The New Garmin Aera

Published by: Greg on 3rd Nov 2009 | View all blogs by Greg
Have you checked out the new Garmin Aera yet?

I was just wondering what Garmin was going to come up with next and here it is. The QVTA wide-format 4.3 inch screen is crisp and relatively easy to use, even with my five thumbs. The screen offers a menu-driven tap-and-drag interface.

The Aera's Sectional chart-style shaded mapping, terrain and aviation databases with a color terrain advisory feature and pop-up alerts when possible obstructions or the ground is coming at you.

The 550 and 560 have chards and taxi diagrams for more than 950 airports. This is Garmin’s most comprehensive GA product yet. I have a 496 that’s made my flying easier and safer and was well worth the investment. The new Aera is an improvement over an already remarkable product line. We just posted a video on the new Aera in the AircraftOwner Videos section ( http://www.aircraftowner.com/members/profile/1/video/440 ).
Check it out!

Comments

1 Comment

  • Victor Catalanotto
    by Victor Catalanotto 10 months ago
    I have not had time to go fly with it but from the demo mode in aviation it is IMO a better unit than the 496 and 396. The refresh rate is much faster and no more paddle buttons to contend with. Flight plans take 1/10th the time to program in and the airport pages just jump right up. The display is much more colorful and the screen is larger. On the yoke I have installed it and it is very nice not to have all those wires hanging around. They have done a GREAT job on bringing this down to just one wire to come off the yoke and go behind the panel.

    I have used it in the car and now you cannot get lost on those 6 lanes of traffic at one time and trying to find out which one you need. You can sync it with your mp3 player or even better I synced it with my Iphone 3Gs thru the Bluetooth and it picked up all my names, addresses, and phone numbers to give me hands free calling or directions to any of my contacts.

    The mount from the plane to the car is just push one button and it is off then just push it against the car mount and it is all hooked up again, It just does not get any easier than that. I also like the fact that you can remove it and stick it in the case , then just slide it into your front pocket and away you go.

    They have done a nice job and I will be selling my Garmin 396, and 496.
    Victor Catalanotto
    Bellanca 17-30A Driver
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