a Garmin
MAIN processor requires service - The GNS dealer and check the installation and installation
530 has detected a failure in the main system settings. When this message occurs, no pilot
processor. The GNS 530 is not usable and should action is required if enough satellites are available
be taken to a Garmin dealer for service. for a 3D position fix (provided no RAIM warnings
are present). However, if only a 2D position fix
Memory battery low - The internal battery is possible, the pilot should maintain the GPS
that sustains user memory is low and should be altitude within 1,000 feet of pressure altitude by
replaced by a Garmin dealer as soon as possible. entering the altitude on the Position Page.
Failure to do so may result in loss of stored
data, including flight plans, user waypoints, unit No basemap data available - The GNS 530 has
settings, and satellite data. detected a failure in the built-in basemap (land
data) memory. Land data does not appear on
Near airspace -- less than 2 nm - The GPS- the Map Page. Other unit functions continue to
calculated position is within 2 nm of a special work normally, however the GNS 530 should be
use airspace boundary, but the aircraft is not taken to a Garmin dealer for service at the earliest
projected to enter the airspace. This message is convenience.
automatically disabled within 30 nm of an arrival
airport, when an approach is loaded. Not receiving input data on 429 Channel 1
- No data has been received on the ARINC 429
Need altitude - display position page - The channel 1 connection for a period exceeding five
GPS receiver needs altitude input in order to seconds. If the problem persists, the installation
start and/or continue 2D navigation. Select the should be checked by a Garmin dealer.
Position Page and verify the altitude reading. If
the altitude is in error by more than 500 feet, Not receiving input data on 429 Channel 2
enter the current altitude as accurately as possible. - No data has been received on the ARINC 429
An inaccurate altitude directly translate into channel 2 connection for a period exceeding five
inaccurate position information. seconds. If the problem persists, the installation
should be checked by a Garmin dealer.
Not receiving input data on 232 Channel 1 -
No data has been received on the RS-232 channel
1 connection for a period exceeding ten seconds.
If the problem persists, the installation should be
checked by a Garmin dealer.

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

OBS key stuck - The OBS Key is stuck in the RAIM position warning - Although sufficient
enabled (or pressed) state. Try pressing the OBS GPS satellite coverage may exist, Receiver
Key again to cycle its operation. If the message Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) has
persists, contact a Garmin dealer for assistance. determined the information from one or more
Poor GPS coverage - The GPS receiver cannot GPS satellites may be in error. The resulting
acquire a sufficient number of satellites to GPS position may be in error beyond the limits
compute a position and provide navigation. allowed for the current phase of flight. Cross-
check the position with an alternate navigation
Power down and re-initialize - The GNS 530 source. If the warning occurs during a final
cannot calculate a position due to abnormal approach segment (FAF to MAP), execute the
satellite conditions. The unit is unusable published missed approach.
until power has been cycled off and back on.
Abnormal satellite conditions may exist and Scheduler message - [user entered text] - The
the pilot may need to use an alternate means of user-entered scheduler message time has expired,
navigation. and the scheduler message is displayed.
RAIM is not available - Receiver Autonomous Searching the sky - The GNS 530 is searching
Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) has determined that the sky for GPS satellite almanac data or the GPS
sufficient GPS satellite coverage does not exist for receiver is in AutoLocate Mode. Allow the unit
the current phase of flight. (The CDI/HSI NAV to complete data collection (approximately five
flag also appears.) Select an alternate source for minutes) before turning it off.
navigation guidance, such as the GNS 530’s VLOC Select appropriate frequency for approach
receiver. - The aircraft is inbound and within 3 nm of the
RAIM not available from FAF to MAP FAF; and the active VLOC frequency does not
waypoints - When performing an instrument match the published frequency for the approach.
approach, Receiver Autonomous Integrity Tune the standby VLOC frequency to the proper
Monitoring (RAIM) has determined that sufficient frequency and press the VLOC Flip-flop Key to
GPS satellite coverage does not exist to meet the ‘activate’ the frequency.
required protection limits. Select an alternate Select auto sequence mode - The OBS Key was
source for navigation guidance, such as the GNS pressed, disabling auto sequencing of waypoints
530’s VLOC receiver (for a VOR or localizer-based (in a flight plan or instrument procedure). The
approach). OBS Key should be pressed again to enable auto
sequencing, because 1) no destination waypoint
has been selected or 2) the GPS receiver cannot
currently determine its position.

16-6 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

Select VLOC on CDI for approach - The Terrain has failed - The terrain functionality
aircraft is inbound and within 3 nm of the FAF; self-test has failed. The operational status of the
and the active approach is not a GPS-approved terrain components is unknown and the unit
approach. Verify that the VLOC receiver is tuned should be returned to a Garmin dealer for service.
to the proper frequency and press the CDI Key to Timer has expired - The count down timer has
display ‘VLOC’ (directly above the CDI Key). reached zero.
Set course to [###]° - The course select for Traffic device needs service - Either the TCAD
the external CDI (or HSI) should be set to the battery or the TCAD interrogation device has
specified course. The message only occurs when failed. If the message persists, contact a Garmin
the current selected course is greater than 10° dealer for assistance.
different from the desired track.
Unit configuration has changed - The GNS
Steep turn ahead - This message appears 530 has detected a failure (during initial power
approximately one minute prior to a turn in one up) in its system configuration. Some system
of the following three conditions: 1) the turn components may be unusable. Try cycling power
requires a bank angle in excess of 25° in order off and back on. If the message persists, contact a
to stay on course, 2) the turn requires a course Garmin dealer for assistance.
change greater than 175°, or 3) during a DME arc
approach the turn anticipation distance exceeds User card format unknown - A data card has
90 seconds. been inserted, but the format of the card is not
recognized.
Stored data was lost - All user waypoints, flight
plans, and system settings have been lost due to a VLOC has failed - The GNS 530 has detected a
memory battery failure or system reset. failure in its VLOC receiver. The VLOC receiver is
not available and the unit should be returned to a
Terrain - See Section 12.3 and 13.3 for complete Garmin dealer for service.
lists of TAWS and TERRAIN related Alerts and
Annunciations. VLOC is not responding - Internal system-
to-system communication between the main
Terrain configuration conflict - The hardware processor and the VLOC receiver has failed.
configuration does not match the terrain software Operational status of the VLOC receiver is
configuration. The operational status of the unknown and the unit should be returned to a
terrain components is unknown and the unit Garmin dealer for service.
should be returned to a Garmin dealer for service.
VLOC needs service - The GNS 530 has
Terrain configuration has changed - The detected a failure in its VLOC receiver. The VLOC
software has detected a change in the terrain receiver may still be usable, but the unit should be
configuration. returned (at the earliest convenience) to a Garmin
dealer for service.

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

VLOC remote transfer key is stuck - The

remote VLOC transfer switch is stuck in the
enabled (or pressed) state. Try pressing the
switch again to cycle its operation. If the message
persists, contact a Garmin dealer for assistance.
VLOC transfer key stuck - The VLOC Flip-
flop Key is stuck in the enabled (or pressed)
state. Try pressing the VLOC Flip-flop Key again
to cycle its operation. If the message persists,
contact a Garmin dealer for assistance.
Waypoint already exists - The name just
entered for a user waypoint already exists in
memory.
Waypoint(s) have been replaced - One or more
user waypoints were updated during a unit-to-
unit crossfill operation.
Waypoint memory is full - The pilot has used
all 1000 user waypoint locations in the GNS 530’s
memory. Delete unwanted waypoint to make
room for new entries.

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

16.2 Abbreviations CUM Cumulative

The following is a list of abbreviations used on the
GNS 530 and their meanings: DB Database
ACTV Active DEN Density
ALT Altitude DEP Departure
APPRCHING Approaching DIS Distance
APR Approach DME Distance Measuring Equipment
APT Airport DOP Dilution of Precision
ARSPC Airspace DTK Desired Track
ARTCC Air Route Traffic Control Center
ARVL Arrival EFF Efficiency
AUX Auxiliary ELEV Elevation
AVGAS Aviation Grade Gasoline ENDUR Endurance
AVTN Aviation ENR Enroute
ENT Enter
BARO Barometric Pressure EPE Estimated Position Error
BRG Bearing To ESA Enroute Safe Altitude
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival
°C Degree Celsius ETE Estimated Time Enroute
C/V COM/VLOC
CAS Calibrated Airspeed °F Degrees Fahrenheit
CDI Course Deviation Indicator FDE Fault Detection and Exclusion
CLR Clear FF Fuel Flow
COM Communications Transceiver FLOW Total Fuel Flow
CRSR Cursor FOB Fuel On Board
CTA ICAO Control Area FPL Flight Plan
CTAF Common Traffic Advisory Frequency fpm Feet Per Minute
CTR Center (ARTCC) FREQ Frequency
CTS Course To Steer FSS Flight Service Station

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

ft Feet LOC Localizer

LRES Left-over Fuel Reserve Time
G/S Glideslope Lrg Large
gl Gallons lt Liters
GPS Global Positioning System
GS Ground Speed °M Degrees Magnetic
m Meters
HDG Heading mb Millibars of Pressure
hg Inches of Mercury Med Medium
HUL Horizontal Uncertainty Level MHz Megahertz
HWY Highway mi Statute Miles
MOA Military Operations Area
ID Identifier mph Statute Miles Per Hour
ig Imperial Gallons mpm Meters Per Minute
ILS Instrument Landing System mps Meters Per Second
IND Indicated MSA Minimum Safe Altitude
INT Intersection MSG Message
INTEG Integrity MSL Mean Sea Level
mul Multicom
kg Kilograms
kHz Kilohertz NATNL National
km Kilometers NAV Navigation
kph Kilometers Per Hour NAVAID Navigational Aid
kt Knots NDB Non-Directional Radio Beacon
nm Nautical Miles
LAT/LON Latitude/Longitude NRST Nearest
lb Pounds NUM Number
LCL Local
LFOB Left-over Fuel On Board OBS Omnibearing Selector

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

OCN Oceanic TERM Terminal

TKE Track Angle Error
P.POS Present Position TMA ICAO Terminal Control Area
PROC Procedure(s) TRANS Transition
PROV Province TRFC Traffic
PWR Power TRK Track (also Ground Track)
TRSA Terminal Radar Service Area
RAD Radial twr Tower
RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity TX Transmit
Monitoring
REF Reference uni Unicom
REQ Required/Requirements UTC Coordinated Universal Time
RESTRICTD Restricted (also GMT or ‘zulu’)
RNG Range
RX Receive VAR Variation
VER Version
SID Standard Instrument Departure VFR Visual Flight Rules
Sml Small VLOC VOR/Localizer Receiver
SPD Speed VNAV Vertical Navigation
SQ Squelch VOL Volume
SRFC Surface VOR VHF (Very High Frequency)
STAR Standard Terminal Arrival Route Omnidirectional Radio Range
SUA Special Use Airspace VS Vertical Speed
VSR Vertical Speed Required
°T Degree True
TACAN Tactical Air Navigation WPT Waypoint
TAS True Airspeed WX Weather
TAT Total Air Temperature
TEMP Temperature XTK Crosstrack Error

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

16.3 Navigation Terms ALT (altitude) - Height above mean sea level
(MSL).
The following navigation terms are used on the GNS
530 and in this Pilot’s Guide. Refer to Figures 15-1 and BRG (bearing) - The compass direction from the
15-2 for graphic representation of navigation terms. present position to a destination waypoint.
WPT 2
CAS (calibrated airspeed) - Indicated airspeed
NORTH corrected for instrument errors.
CTS (course to steer) - The recommended
DTK direction to steer in order to reduce course error
or stay on course. Provides the most efficient

DIS
BRG
heading to get back to the desired course and
TRK
proceed along the flight plan.
XT
K CUM (cumulative) - The total of all legs in a
flight plan (such as ‘cumulative distance’).
E
AN
AI
RPL DIS (distance) - The ‘great circle’ distance from
S
G
the present position to a destination waypoint.
WPT 1 DOP (dilution of precision) - A measure of
Figure 15-1 Illustrated NAV Terms satellite geometry quality on a scale of one to ten
(lowest numbers are best, highest numbers are
worst).
Vertical DTK (desired track) - The desired course
Navigation
VE

between the active ‘from’ and ‘to’ waypoints.

RT
IC
A
L
NA

EFF (efficiency) - A measure of fuel

VI
G
AT

TIME AND DISTANCE

IO

TO PROFILE
N

consumption, expressed in distance per fuel units

PR
O
FI

VER
LE

CURRENT ALTITUDE
AND POSITION
TIC
AL
SPE
ED
(e.g., nautical miles per gallon).
RE
QUIR
ED
ENDUR (endurance) - Flight endurance, or total
TARGET ALTITUDE
AND POSITION available flight time based upon available fuel.
DISTANCE TO TARGET
EPE (estimated position error) - A measure of
AIRPORT
satellite geometry quality and additional factors,
Figure 15-2 Illustrated Vertical NAV Terms expressed as a horizontal position error in feet or
meters.
ESA (enroute safe altitude) - The
recommended minimum altitude within ten miles,
left or right, of the desired course on an active
flight plan or direct-to.

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

ETA (estimated time of arrival) - The MSA (minimum safe altitude) - Uses Grid
estimated time at which the aircraft will reach the Minimum Off-route Altitudes (Grid MORAs) to
destination waypoint, based upon current speed determine a safe altitude within ten miles of the
and track. present position. Grid MORAs are one degree
ETE (estimated time enroute) - The time it latitude by one degree longitude in size and clear
will take to reach the destination waypoint, from all reference points within the grid by 1000 feet in
present position, based upon current ground areas where the highest reference point is 5000
speed. feet MSL or lower. If the highest reference point
is above 5000 feet, the Grid MORA will clear the
FF (fuel flow) - The fuel flow rate, expressed in highest reference point by 2000 feet.
fuel units per time (e.g., gallons per hour).
TKE (track angle error) - The angle difference
FOB (fuel on board) - The total amount of between the desired track and the current track.
usable fuel on board the aircraft. An arrow indicates the proper direction to turn to
GS (ground speed) - The velocity the aircraft is reduce TKE to zero.
travelling relative to a ground position. TRK (track) - The direction of movement relative
HDG (heading) - The direction an aircraft is to a ground position. Also referred to as ‘ground
pointed, based upon indications from a magnetic track’.
compass or a properly set directional gyro. VSR (vertical speed required) - The vertical
IND (indicated) - Information provided by speed necessary to descend/climb from current
properly calibrated and set instrumentation in the position and altitude to a defined target position
aircraft panel (e.g., ‘indicated altitude’). and altitude, based upon the current ground
LFOB (left-over fuel onboard) - The amount of speed.
fuel remaining on board after the completion of a XTK (crosstrack error) - The distance the
one or more legs of a flight plan (or a direct-to). aircraft is off a desired course in either direction,
LRES (left-over fuel reserve) - The amount of left or right.
fuel remaining on board after the completion of a
one or more legs of a flight plan (or a direct-to),
expressed in time and based upon a known fuel
consumption (flow) rate.

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 SECTION 16 – MESSAGES,
ABBREVIATIONS, & NAV TERMS

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16-14 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 APPENDIX A
DATA CARD USE

Appendix A: Data Card Use NOTE: There are two data card slots on the
face of the GNS 530 (Figure A-1). The Jeppesen
The Jeppesen NavData card, and the Terrain Data NavData card should be inserted in the left-hand
Card (if applicable) supplied with the GNS 530 can be slot. The right-hand slot is provided for the
installed or removed when the GNS 530 is on or off. If the Terrain Data Card.
NavData card is not present when the unit is turned on, a
‘No Jeppesen Aviation Database - Limited to user defined To insert the NavData or Terrain Data card
waypoints’ message appears on the Database Confirmation (Figure A-2):
Page. If the NavData card is removed during operation, 1) Place the card into the appropriate card slot,
a ‘Data card removed - Unit will restart in 30 seconds’ with the label facing up and the swing arm
warning is displayed. A counter begins to count down handle on the left.
and, if the card is not replaced within 30 seconds, the 2) Press the data card into place until it seats on
GNS 530 automatically re-initializes. Pressing the ENT the internal connector and the front of the card
Key will manually re-initialize the unit. is flush with the face of the GNS 530 unit.
3) If the swing arm handle is extended, gently
lower the handle and push it into place—flush
with the face of the GNS 530 unit.

NavData Terrain Data

Card Slot Card Slot
(left-hand slot) (right-hand slot)
Figure A-1 Data Card Slot Locations

Figure A-2 Data Card Insertion/Removal Detail

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference A-1

 APPENDIX A
DATA CARD USE

To remove the NavData or Terrain data card

(Figure A-2):
1) Gently press on the tab—using a slight
rightward motion—at the front center of the
data card. This partially deploys the swing arm
handle.

Press here to
deploy handle

Figure A-3 Swing Arm Handle Operation

2) Rotate the swing arm handle outward until it

locks into place, perpendicular to the face of
the GNS 530 unit.
3) Grasp the top and bottom surfaces of the
swing arm handle between your thumb and
forefinger, and pull directly away from the
face of the GNS 530 unit to remove the data
card.

A-2 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 APPENDIX B
SPECIFICATIONS

Appendix B: Specifications VHF COM PERFORMANCE

Channels: 760 (25 kHz spacing)
PHYSICAL or 2280 (8.33 kHz spacing)
Unit Size: 6.25’W x 11.00’D x 4.60’H Frequency Range: 118.000 MHz to 136.975 MHz
(159 mm x 279 mm x 117 mm) Transmit Power: 10 watts minimum (GNS 530)
Unit Weight: 8.5 pounds installed (3.9 kg) 16 watts minimum (GNS 530A)
POWER* VOR PERFORMANCE
Input: 28 Vdc (early GNS 530, all GNS Frequency Range: 108.00 MHz to 117.95 MHz
530A units)
LOCALIZER PERFORMANCE
14/28 Vdc (later 530 units)
Frequency Range: 108.10 MHz to 111.95 MHz
ENVIRONMENTAL
GLIDESLOPE PERFORMANCE
Temperature: -20°C to +55°C (operating range)
(-4°F to +131°F) Frequency Range: 329.15 MHz to 335.00 MHz
Humidity: 95% non-condensing INTERFACES
ARINC 429
Altitude: -1,500 ft to 50,000 ft
Aviation RS-232
(-457 m to 15,240 m)
CDI/HSI
GPS PERFORMANCE RMI (digital:clock/data)
Receiver: 12 parallel channel PhaseTrac12™ Superflag Out
Altitude (serial: Icarus, Shadin, Rosetta, or
Acquisition Time: 12 seconds (warm) encoded: Gillham/Greycode)
45 seconds (cold) Fuel Sensor
Update Rate: Once per second, continuous Fuel/Air Data
Accuracy: Position - 15 meters (49 ft) RMS
Velocity - 0.1 knot RMS steady state * Earlier versions of the 530 were designed to be used
Dynamics: 999 kts maximum velocity with 28 Vdc power only. For questions on a particular
6g maximum acceleration installation, please refer to a Garmin authorized
service center.

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 APPENDIX B
SPECIFICATIONS

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B-2 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 APPENDIX C
MAP DATUMS

Appendix C: Troubleshooting NOTE: If RAIM is not predicted to be available for

the final approach course, the approach does not
Q&A become active—as indicated by an ‘Approach is
not active’ message, a ‘RAIM not available from
This section is designed to answer some of the FAF to MAP’ message and INTEG annunciator.
common questions regarding the GNS 530’s capabilities
and operation. If there is a problem operating the unit, Why aren’t there any approaches available for
read through this appendix and refer to the reference my flight plan?
section noted. If the answer to a particular question is
not covered here, use the index to find the appropriate Approaches are available for the final destination
section elsewhere in this manual. If, after reading through airport in a flight plan or as a direct-to (keep in mind
the appropriate reference section, the answer cannot be that some VOR/VORTAC identifiers are similar to airport
found , please see an authorized dealer or contact Garmin identifiers). If a destination airport does not have a
directly at the address or phone numbers listed on page GPS approach, the GNS 530 indicates ‘NONE’ for the
ii. Garmin is dedicated to supporting its products and available procedures—as listed on the Airport Approach
customers. Page (Figure C-1). For more information on selecting an
approach, see Section 6.1.
What is RAIM, and how does it affect approach
operations?
RAIM is an acronym for Receiver Autonomous Integrity
Monitoring, a GPS receiver function that performs a
consistency check on all tracked satellites. RAIM ensures
that the available satellite geometry allows the receiver
to calculate a position within a specified protection limit
(4 nm for oceanic, 2 nm for enroute, 1 nm for terminal
and 0.3 nm for non-precision approaches).
During oceanic, enroute and terminal phases of flight,
RAIM is available nearly 100% of the time. Because of Figure C-1 Airport Approach Page
the tighter protection limit on approaches, there may
be times when RAIM is not available. The GNS 530
automatically monitors RAIM and warns the pilot with an
alert message (Section 15) when it is not available, and
the INTEG annunciator appears at the bottom left corner
of the screen. If RAIM is not available when crossing the
FAF, the pilot must fly the missed approach procedure.
The GNS 530’s RAIM prediction function (Section 15)
also allows the pilot to see whether RAIM is available for a
specified date and time.

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference C-1

 APPENDIX C
MAP DATUMS

What happens when I select an approach? Can I file slant Golf (‘/G’) using my GPS?
Can I store a flight plan with an approach, Yes, the pilot may file a flight plan as /G if the GNS
departure, or arrival? 530 is a certified A1 or A2 installation. If flying enroute,
When loading an approach, departure, or arrival into the pilot may file /G with an expired database only after
the active flight plan, a set of approach, departure, or having verified all route waypoints. Non-precision
arrival waypoints is inserted into the flight plan—along approaches may not be flown with an expired database.
with a header line describing the selected instrument See an approved Airplane Flight Manual Supplement for
procedure (Figure C-2). The original enroute portion of more information.
the flight plan remains active, unless the pilot ‘activates’
What does the OBS key do and when do I use
the instrument procedure; which may be done when the
it?
procedure is loaded or at a later time.
The OBS Key is used to select manual (OBS mode)
or automatic sequencing of waypoints. Activating OBS
mode (as indicated by an OBS annunciation directly
above the OBS Key) holds the current ‘active to’ waypoint
as the navigation reference and prevents the GPS from
sequencing to the next waypoint. When OBS mode is
cancelled, automatic waypoint sequencing is selected, and
the GNS 530 automatically selects the next waypoint in
the flight plan once the aircraft has crossed the present
active-to waypoint.
Figure C-2 Active Flight Plan Page
Flight plans can also be stored with an approach,
departure, or arrival. Keep in mind that the active flight
plan is erased when the unit is turned off and overwritten
when another flight plan is activated. When storing flight
plans with an approach, departure, or arrival, the GNS 530
uses the waypoint information from the current database to
define the waypoints. If the database is changed or updated,
the GNS 530 automatically updates the information if
the procedure has not been modified. If an approach,
departure or arrival procedure is no longer available, the
flight plan becomes locked until the procedure is deleted
from the flight plan or the correct database is installed. For
information on loading an approach, departure, or arrival,
see Section 6.1. See Section 5.1 for instructions on saving
and copying flight plans.

C-2 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 APPENDIX C
MAP DATUMS

One application for the OBS Key is holding patterns.

NORMAL (no ‘OBS’ OBS The OBS Key is used to suspend waypoint sequencing
annunciator) and select the desired course along the waypoint side of
Automatic sequencing of Manual sequencing- ‘holds’ the hold. For many approach operations, setting and
waypoints on selected waypoint resetting of waypoint sequencing is automatic. Holding
Change in HSI does not Manually select course to patterns that are part of an approach automatically
affect CDI deflection next waypoint from HSI disable waypoint sequencing, then re-enable waypoint
Always navigates ‘TO’ the Indicates ‘TO’ or ‘FROM’ sequencing after one time around the holding pattern.
active waypoint waypoint A ‘SUSP’ annunciation appears directly above the OBS
Key (Figure C-3) to indicate that automatic waypoint
Must be in this mode for Cannot be set for final
sequencing is temporarily suspended and course selection
final approach course approach course or
is not available. If more than one trip around the holding
published holding patterns
pattern is desired, press the OBS Key to again suspend
When OBS mode is active, the GNS 530 allows the waypoint sequencing. An example of this operation is
pilot to select the desired course to/from a waypoint using an approach which begins with a holding pattern at the
the HSI (much like a VOR) and display a to/from flag for initial approach fix (IAF). See Section 6.2, Flying an
the active-to waypoint. If an external course input is not Approach with a Hold for more information on the ‘SUSP’
available, the pilot may select the OBS course on-screen, annunciation and approaches with holding patterns.
via a ‘Select OBS Course’ pop-up window. With OBS
mode cancelled, the CDI always displays a ‘TO’ indication
for the next waypoint once the aircraft has crossed the
active waypoint (provided the active waypoint is not the
last waypoint). Refer to Section 6.2 for an example using
the OBS Key.

Figure C-3 ‘SUSP’ Annunciation

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference C-3

 APPENDIX C
MAP DATUMS

When should I use the OBS key to return to How do I skip a waypoint in an approach,
auto sequencing, and what happens when I do? departure or arrival?
The most common application for using the OBS Key The GNS 530 allows the pilot to manually select any
is the missed approach. The GNS 530 suspends automatic approach, departure, or arrival leg as the active leg of the
waypoint sequencing (indicated by a ‘SUSP’ annunciation flight plan. This procedure is performed from the Active
directly above the OBS Key; see Figure C-4) when the Flight Plan Page by highlighting the desired waypoint and
aircraft crosses the missed approach point (MAP). This pressing the Direct-to Key twice, then press the ENT
prevents the GNS 530 from automatically sequencing Key to approve the selection (Figure C-5). The GPS then
to the missed approach holding point (MAHP). If a provides navigation along the selected flight plan leg, so
missed approach is required, press the OBS Key to return be sure to have clearance to that position. See Section 5.2,
to automatic waypoint sequencing and sequence the Shortcuts for more information.
approach to the MAHP. See Section 6.2, Flying the Missed
Approach for more information on missed approaches.

Figure C-5 Activate Leg Window

Figure C-4 ‘SUSP’ Annunciation How do I fly the GPS with an autopilot and DG
heading bug?
Why won’t my unit automatically sequence to If the installation does not have an HSI, the pilot
the next waypoint? should make the course selections on the external CDI’s
The GNS 530 only sequences flight plan waypoints OBS knob and the DG heading bug.
when automatic sequencing is enabled (i.e., no ‘OBS’ or
‘SUSP’ annunciation directly above the OBS Key). For
automatic sequencing to occur, the aircraft must also cross
the ‘bisector’ of the turn being navigated. The bisector is
a perpendicular line between two flight plan legs which
crosses through the waypoint common to both legs.

C-4 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 APPENDIX C
MAP DATUMS

When does turn anticipation begin, and what When does the CDI scale change, and what
bank angle is expected? does it change to?
The GNS 530 smooths adjacent leg transitions based The GNS 530 begins a smooth CDI scale transition
upon a nominal 15º bank angle (with the ability to roll up from the 5.0 nm (enroute/oceanic mode) to the 1.0 nm
to 25º) and provide three pilot cues for turn anticipation: (terminal mode) scale 30 nm from the destination airport
1) A waypoint alert (‘NEXT DTK ###°’) flashes in the (Figure C-7). The CDI scale further transitions to 0.3
lower right corner of the screen 10 seconds before nm (approach mode) at 2 nm prior to the FAF during
the turn point (Figure C-6). an active approach. If the pilot is in a missed approach
situation, and would like to return the CDI to the 1 nm
scale, activate the missed approach sequence by pressing
the OBS Key, as described in Section 6.2, Flying the
Missed Approach. The CDI scale is also 1.0 nm (terminal
mode) within 30 nm of the departure airport.

MAP

Approach
0.3 nm
FAF

Figure C-6 Waypoint Alert

2 nm

2) A flashing turn advisory (‘TURN TO ###°’) 1 nm

appears along the bottom of the screen when the

aircraft is to begin the turn. Set the HSI to the
next DTK value and begin the turn. Terminal
3) The To/From indicator on the HSI (or CDI)
flips momentarily to indicate that the aircraft
1 nm
has crossed the midpoint of the turn. For
more information on waypoint alerts and turn 1 minute

advisories, see Sections 6.2 and 6.3. 30 nm

5 nm
Enroute/Oceanic
Figure C-7 CDI Scale Transition

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference C-5

 APPENDIX C
MAP DATUMS

Why does my CDI not respond like a VOR when How do I re-select the same approach or
OBS mode is active? activate a new approach after a missed
Unlike a VOR, the CDI scale used on GPS equipment approach?
is based on the cross-track distance to the desired course, After flying all missed approach procedures, the pilot
not an angular relationship to the destination (Figure may reactivate the same approach for another attempt from
C-8). Therefore, the CDI deflection on the GPS is the Procedures Page. Once given clearance for another
constant regardless of the distance to the destination, and attempt, activate the approach from the Procedures Page
does not become less sensitive when further away from by highlighting ‘Activate Approach?’ and then pressing the
the destination. For more information on the CDI scale, ENT Key. The GNS 530 provides navigation along the
see Section 10.4. desired course to the waypoint and rejoin the approach
in sequence from that point on. See Section 5.2, Active
Flight Plan Options for information on activating a specific
flight plan leg.
To activate a new approach for the same airport, select
2 2
the new procedure from the Procedures Page. To view
nm nm
the Procedures Page, press the PROC Key and turn the
large right knob to highlight ‘Select Approach?’. Press
the ENT Key and turn the large right knob to highlight
the new desired approach. Press the ENT Key to select
5 nm 5 nm 5 nm 5 nm
the approach, then select the desired transition. Finally,
GPS VOR highlight ‘Activate?’ at the bottom right corner of the screen
and press the ENT Key to activate the new approach.
Figure C-8 CDI Comparison
To activate a new approach to a different airport, press
the Direct-to Key and select the desired airport using
What is the correct missed approach the small and large right knobs. Press the ENT Key to
procedure? How do I select the missed accept the selected airport, then follow the steps in the
approach holding point? preceding paragraph to select an approach for the new
To comply with TSO specifications, the GNS 530 does not airport. See Section 6.1 for more information on selecting
automatically sequence past the MAP. The active-to waypoint and activating approaches.
sequences to the first waypoint in the missed approach
procedure when the OBS Key is pressed after crossing the
MAP. All published missed approach procedures must be
followed, as indicated on the approach plate.
To execute the missed approach procedure prior to the
MAP (not recommended), select the Active Flight Plan
Page, highlight the MAHP, press the Direct-to Key, and
then press the ENT Key twice.

C-6 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 INDEX

A C
Abbreviations 7-5, 7-7, 7-9, 7-16, 7-17, 7-18, 16-9 CAUTIONS vi
Accessories 1-1 CDI key 1-4, 6-26, 6-31, 6-32, 9-4, 16-2, 16-7
Activate Leg 5-10, 5-15, C-4 CDI scale 3-2, 6-11, 6-15, 6-18, 6-28, 6-30,10-18, 10-19,
Activate the approach 6-4, 6-10, 6-18, C-6 10-22, 10-23, C-5, C-6
Activating Flight Plans 5-4 CDI switching 6-32, 6-33
Active Flight Plan Options 5-8, 5-10, 5-11, 5-12, 5-13 Ceiling and Visibility Graphics 14-36
Active frequency 1-9, 2-1, 2-2, 2-5, 6-27, 6-33, 9-1, 9-2 Checklists 1-7, 10-10, 10-11, 10-12, 10-13, 10-14
Active leg 1-12, 3-3, 5-9, 6-7, 6-8, 6-11, 6-12, 6-16, 6-18, Closest point of flight plan 16-4
6-21, 6-29, 6-30, 6-32, C-4 CLR Key 1-3
Airport Approach Page 7-5, 7-7, 7-10, 7-11, 7-12, C-1 COM configuration 10-29
Airport Frequencies 2-3, 2-5 COM Flip-flop Key 1-3
Airport Location Page 7-2, 7-4, 8-5 COM Power/Volume Knob 1-3
Airport Runway Page 7-6 COM volume 1-5
Airport Type 7-5, 7-7–7-10, 7-12, 7-14 COM window 1-9, 1-14, 2-1–2-5, 8-4, 8-9, 8-13, 9-1
Airspace alert messages 1-18, 8-14, 10-22 Contrast 10-20
Airspace information 1-18 Copying flight plans C-2
Altitude 3-24, 16-1, 16-9 Course from fix flight plan 6-20
Altitude buffer 8-14, 10-20, 10-21, 10-22 Creating a flight plan 6-5
Annunciator 1-8, 1-18, 3-17, 3-19, 8-11, 12-7, 13-7, 16-1, Creating User Waypoints 7-20
C-1, C-3 Crossfill 3-5, 5-6, 10-2, 10-3, 10-8, 10-9
Approach, best available 7-5
Approach procedures 6-1, 6-8, 6-9, 6-12, 6-16, 6-20, 6-31, D
7-10, 9-3, C-6 Database confirmation page 1-6, A-1
Arrivals 1-4, 1-15, 5-9, 5-12, 5-14, 6-1, 7-1, 7-12, 16-3 Database subscriptions 1-6
Arrival alarm 10-18, 10-20, 10-23, 16-1 Data fields 1-12, 1-13, 3-5, 3-7, 3-13, 3-14, 5-10, 10-5
Auto-Tuning 2-3, 9-2 Data Link Request Log Page 14-27
Automatic sequencing C-3 Data Link Status Page 14-33
Automatic squelch 1-3, 2-1 Date and time 10-3, 10-8, 10-17, 10-20, C-1
Automatic zoom 3-10, 3-11 Declutter 1-11, 3-7
Auto Request 14-23, 14-28–14-30 Default NAV page 1-10
AUX Page Group 10-1 Delete user waypoints 16-2
Aviation data 3-12, 3-16, 3-19 Deleting Flight Plans 5-5
B Density altitude 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-6
Departures 1-4, 1-15, 5-9, 5-12, 5-14, 6-1, 6-24, 7-1, 7-14,
Backlighting 10-20, 10-27, 16-2, 16-3 7-15, 9-3, 16-3
Bearing 1-6, 1-11, 3-4, 3-8, 3-13, 3-14, 5-9, 5-13, 8-3, 8-5, Departure time 10-6, 10-11, 10-15
8-6, 8-8, 8-9, 16-9, 16-12 Desired track 1-11, 1-12, 3-4, 3-7, 5-8, 6-15, 6-23, 6-24,
Bottom Row Keys 1-4 10-3, 16-7, 16-12, 16-13
Direct-to Key 1-3
Direct-To Navigation 4-6
Display backlighting 16-2, 16-3

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference I-1

 INDEX

Display contrast 10-20 GPS v

DIS (distance) 1-11, 1-12, 3-4, 3-7, 5-8, 5-10, 6-6, 6-15, GPS receiver status 3-23
6-21, 6-22, 6-28, 7-16, 7-18, 7-20, 7-21, 7-22, 10-3, GPS Window 1-9
10-6, 10-24, 16-9, 16-12 Ground speed 1-11, 1-12, 3-4, 3-7, 3-14, 3-23, 6-23, 6-24,
DME Arc 3-3, 6-13 10-2, 10-3, 10-5, 10-6, 10-11, 10-15, 10-16, 16-13
DOP 3-23, 3-24, 15-1, 16-3, 16-9, 16-12 Ground track 1-11, 3-4, 16-13
Duplex operations 8-9 Gust Offset Graphics 14-37
Duplicate waypoints 7-4
H
E
HOLD 6-9, 6-11, 6-23
Emergency channel select 2-5 Hold, in an approach 6-9, 6-22, C-3
ENT Key 1-3 Holding pattern 5-15, 6-9, 6-10, 6-11, 6-23, C-3
EPE 3-23, 3-24, 15-1, 16-9, 16-12
ETA (estimated time of arrival) 3-4, 5-10,10-3, 10-6, 16-9, I
16-13 Ident Audio 9-1
ETE (estimated time enroute) 1-12, 3-4, 5-10, 10-3, 10-6, IFR Procedures 1-15
16-9, 16-13 ILS approach 6-25, 6-27, 6-28, 6-29, 6-33, 9-3
F Insert the NavData card A-1
Instrument Panel Self-Test Page 1-6
FDE 1-8, 15-1, 15-2, 16-9 INTEG annunciator C-1
Field Elevation 1-3–1-8, 7-4 Intersections 1-11, 1-16, 7-1, 8-1, 8-2, 8-5
Flight phases 10-11, 10-17, 15-1 Inverting Flight Plans 5-4
Flight Planning Page 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-5, 10-6, 10-8, IOI (imminent obstacle impact) 12-5, 13-5
11-1–11-4 ITI (imminent terrain impact) 12-5
Flight plans 1-4, 1-5, 1-19, 4-3, 5-1, 5-6, 5-7, 10-2, 10-3,
10-9, 16-3, 16-5, 16-7, C-2 K
Flight plan catalog 1-19, 1-20, 5-1–5-9, 6-4 Keys and Knobs 1-2, 1-3
Flight timers 10-14, 10-15 Key and Knob Functions 1-2
Forecast Abbreviations 14-35
FPL Key 1-4 L
Frequency fields 1-3, 1-9, 1-13, 1-14, 1-16, 1-17, 1-18,
2-1–2-5, 3-10, 3-21, 3-22, 6-2, 6-5, 6-25, 6-27, 6-28, Land data 1-5, 3-10, 3-12, 16-5
6-29, 6-33, 7-8, 7-9, 7-11, 7-16, 7-17, 8-7, 8-9, 8-10, Land data page 1-5
8-13, 9-1–9-4, 16-6, 16-7 Large right knob 1-3
Frequency selection 9-1 Left-hand Keys and Knobs 1-3
Fuel planning 10-1–10-4 Loading an approach C-2
Full Screen Map 3-13 Local time 10-20, 10-26
Locked waypoints 16-2
G
GDL 49 14-19
GDL 69/69A 14-19
Generic timer 10-14, 10-15

I-2 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 INDEX

M Nearest ARTCC 1-16, 2-4, 8-8

Nearest ARTCC Page 8-8
Magnetic variation 10-20, 10-24 Nearest FSS 1-16, 8-2, 8-9
Magnetic variation 7-17 Nearest FSS Page 8-9
Main page groups 8-1, 10-1 Nearest Intersection Page 1-16, 8-5
Manual sequence 6-20, 6-24 Nearest NDB Page 1-16, 8-6
MAP 4-1, 6-3 Nearest User Waypoint Page 1-16, 8-8
Map datum 10-18 Nearest VOR Page 1-16, 8-6
Map Direct-To 3-8 NEXRAD 14-19–14-26, 14-29
Map orientation 3-10, 3-11 NEXRAD Intensity 14-21
Map Page 1-11, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-10, 3-14, 4-5, 6-7, 6-8, NEXRAD Request Page 14-22
6-12, 6-16, 6-18, 6-22, 6-29, 7-18, 7-20, 10-20, 16-5 NOAA 14-21
Map page options 3-10 Non-Bearing Traffic Advisory 14-8
Map Panning 3-8 NRST Page Group 1-16, 8-1
Map range 1-2, 1-3, 1-11, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-11
Map setup 3-7 O
Max speed 10-16
Measurement units 1-5, 10-18, 10-20, 10-23, 10-24 OBS key 1-4, 6-8, 6-9, 6-11, 6-13, 6-16, 6-20–6-25, 6-31,
MENU Key 1-3 6-32, 16-1, 16-6, C-2–C-6
Messages 1-4, 1-18, 3-23, 8-14, 10-3, 10-7, 10-8, 10-21, Odometer 10-16
10-22, 16-1 Overzoom 3-7
Message Page 1-8, 1-18, 2-5
P
METAR 14-19, 14-36
METAR Graphics 14-36 Packing List 1-1
Missed approach 4-1, 6-3, 6-8–6-13, 6-16, 6-20–6-23, 6-31, Page groups 1-3, 3-1, 8-1, 10-1
6-32, 16-6, C-1, C-4, C-5, C-6 PDA (premature descent alert) 12-5
Mode S 14-1 Pointer, panning 3-8, 3-9, 3-13, 4-5, 7-20
MSA (minimum safe altitude) 3-4, 16-10, 16-13 Position format 1-5, 10-25
MSG Key 1-4 Position page 16-1, 16-5
Powering up the GNS 530 1-3, 1-5
N Precipitation Graphics 14-36
NAVAID v, 3-10, 16-10 Procedures Page 1-15, 6-1–6-4, 6-17, 7-14, 7-15, 9-3, C-6
NAV/COM page 1-10, 1-13, 1-14, 1-16, 2-4, 3-21, 3-22, 6-5 Procedure turn 5-15, 6-4, 6-7, 6-26, 6-28, 6-29, 6-33
NavData card 1-6, 1-15, A-1, A-2 PROC Key 1-4, 1-15, 5-9, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-5, 6-9, 6-10, 6-14,
Navigation terms 1-11, 1-12, 3-14, 16-12 6-17, 6-18, 6-23, 6-27, 9-3, C-6
NAV Page Group 1-5, 2-4, 3-2
NDB 1-11, 1-16, 3-6, 6-3, 7-2, 7-5, 7-16, 7-17, 7-18, 7-19,
7-21, 8-3, 8-6, 16-10
Nearest (NRST) Pages 1-16
Nearest airport criteria 10-21, 10-27, 10-28
Nearest Airport Page 1-16, 1-17, 2-3, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 10-21
Nearest airspace 1-16
Nearest Airspace Page 8-11

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference I-3

 INDEX

R T
Radar coverage 7-5 Target pointer 3-8, 3-9, 7-20
RAIM prediction 10-16 TAS (Traffic Advisory Systems) 14-12
RAIM protection limits 10-17 TAWS 12-6, 13-5
Reference waypoint 5-9, 5-13, 7-18–7-23 TAWS Page 3-15, 3-18
Remove the NavData card A-2 TCAS 14-1, 14-12
Removing approaches 5-14 Temp-Dew Point Ranges 14-38
Requesting Graphical METARS 14-28 TERMS 16-1
Request METAR 14-26 TERRAIN 1-10, 3-15–3-20, 12-1, 12-5, 12-7, 13-1, 13-3,
Request NEXRAD 14-26 13-7
Right-hand Keys and Knobs 1-3 TERRAIN Page 1-10, 3-15–3-19, 12-7, 13-3, 13-7
RNG key 1-3, 3-6, 3-16, 3-19, 7-6, 7-7 Terrain separation v
Roads 3-8, 3-12 Thumbnail Traffic 14-9
ROC 13-5 Timers 10-10, 10-11, 10-14
RTC (required terrain clearance) 12-5 TIS 14-1
Runway information 1-16, 8-4 Track (TRK) 1-6, 1-11, 1-12, 3-4, 3-7, 3-11, 3-12, 3-14, 3-23,
5-8, 6-15, 6-23, 6-24, 6-29, 6-32, 10-3, 10-6, 10-20,
S 16-7, 16-12, 16-13, C-6
Satellite Status Page 1-8, 3-23, 15-1 Traffic Advisory 14-4
Scheduler message 16-6 Traffic coasting 14-7
Scroll Bar 1-4, 3-22, 8-3, 8-5, 8-6 Traffic Ground Track 14-5
Select Approach 1-15, 5-11, 6-1, 6-4, 6-9, 7-11, 9-3, C-6 Traffic Page 14-5
Select Arrival 1-15, 5-12, 6-1 Traffic Warning Window 14-7
Select Departure 1-15, 5-12, 6-1 Transitions 5-11, 5-12, 6-1, 6-5, 6-10, 6-17, 7-10–7-15, 9-3,
Self test 1-5 16-3, C-5
Setup Page 10-18, 10-24, 10-26 Trip planning 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-5
Shortcuts 4-4, 5-14 Trip statistics 10-10, 10-16
SIDs 1-15, 15-2 Tuning cursor 1-3, 1-9, 2-1, 2-2, 9-1
Signal strength 1-8, 3-23 Turn advisories C-5
Sky view 3-23 Turn anticipation 16-7, C-5
Small left knob 1-3 U
Small right knob 1-3
Software/database version 10-10 Units of measure 1-5, 10-18, 10-20, 10-23, 10-24
Sort list 5-7, 10-14 User Waypoint List 7-22, 7-23, 7-25
Specifications vi, B-1 User Waypoint Page 7-18, 7-19, 7-20, 7-21, 7-22, 7-23, 8-8
Squelch 2-1, 16-11 Utility Page 10-10–10-14, 10-16, 10-17, 10-18
Standby Frequency 1-9, 2-2, 8-9, 8-10
STARs 1-15, 15-2
Stuck Microphone 2-5
SUSP 6-8, 6-11, 6-13, 6-16, 6-20–6-24, 6-31, 6-32, 16-1,
C-3, C-4
Symbols 3-3, 3-6, 3-17, 3-20, 7-16, 7-17

I-4 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 INDEX

V
Vectors-To-Final 3-3, 6-17
Vertical Navigation 16-1, 16-11
VLOC audio 9-1
VLOC flip-flop key 1-3, 1-14, 6-28, 6-33, 7-17, 8-7, 8-10,
9-2, 9-3, 9-4, 16-6, 16-8
VLOC volume knob 1-3, 9-1
VLOC window 1-9, 1-14, 2-2, 3-22, 6-25, 6-27, 7-8, 7-17,
8-7, 8-10, 9-1, 9-3, 9-4
Volume 1-3, 1-5, 2-1, 9-1
VORs 1-11, 1-16, 3-10, 3-16, 3-19, 4-2, 7-1, 7-17, 8-1, 8-2,
8-6
VSR 3-4, 16-11, 16-13

W
Warranty vi, vii
Waypoint alerts C-5
Waypoint List 7-22, 7-23, 7-25
Waypoint sequencing 3-3, 6-11, 6-23, 16-1, C-2, C-3, C-4
Weather Age Graphic 14-36
Weather broadcast 7-16, 7-17
Weather Data Link 14-1, 14-19, 14-20
Weather Legend Page 14-31
Winds aloft 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-6
Wind Speed Graphics 14-37
WPT page group 5-15, 7-1, 7-2, 7-17

190-00181-00 Rev. H GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference I-5

 INDEX

I-6 GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference 190-00181-00 Rev. H

 Garmin International, Inc.
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© 2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries 190-00181-00 Rev. H