Garmin aera 560 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

Rated 4.64705882353/5 based on 34 customer reviews

Product description: $100 Mail-In Rebate. Promotion valid May 1st - July 15th, 2012 Mail-In Rebate Form - click here Garmin Aera Features Comparison ChartGarmin aera 560The ultimate touch-screen GPS, including XM Weather The Garmin aera 560 is Garmin’s top-of-the-line touch-screen GPS. It includes everything the aera 550 has, but adds XM Weather and Radio features. With the aera 560, you’ll have unparalleled situational awareness, from position and terrain to weather and airspace information.Aviation and automotive features, with optional XM Datalink WeatherThe new aera from Garmin will change the way you look at touch-screen GPSs. This series of compact GPSs is packed with cutting-edge features based on Garmin’s industry-leading expertise in both aviation and automotive GPSs. A completely new interface makes these the easiest-to-use Garmins yet: simply tap the icons to access the desired page, then drag your finger to navigate through each page. It’s also well-suited to the cockpit, with large buttons, minimal button-pushing, and a sunlight-readable 4.3” screen. Includes internal GPS antenna and internal battery. One Year Manufacturer Warranty.Aviation Features• Detailed moving maps with land data, airports, airspace, navaids and much more.• Terrain page warns of nearby terrain or obstacles, including a side profile view.• Comprehensive nearest airport screen shows airports, weather, navaids and more.• Detailed airport information pages with runways, frequencies and more.• Garmin’s famous panel page, with nearly real-time updates, is a great emergency backup.• The aera 510 and 560 also feature XM Satellite Datalink Weather (requires separate monthly subscription).Automotive Features• Intuitive turn-by-turn navigation, with spoken street names.• Millions of points of interest pre-loaded (hotels, gas stations, ATMs and more).• aera 550 and 560 feature Garmin’s Lane Assist feature, so you never miss an exit.• Media player and picture viewer keep you entertained on the road.New AccessoriesAlso new with the aera are Garmin’s unique single wire mounts, one for your airplane’s yoke and one for your car’s dash. These organize the maze of wires coming out of your GPS into a single one. There is only one connection to the back of the aera, making it fast and easy to move from plane to car and back again. Also includes carrying case, wall charger, and cigarette lighter adapter .Includes:aera 560, GXM ™ 40 XM antenna, yoke mount, automotive friction mount, vehicle power cable, battery, A/C adapter, USB cable, pilot's guide, quick start manuals, one year free aviation data base coupon, and carry case. Garmin Database Area of Coverage Americas - North, South and Central America (includes Hawaii) Atlantic International - Europe, Africa Pacific International - Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and the South Pacific (includes Hawaii)

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Intuitive turn-by-turn navigation with spoken street names
Easy-to-use touch-screen interface.
Detailed airport information pages with optional weather
Detailed moving maps with land data, airports, airspace, navaids & much more
Garmins popular panel page shows simulated instruments.
Terrain page warns of nearby terrain or obstacles, including a side profile view.
The aera 560 also features XM Satellite Datalink Weather.
aera 560 features Garmins Lane Assist feature, so you never miss an exit.

Specifications			Compare GPS Units
Display Size (H x W):	4.3 Diagonal	Display Type:	Color TFT Touchscreen
Terrain Alerts:	Yes	XM Weather / Radio:	Yes
WAAS:	Yes	HSI Screen:	Yes
VNAV:	Yes	Obstacles:	Yes
Runway Centerlines:	Yes	Battery Life:	up to 3.5 Hour Rechargeable Li-Ion
Traffic Interface:	Optional	Unit Size (H x W x D):	5.3"w x 3.3"h x 0.9"d
Unit Weight:	9.5 oz.	Jeppesen Database:	Full + ARTCC, Terrain Alerts, FSS freqs, and Final Approach Waypoints
Routes / Waypoints:	50/300	Basemap:	Americas, Private Airports and Heliports, SafeTaxi™ data, AOPA Directory
Automotive Mapping:	Pre-loaded street maps of North America	Marine Mapping:

Garmin aera 560 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)
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$1,499.00 after $100 Mail-in Rebate

Price: $1,599.00

ID #: 4219A

Overall Customer Rating

Read all 34 Reviews

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Accessories
Quickly add accessories along with your Garmin aera 560 Touch Screen GPS (Americas) purchase by changing the quantity for the accessories you would like to purchase.

	Avionics Screen Cleaners - $3.50 Passengers and copilots have a nasty habit of touching the screen of your GPS, multi-function display or radar (you're probably guilty too). These handy Screen Cleaners will remove fingerprints, oil and everyday dustwithout damaging your expensive avionics. Enhances visibility and keeps your cockpit looking like new. Each package contains one moist and one dry towelette specially formulated for use on aircraft electronics.
	Zaon Portable Collision Avoidance System (PCAS XRX Onyx) - $1,395.00 Portable Detection with Direction This portable unit provides excellent detection at a fraction of the cost of installed units. The XRX is the worlds only portable collision avoidance system to deliver target bearing information from within the cockpit. Features: 3-D view Quadrant Direction, 45° increments Instant traffic updates with no delays Completely portable and self-contained Digital range, scalable from 6NM to 1NM Audio voice alerts for threats and advisories Relative altitude, scalable from ±2500 ft to ±500 ft, with ascending/descending indicator Designed for metal, composite or fabric-covered airframes, high- or low-wing Displays top three intruders Semi-transparent, polycarbonate housing A built-in altimeter, a built-in compass, and built-in turn/bank and internal thermal sensing provide the highest, real-time accuracy available Built-in directional antenna Menu-driven interface, with selectable aircraft profiles and advanced calibration options Displays the local squawk code, pressure altitude, bank angle, bearing and temperature Integrates with third-party moving map and EFIS systems, including Garmin, Blue Mountain, and others. Simple menu-driven interface gives access to all configuration areas, including separate altitude and range settings, and two different display arrangements. Small size (4h x 3 1/2w x 2 3/4d) does not obstruct pilots view. A great supplement to assist in the tenuous task of scanning for traffic. Includes: Hard shell case, audio cable (for alerts through a headset), cigarette lighter power adapter, silicone gripper feet, VELCRO mounting dots, owner's manual on CD-ROM, quick reference guide. View Traffic on Your Garmin handheld: Use the optional Uplink Cable to display traffic information on your Garmin 396, 496/495, 696/695 or aera. "We think a Zaon XRX and a Garmin portable is the best solution." --The Aviation Consumer
	Mini Flight Gear Bag - $24.95 See all Flight Gear Products The perfect way to protect your Garmin Protect your investment with this compact, padded GPS case. Its large, 7 1/2l x 4 1/2w center compartment accommodates almost all modern GPSs, including: Garmin GPSMAP 196-496 and 96/96C; Lowrance 600C, 2000C and 1000; AvMap GeoPilot, GeoPilot II and EKP-IV. Soft lined interior prevents scratches on delicate screens, and an elastic strap keeps your GPS secure. Three zippered exterior pockets are ideal for storing accessories, like antennas, power cables and more. Finally, you can store your Garmin 496, XM antenna, GPS antenna and cigarette lighter cable in separate compartments! Measures 9 1/2l x 6w x 5h, so it fits perfectly under seats or in existing flight bags. Six year warranty.
	Dual Cigarette Lighter Adapter - $14.95 This cigarette lighter socket splitter is great for hooking up two electronic devices to the aircraft's power supply, allowing you to run your GPS and radio at the same time. Features a 90° pivoting arm and red LED indicator light.
	12V Cabin Power Connector - $19.95 Now you can plug your handheld GPS into your new Cessna's electrical system with this handy adapter. Simply insert the small end of the connector into the airplane's 12 volt cabin power outlet, then plug your GPS, radio or laptop into the female cigarette adapter end. The adapter weighs almost nothing, but will stand up to almost any abuse. Measures 8 1/2 in. long.
	Garmin Battery Charging Kit (for Garmin aera) - $64.00 Kit includes: Lithium Ion Battery AC Adaptor Charging Dock
	Suction Cup Mount (for Garmin aera) - $14.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Garmin GA 25MCX External Antenna - $31.49 For better GPS reception in vehicle interiors, this new and improved remote antenna is the answer. Built-in, magnetic mount for the outside of your vehicle. Comes with over 8 feet of cable and MCX connector. Measures 2 3/4 "L x 2"W x 3/4"H.
	Carrying Case (for Garmin aera) - $29.95 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units.
	Replacement Lithium Ion Battery (for Garmin aera) - $39.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units.
	Aviation Bracket with bare wires (for Garmin aera) - $69.95 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Bare wires are exposed for hardwiring into aircraft power source.
	Garmin Aera 500-560 Panel Dock - $129.95 This ingenious system allows you to mount your portable GPS in your aircraft panel, making for a professional appearance (also great for homebuilders). Holes in the back of the Panel Dock have room for all cables and wires. Fits in a standard 6 1/4 avionics stack, and allows the GPS to be quickly removed for use outside the airplane. Includes mounting hardware.
	Extension Cable for Garmin XM Antenna - $18.89 Six foot extension cable for Garmin XM antenna.
	Garmin GA 25 External Antenna Suction Cup Mount - $11.45 This suction cup mount attaches to the external antenna for mounting on a glass surface. Compatible with GA 25 BNC/MCX GPS antenna (8032A).
	Garmin Aera Uplink Cable - $149.95 This Uplink Cable allows you to display traffic information from a Zaon XRX on a Garmin Aera 500, 510, 550 or 560. Its fast and easy to set up. Traffic is displayed on the moving map page of your Garmin, just like TIS. The Garmin will even provide pop up alerts when traffic is deemed a threat. Requires a Garmin aera and a PCAS XRX ONYX with version 2.0+ software.
	Glare Shield Mount for Garmin aera - $39.95 Lifetime Warranty These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty. The square base has four pre-drilled holes at each corner. Ideal for mounting to the Garmin Aera series GPS units. Attaches to the Garmin cradle (not included). Includes: Glareshield Mount Standard Double Socket Arm Ram Circle Base
	12V Power Cable (for Garmin aera) - $28.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Garmin AC/DC Adaptor (for Garmin aera) - $24.99 Use your automotive and aviation electrical accessories at home. Standard 110V plug with female DC connector.
	GA 27C Antenna (for Garmin aera) - $99.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Includes low profile antenna with suction cup and magnetic mounts, eight feet of cable, and MCX connector.
	Dash Mount (for Garmin aera) - $23.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Automotive Mount (for Garmin aera) - $34.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units.
	Garmin AC Adaptor (for Garmin aera) - $25.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Includes US (110V) and European (220V) adaptors.
	Yoke Mount for Garmin aera - $42.95 Lifetime Warranty These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty. The square base has four pre-drilled holes at each corner. Ideal for mounting to the Garmin Aera series GPS units. Attaches to the Garmin cradle (not included). Includes: Yoke Base Standard Double Socket Arm Ram Circle Base
	Garmin 396/496 XM Antenna Dock - $79.95 Here is the perfect companion to your new Garmin 396/496. Now you can move the XM antenna from plane to plane, or from vehicle to vehicle, along with the GPS itself. This Antenna Dock is designed to mobilize your costly 396/496 XM antenna. It helps to maintain the clean look of a permanent installation by organizing the antenna cable. To utilize the Antenna Dock, attach the base to your antenna and install the cradle in the necessary location. Using a simple twist & lock mechanism the base will lock your antenna into the preinstalled cradle, and your 396/496 XM antenna is ready to go.
	Beechcraft Yoke Mount for Garmin aera - $39.95 Lifetime Warranty These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty. This square base has four pre-drilled holes at each corner. Ideal for mounting to the Garmin Aera series GPS units. Attaches to the Garmin cradle (not included). Includes: Beechcraft Yoke Base Standard Double Socket Arm Ram Square Base
	Portable Friction Mount (for Garmin aera) - $39.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Lifetime Traffic Receiver (for Garmin aera 550 and 560) - $119.99 Traffic tie-ups can't always be prevented. But with Garmin's GTM 20 portable traffic receiver, you can often avoid them. Avoid Traffic Tie-ups The GTM 20 is an integrated FM TMC (Traffic Message Channel) traffic receiver, antenna and cigarette lighter adapter. It receives digital information (where available) on traffic and road construction tie-ups that your compatible Garmin aera® unit uses to offer an alternate route. TMC data, available in a fast-growing number of cities throughout North America, gives prompt, accurate notification of accidents, road construction, police, or emergency action, etc. so you can visually monitor traffic flow and, if necessary, avoid traffic tie-ups. Plug and Drive The GTM 20 is a simple plug-and-play solution that combines a self-contained antenna, traffic link and 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter to provide real-time traffic alerts. No professional installation required. Just plug the GTM 20 into your compatible Garmin device, and you're ready to receive data. Receive Real-time Traffic Data In most areas, depending on the service provider, TMC traffic broadcasts are continuous there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. With the GTM 20, you see traffic developments in real-time, as they happen, so you can make the right decision sooner. Because traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel, you can still listen to music or news programming on your car radio without interference from incoming FM traffic data transmissions. Traffic receiver compatible with Garmin aera 550 and 560 only.
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$100 Mail-In Rebate. Promotion valid May 1st - July 15th, 2012
Mail-In Rebate Form - click here

Garmin Aera Features Comparison Chart

Garmin aera 560
The ultimate touch-screen GPS, including XM Weather

The Garmin aera 560 is Garmin’s top-of-the-line touch-screen GPS. It includes everything the aera 550 has, but adds XM Weather and Radio features. With the aera 560, you’ll have unparalleled situational awareness, from position and terrain to weather and airspace information.

Aviation and automotive features, with optional XM Datalink Weather
The new aera from Garmin will change the way you look at touch-screen GPSs. This series of compact GPSs is packed with cutting-edge features based on Garmin’s industry-leading expertise in both aviation and automotive GPSs. A completely new interface makes these the easiest-to-use Garmins yet: simply tap the icons to access the desired page, then drag your finger to navigate through each page. It’s also well-suited to the cockpit, with large buttons, minimal button-pushing, and a sunlight-readable 4.3” screen. Includes internal GPS antenna and internal battery. One Year Manufacturer Warranty.

Aviation Features
• Detailed moving maps with land data, airports, airspace, navaids and much more.
• Terrain page warns of nearby terrain or obstacles, including a side profile view.
• Comprehensive nearest airport screen shows airports, weather, navaids and more.
• Detailed airport information pages with runways, frequencies and more.
• Garmin’s famous panel page, with nearly real-time updates, is a great emergency backup.
• The aera 510 and 560 also feature XM Satellite Datalink Weather (requires separate monthly subscription).

Automotive Features
• Intuitive turn-by-turn navigation, with spoken street names.
• Millions of points of interest pre-loaded (hotels, gas stations, ATMs and more).
• aera 550 and 560 feature Garmin’s Lane Assist feature, so you never miss an exit.
• Media player and picture viewer keep you entertained on the road.

New Accessories
Also new with the aera are Garmin’s unique single wire mounts, one for your airplane’s yoke and one for your car’s dash. These organize the maze of wires coming out of your GPS into a single one. There is only one connection to the back of the aera, making it fast and easy to move from plane to car and back again. Also includes carrying case, wall charger, and cigarette lighter adapter .

Includes:
aera 560, GXM ™ 40 XM antenna, yoke mount, automotive friction mount, vehicle power cable, battery, A/C adapter, USB cable, pilot's guide, quick start manuals, one year free aviation data base coupon, and carry case.

Garmin Database Area of Coverage
Americas - North, South and Central America (includes Hawaii)
Atlantic International - Europe, Africa
Pacific International - Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and the South Pacific (includes Hawaii)

Garmin aera 500 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

FREE Shipping! - 2 day delivery standard
$649.00 after $50 Mail-in Rebate
$699.00
Avionics Screen Cleaners

$3.50
Zaon Portable Collision Avoidance System (PCAS XRX Onyx)

$1,395.00
Garmin aera 510 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

FREE Shipping! - 2 day delivery standard
$999.00 after $100 Mail-In Rebate
$1,099.00
Mini Flight Gear Bag

$24.95
Dual Cigarette Lighter Adapter

$14.95
12V Cabin Power Connector

$19.95
Garmin Battery Charging Kit (for Garmin aera)

$64.00
Suction Cup Mount (for Garmin aera)

$14.00
Garmin aera 550 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

FREE Shipping! - 2 day delivery standard
$1,149.00 after $100 Mail-in Rebate
$1,249.00
Garmin GA 25MCX External Antenna

$31.49
Carrying Case (for Garmin aera)

$29.95
Replacement Lithium Ion Battery (for Garmin aera)

$39.99
Aviation Bracket with bare wires (for Garmin aera)

$69.95
Garmin Aera 500-560 Panel Dock

$129.95
Extension Cable for Garmin XM Antenna

$18.89
Garmin GA 25 External Antenna Suction Cup Mount

$11.45
Garmin Aera Uplink Cable

$149.95
Garmin Aera Uplink Cable

$149.95
Glare Shield Mount for Garmin aera

$39.95
12V Power Cable (for Garmin aera)

$28.00
Garmin AC/DC Adaptor (for Garmin aera)

$24.99
GA 27C Antenna (for Garmin aera)

$99.99
Dash Mount (for Garmin aera)

$23.00
Automotive Mount (for Garmin aera)

$34.99
Garmin AC Adaptor (for Garmin aera)

$25.00
Yoke Mount for Garmin aera

$42.95
Garmin 396/496 XM Antenna Dock

$79.95
Beechcraft Yoke Mount for Garmin aera

$39.95
Portable Friction Mount (for Garmin aera)

$39.99
Lifetime Traffic Receiver (for Garmin aera 550 and 560)

$119.99

VFR Sectional Chart

$9.00
Terminal Procedures Publications

$5.95
Suction Cup Mount (for Garmin aera)

$14.00
En Route Low Altitude Chart

$5.25
Gift Card/Gift Certificate Redemption

$0.00
Aviation Bracket with bare wires (for Garmin aera)

$69.95
Dash Mount (for Garmin aera)

$23.00
Garmin Aera 500-560 Panel Dock

$129.95
Mini Flight Gear Bag

$24.95
Glare Shield Mount for Garmin aera

$39.95
Avionics Screen Cleaners

$3.50
Dual Cigarette Lighter Adapter

$14.95

Featured Reviews

Overall

Pros

The Garmin aera 560 is a great product with excellent features. It instantly helped with situational awarness and lets me spend more of my attention to flying the plane and less time looking at my map or flight plan and I love the touch screen. It also works very well as an auto GPS.

Cons

Some of the more advance features are a bit difficult to figure out and the manuals are a bit to technical. I wish they had more video training aids online to learn the more advanced features.

It would have been nice if it came with a back up battery. The battery life seems to be really good on a full charge (like 4 hours) however, some of the older planes I fly do not have lighter plug so a back up battery would be nice for peace of mind in case you do not have time to charge the battery on a return leg or a long flight.

General Comments

I would recomend this product especialy now that the price has dropped.

8-12-2011

Overall

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Reliability

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100% (0)

Overall Rating

Average

Total Reviews

Recommended
(100%)(100%)

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Date - 10-28-2010

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended No

Pros

Size is convenient. Reception without external antenna is excellent.
Able to use car GPS is a plus.
Nice extras are MP3 music player, picture viewer
Comes with case, yoke mount, lighter charge and wall charger at no added price.

Cons

Manual not as clear
Expensive databases, the updates that came with it were good only for 2 months.
A lot of hidden costs for weather XM radio subscription is 37 dollars a month. Probably not needed for the occasional pilot such as myself. I can download weather from the web.
Sun reflection makes screen poorly visible

General Comments

XM radio should subsidize Garmin prices with rebates since a weather subscription will be considered if a less pricy product is provided. 2000 dollars should pay for a good product with updates for a year at least.
Don't buy it if future planes have pannel mounted IFR approved GPS, otherwise this an expensive toy.
Now I have it and will keep playing with it until I master it.

Date - 9-15-2010

Pilot Rating - Instrument

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Ease of use is excellent. I have used a 496 for 3 years. The 560 is MUCH more user friendly. Display larger, better size, more convenient, no fumbling with the buttons! I HIGHLY recommend for any aviation purpose.

Cons

As always, could be less expensive, but worth the money.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 8-31-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

The Garmin aera 560 has a lot of features different from the 430 that I did not appreciate until I started using them including nearest city which is fun. Many times we wonder the name of that little town and now we know. also, position which quickly give you the language that ATC needs for a position report. Many of the other valuable features, like winds aloft, require the WX Weather AAviator package for $50/month.

One reason I bought the 560 rather than the 695 it is so it could be used in the car. I think that was a good move for me.

Cons

First, the documentation is not intuitive. Garmin needs to hire a few people from Apple to write their documentation. It is not a hardware issue as much as how it is explained. Secondly, their are too many wires. This is a hardware issue. The XM antenna plugs into a wire hanging off the yoke mount. Why didn't they just plug into the yoke mount itself? Also, it would be nice to have an internal XM antenna with an external option.

General Comments

This is a good product, not a great one. It is all about the XM weather. The extra GPS features are nice but not critical. Be sure to have extra eyes on the sky when you start to fool around with the many features. I really appreciate having WM weather in the cockpit.

Date - 6-10-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Incredibly easy to use! Comes with the Yoke Mount and dash mount and all power coards needed for functionality. I like the 1 year free map and aviation database updates as well.

Easy to see in sunlight, performs as advertised.

The XM receiver does offer METAR data for free as well as some programming.

Cons

I would like to see XM weather offer a lower cost package, ~20 per month rather than the 35 per month currently offered for the lowest pricing.

I would like to see lower cost subscription pricing for all flight database updates offered by Garmin as well. After the first year of free updates, I don't know how often I will pay to keep flight databases updated. Maybe every other year or only when MAJOR updates are offered.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 6-9-2010

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 6-2-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

User friendly and intuitive. Weather at your fingertips.

Cons

Battery life with XM weather. Powering from panel is really a necessity.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 5-26-2010

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

great unit, loaded with helpful apps

Cons

battery life way to short when weather is up and running...even with out

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 5-25-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

The sensitivity to reception of sats is excellent. It makes my 296 look like a crystal radio. It picks up several sats from inside my house and hanger. The 296 couldn't acquire a single sat inside!

Cons

the display is a little dim in the daylight

General Comments

Garmin engineering did a great job on this unit. The 560 is perfect. I can't imagine what they will do next in handheld GPS.

Date - 4-26-2010

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

Web site for support not user friendly for downloading the initial update of the expired databases loaded onto the unit. Spent 30 minutes trying to figure how to register unit, couldn't find the free update, couldn't find area560 listed. Support not available on weekends. The reason we are weekend flyers is because we are too busy during the week earning $2,000 to pay for this. Only open to 7pm CST. Will be calling the support number Monday morning from the office.

General Comments

Just barely used the unit so far.

Date - 3-8-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

It's very easy and very fast to navigate with the touch screen feature.

Cons

I worry about how long the screen will hold up.

General Comments

I think the product is the best small portable GPS you can get.

Date - 12-19-2009

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Recommended Yes

Pros

I bought my Garmin Aera 560 for the XM Weather feature and the NEXRAD radar is awesome to have while I drive my semi professionally.

I pay the 30 bucks each month for Aviator Lite and I have found that when NEXRAD is showing no precip that the METAR function is awesome in that I can tell where fog will be and click on each flag to see current weather like winds and ceilings along my route. I can also use TFR to tell my dispatcher I don't want to go to any city with the president in it.

Cons

I was very disappointed that the weather is only available on the aviation side of the GPS and because of this I still drive with my old Garmin Nuvi in the window too. You see, the Aera 560 appears to be two separate GPS devices in one case since the unit shuts off and turns back on to switch from aviation to auto features. This means I have to guess where the road is compared to the weather system in question. Not ideal!

General Comments

The Garmin Aera 560 would be 5 stars in my opinion if Garmin would allow weather to overlay auto side too. Also, I want weather forecasts to show as an option on my screen so please partner with accuweather so I can get a forecast softkey next to WX when I click on a METAR flag.

Another auto side feature that would be ideal is to partner with all Official State road department web sites so I can get real time road condition reports delivered over sat link. I would pay extra for all these features. Are you listening XM?

The touch screen works poorly with finger tips but works very precisely with the clickable end of a ball point pen. This clicker part also helps absorb road bumbs to protect the screen.

I have not flown with the Garmin Aera 560 because my plane is currently broken but new users would do well to understand there is a learning curve to overcome in not keeping ones head inside the vehicle too long.

Date - 12-4-2009

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 11-30-2009

Pilot Rating - ATP

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Obstructive in cockpit, Very easy to use, Provides excellent situational awareness, XM weather feature, After the flight it is also the best road GPS.

Cons

Short battery life when using XM

General Comments

I fly both corporate jets and small singles and had never used a portable aviation GPS in any cockpit. After a trip with the AERA, I will not be without it again. Garmin has done themselves proud. Having the best road use GPS built in is a great bonus.

Date - 11-28-2009

Pilot Rating - ATP

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

( No Reviews Found )

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One Year Guarantee
Our one-year guarantee has not changed since we introduced our first product in 1962. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, let us know—we will make it right. If you would like a refund or exchange, please return the product on a timely basis in the same condition in which it was received.

Price Guarantee
Sporty's guarantees competitive pricing on everything we sell. If you find a competitor offering an identical item at a lower advertised price, just mail or fax us the ad, and Sporty's will match that price.

Standard Express Shipping
We offer the fastest shipping in the business, so you won't have to wait for your important charts or a last-minute gift. Since we stock almost everything we sell, we offer same day shipping: in-stock orders placed by 5pm Eastern (weekdays), will be shipped that same day, often within minutes of ordering.

Plus, all orders arrive in just 2 business days with standard shipping.
Overnight shipping is also available on most items.

Return Policy
For over 50 years, in addition to same day shipping, Sporty's has offered same day returns and same day exchanges. Each day, we process all returns and exchanges before new orders go out. We know of no other company who does this!

Sporty's Shops
ATTN: Returns Dept
Clermont County/Sporty's Airport
2001 Sporty's Drive
Batavia, OH 45103

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