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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W
V
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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