Garmin Aera 510 question

[Browncbr1]

I think this applies to all Aera 500 series ...

In order to select, load, and activate an approach, does the database have to be current?    

The option to select an approach isn't even showing up.. Usually, when something isn't available, the option appears, but is whited out and can't be selected...    any advice?

[flyboy0681]

Some of the features of the Aera are quirky and don't work quite right. With mine, the "500 feet" announcement works only 20% of the time. I'm actually surprised those few times that I do hear it. I have it connected to an external antenna and keep the software current, but nothing has fixed it. 

But to answer your question, I believe a database subscription is required.

[Andy95W]

My 500 will load an approach with an out of date database, but I've noticed not every approach is in the database.

So far, my "500 foot" call works every time, but I have to have my destination airport as my final waypoint.

[flyboy0681]

2 minutes ago, Andy95W said:

So far, my "500 foot" call works every time, but I have to have my destination airport as my final waypoint.

The GTN cross feeds this into the unit, but alas, it still doesn't work with great regularity.

[Andy95W]

Just now, flyboy0681 said:

The GTN cross feeds this into the unit, but alas, it still doesn't work with great regularity.

You got one of them fancy setups.  Mines just straight Aera.

[Browncbr1]

36 minutes ago, Andy95W said:

My 500 will load an approach with an out of date database, but I've noticed not every approach is in the database.

So far, my "500 foot" call works every time, but I have to have my destination airport as my final waypoint.

Which firmware do you have loaded?  mine is 5.60

Also, on the startup screen, what does the database say?   I updated nav data last year, but it just says "US VFR Navitation data"..   Is there a different nav data product that would be different for IFR nav data?  I keep looking on Garmin's website and have tried to call, but their wait time is 40 minutes.. 

[Browncbr1]

Nevermind, I found out that garmin changed all their data products for portables something within the past year and I had inadvertently purchased a product last year that didn't include approach data... i guess it's another time to open up my wallet to Garmin..:(