GNS 530(A) Pilot’s Guide and Reference
190-00181-00 Rev. E 1-5
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.3 TAKEOFF TOUR

Overview

The Garmin GNS 530 provides the pilot accurate
navigational data and communication capability, along
with non-precision and precision approach certification
in the IFR environment. The takeoff tour is designed to
familiarize the pilot with:
• Powering up the unit
• Changing frequencies
• Entering data
• Performing a simple direct-to
• Selecting IFR procedures
• Using some limited flight plans
In addition, this section briefly covers the Default NAV
Page, the Map Page, and the NAV/COM Page, which are
available as part of the NAV Page Group. These pages are
used for most of the in-flight navigation.
The takeoff tour assumes that the unit and antennas
have been properly installed and that the GNS 530’s
default settings have not been changed. If any of the
factory default settings (position format, units of measure,
selectable fields, etc.) have been changed, the pictures
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.
After becoming familiar with the basics, some suggested
reading within this Pilot’s Guide includes:
• Flight plan features - Section 5
• IFR procedures - Section 6
• Waypoint information pages (database
information) - Section 7
• Unit settings (configuring the unit to the pilot’s
preferences) - Section 10
If more information is needed, Garmin’s Customer
Service staff is available during normal business hours
(U.S. Central time zone) at the phone and fax numbers
listed on page ii. Garmin can also be reached by mail
(page ii) or at our website address, www.garmin.com.

Powering up the GNS 530

The GNS 530’s power and COM volume are controlled
using the COM Power/Volume knob at the top left
corner of the unit. Turning it clockwise turns unit power
on and increases the COM radio volume. After turning
the unit on, a welcome page is displayed while the unit
performs a self test, followed sequentially by the Unit Type
Page (Figure 1-4) and the Software Version Page. Then
(depending on configuration) the Weather Page, the Traffic
Page, the Aviation Database Page, and the Land/Terrain/
Obstacles Database Page are sequentially displayed.
Figure 1-4 Unit Type Page