GNS 530
Pilot’s Guide
& Reference
This  manual  reflects  the  operation  of  Main  System  Software  version  2.00  or  above.  Some  differences  in
operation  may  be  observed  when  comparing  the  information  in  this  manual  to  earlier  software  versions.
GARMIN International, Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062  USA
Tel: 913/397.8200
Fax: 913/397.8282
GARMIN  (Europe)  LTD,  Unit  5,  The  Quadrangle,  Abbey  Park,  Romsey,  Hampshire  S051  9AQ,  UK
Tel:  44/1794.519944
Fax:  44/1794.519222
GARMIN  (Asia)  Corp.,  No.  68,  Jangshu  2nd  Road,  Shijr,  Taipei  County,  Taiwan
Tel:  886/02.2642.8999
Fax:  886/02.2642.9099
Web  Site  Address:  www.garmin.com
©  2000  GARMIN  Corporation.  All  rights  reserved.  Except  as  expressly  provided  herein,  no  part  of  this
manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage me-
dium,  for  any  purpose  without  the  express  written  permission  of  GARMIN  Corporation.  GARMIN
Corporation  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.
Information  in  this  document  is  subject  to  change  without  notice.  GARMIN  reserves  the  right  to  change
or  improve  their  products  and  to  make  changes  in  the  content  of  this  material  without  obligation  to
notify  any  person  or  organization  of  such  changes  or  improvements.
Introduction
Foreword
Visit the GARMIN website for the latest updates
and supplemental information concerning the
operation of this and other GARMIN products.
GARMIN, GNS 530, Spell’N’Find, AutoLocate and
PhaseTrac12 are trademarks of GARMIN and may
only be used with permission.
NavData® is a registered trademark of Jeppesen,
Inc.
May 2000
              190-00181-00 Rev. A
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Introduction
Cautions
NOTE:  This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC limits for Class B digital devices. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation.
      If this equipment does cause harmful
interference, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by relocating the equipment or
connecting the equipment to a different circuit than
the affected equipment. Consult an authorized
dealer or other qualified avionics technician for
additional help if these remedies do not correct the
problem.
     Operation of this device is subject to the
following 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.
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CAUTION: The Global Positioning System is operated by the United States government, which is solely
responsible for its accuracy and maintenance. The system is subject to changes which could affect the
accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment. Although the GARMIN GNS 530 is a precision electronic
NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and therefore become unsafe.
CAUTION: Use the GNS 530 at your own risk. To reduce the risk of unsafe operation, carefully review
and understand all aspects of this Owner’s Manual and the Flight Manual Supplement, and thoroughly
practice basic operation prior to actual use. When in actual use, carefully compare indications from the
GNS 530 to all available navigation sources, including the information from other NAVAIDS, visual
sightings, charts, etc. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies before continuing navigation.
WARNING: The altitude calculated by the GNS 530 is geometric height above mean sea level and could
vary significantly from altitude displayed by pressure altimeters in aircraft. GPS accuracy may be degraded
by the U.S. Department of Defense-imposed Selective Availability (SA) program. With “SA” on, GPS
altitude may be in error by several hundred feet. Never use GPS altitude for vertical navigation.
WARNING: The Jeppesen database incorporated in the GNS 530 must be updated regularly in order to
ensure that its information is current. Updates are released every 28 days. A database information packet is
included in your GNS 530 package. Pilots using an out-of-date database do so entirely at their own risk!
CAUTION: GPS receivers operate by receiving and decoding very low power radio signals broadcast by
satellites. It is possible that in some situations other radio equipment or electronic equipment used in close
proximity to a GPS receiver may create electromagnetic interference (EMI) which may affect the ability of the
GPS receiver to receive and decode the satellite signals. In such event, the interference may be reduced or
eliminated by switching off the source of interference or moving the GPS receiver away from it.
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 your
warranty and authority to operate this device under FCC Part 15 regulations.
Congratulations on choosing the world’s finest panel-mounted IFR navigation/communication system!
The  GNS  530  represents  GARMIN’s  continued  commitment  to  provide  you  with  the  most  advanced
technology  available  today—in  an  accurate,  easy-to-use  design  suitable  for  all  of  your  flying  needs.
Before installing and getting started with your new system, please check to see that your package
includes  the  following  items.  If  any  parts  are  missing  or  damaged,  please  see  your  GARMIN  dealer
immediately.
Standard  Package:
     •  GNS 530 Unit & NavData® Card
     •  GPS Antenna
     •  Installation Rack & Connectors
     •  Pilot’s Guide & Quick Reference Guide
     •  Database Subscription Packet
     •  Warranty Registration Card
Your  GARMIN  dealer  will  perform  the  installation  and  configuration  of  your  new  GNS  530.  After
installation,  the  NavData®  card  will  already  be  installed  into  the  correct  slot  on  the  front  of  the  unit
(see  Appendix  A).  The  GNS  530  will  be  secured  in  the  installation  rack  with  the  proper  wiring  connec-
tions  performed.  Have  your  dealer  answer  any  questions  you  may  have  about  the  installation—such  as
location  of  antennas  or  any  connections  to  other  equipment  in  the  panel.
Introduction
Accessories and Packing List
To obtain accessories for your GNS 530, please
contact your GARMIN dealer.
Help us better support you by completing our on-
line registration today! Registration ensures you will
be notified of product updates, new products and
provides lost or stolen unit tracking. Have the serial
number of your GNS 530 handy and connect to our
website (www.garmin.com). Look for the Product
Registration link on the home page.
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Introduction
Warranty
GARMIN is fully committed to your satisfaction as
a customer. If you have any questions regarding the
GNS 530, please contact our customer service
department at:
GARMIN International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street
Olathe, KS  66062-3426
(913) 397-8200
FAX (913) 397-8282
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GARMIN  Corporation  warrants  this  product  to  be  free  from  defects  in  materials  and  workmanship
for one year from the date of purchase. GARMIN will, at its sole option, repair or replace any compo-
nents that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for
parts  or  labor.  The  customer  is,  however,  responsible  for  any  transportation  costs.  This  warranty  does
not  cover  failures  due  to  abuse,  misuse,  accident,  improper  installation  or  unauthorized  alteration  or
repairs.
THE  WARRANTIES  AND  REMEDIES  CONTAINED  HEREIN  ARE  EXCLUSIVE,  AND  IN  LIEU  OF
ALL  OTHER  WARRANTIES  EXPRESSED  OR  IMPLIED,  INCLUDING  ANY  LIABILITY  ARISING  UNDER
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  THIS  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.
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To obtain warranty service, call the GARMIN Customer Service department for a returned
merchandise tracking number. The unit should be securely packaged with the tracking number
clearly marked on the outside of the package, and sent freight prepaid and insured to a
GARMIN warranty service station. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as proof of
purchase for warranty repairs. GARMIN retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit
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.
PART  ONE:  INTRODUCTION
Foreword ..................................................................................................................................... i
Cautions ...................................................................................................................................... ii
Accessories / Packing List .......................................................................................................... iii
Warranty..................................................................................................................................... iv
Table  of  Contents .................................................................................................................... v-vi
PART  TWO:  TAKEOFF  TOUR
Key  and  Knob  Functions ........................................................................................................ 1-3
Power  On .................................................................................................................................... 4
Acquiring  Satellites  /  Viewing  Messages ..................................................................................... 5
Selecting  COM/NAV  Frequencies ............................................................................................... 6
Map Page ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Page  Groups ............................................................................................................................. 8-9
Direct-To  Navigation................................................................................................................. 10
Default  NAV  Page ..................................................................................................................... 11
NAVCOM  Page .......................................................................................................................... 12
IFR  Procedures.......................................................................................................................... 13
Nearest  Airports ................................................................................................................... 14-15
Special-use/Controlled  Airspace .............................................................................................. 16
Flight  Plans .......................................................................................................................... 17-18
PART  THREE:  REFERENCE
Section  1:  Communicating  with  the  GNS  530 ................................................................... 19-24
    COM  and  VLOC  frequencies,  Active  and  standby  frequencies
Section  2:  NAV  Page  Group  (GPS  navigation  pages) .......................................................... 25-41
    Using  page  groups  and  selecting  the  desired  page,  Using  the  default  NAV  and  map  pages
Introduction
Table of Contents
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Introduction
Table of Contents
To quickly and easily locate information on specific
tasks, please refer to the Index on page 200.
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Section  3:  Direct-to  Navigation ........................................................................................... 42-46
    Using  the  Direct-to  key
Section  4:  Flight  Plans  (FPL  key  and  FPL  page  group) ..................................................... 47-58
    Creating  and  using  flight  plans,  Retrieving  and  editing  stored  flight  plans
Section  5:  Approaches,  Departures  and  Arrivals  (PROC  key) .......................................... 59-85
    Selecting  and  flying  non-precision/precision  approaches,  Selecting  and  using  departures  (SIDs)
            and arrivals (STARs)
Section  6:  WPT  Page  Group  (Waypoint/database  information) ....................................... 86-110
    Finding  and  viewing  airport  location,  runway  and  frequency  data,  Finding  and  viewing  navaid
            information, Creating user-defined waypoints
Section  7:  NRST  Page  Group  (Nearest  airports,  etc.) ..................................................... 111-122
    Viewing  nearest  listings  for  airports,  navaids  and  airspaces,  Displaying  frequencies  for  nearest
            flight service (FSS) and center
Section  8:  VLOC  (VOR/Localizer/Glideslope)  Receiver  Operations ............................... 123-128
Section  9:  AUX  page  group  (Flight  Planning  and  Unit  Settings) .................................. 129-154
Section  10:  Vertical  Navigation  (VNAV  key) ................................................................... 155-157
Section  11:  Traffic  and  Weather  Data.............................................................................. 158-176
Section  12:  Messages,  Abbreviations  &  Navigation  Terminology .................................... 177-189
Appendix  A:  NavData®  Card  Use ......................................................................................... 190
Appendix  B:  Specifications .................................................................................................... 191
Appendix  C:  Map  Datums .............................................................................................. 192-193
Appendix  D:  Troubleshooting  Q  &  A ............................................................................ 194-199
Appendix  E:  Index .......................................................................................................... 200-204
The GNS 530 is designed to make operation as simple as possible. The descriptions on the next
three pages provide a general overview of the primary function(s) for each key and knob. This Takeoff
Tour section is intended to provide a brief overview of the primary functions of your GNS 530. Experiment
with  the  unit  and  refer  to  the  reference  sections  for  more  information.
Left-hand Keys and Knobs
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The  COM  power/volume  knob  controls  unit  power  and  communications  radio
volume.  Press  momentarily  to  disable  automatic  squelch  control.
The  VLOC  volume  knob  controls  audio  volume  for  the  selected  VOR/  Localizer
frequency.  Press  momentarily  to  enable/disable  the  ident  tone.
The  large  left  knob  (COM/VLOC)  is  used  to  tune  the  megahertz  (MHz)  value  of  the
standby frequency  for  the  communications  transceiver  (COM)  or  the  VOR/Localizer
receiver,  whichever  is  currently  selected  by  the  tuning  cursor.
The small  left  knob  (PUSH  C/V)  is  used  to  tune  the  kilohertz  (kHz)  value  of  the
standby frequency  for  the  communications  transceiver  (COM)  or  the  VLOC  receiver,
whichever  is  currently  selected  by  the  tuning  cursor.  Press  this  knob  momentarily  to
toggle  the  tuning  cursor  between  the  COM  and  VLOC  frequency  fields.
The  COM  flip-flop  key  is  used  the  swap  the  active  and  standby  COM  frequencies.
Press  and  hold  to  select  emergency  channel  (121.500  MHz).
The  VLOC  flip-flop  key  is  used  to  swap  the  active  and  standby  VLOC  frequencies
(i.e.,  make  the  selected  standby  frequency  active).
Takeoff  Tour
Key and Knob Functions
The large and small left knobs allow you to
tune the desired COM or VLOC frequency.
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