Garmin AERA660 GPS?

[jackc]

Sometime ago I purchased one of these units.  Now time to try and use it, after reading parts of the 250 page handbook I am trying to work out some of the basic features that maybe of use.  Will need to download some kind of VFR Chart database as a starter? 
Anyone find this unit is useful in Australia?   What features are of benefit? Any useful hints  and tips  for me to get stated please?

Has a yoke mount, which I would rather use in preference to panel mount, since it’s not a big screen? 
 

[djpacro]

I've had an Aera 500 in my airplane (it was there when I bought it). I use only use the HSI display because it is easily visible high on the panel. Otherwise I don't need it as I have a TSO'd GPS and I use an iPad with AvPlan if I go anywhere.

 

Mine is panel mounted.

[BurnieM]

Garmins mapping is subscription based.

Did you get any free updates, perhaps all products but single update only so you could try them ?

 

Looks like a bundle with all Garmins mapping for Aera 660 is US$299 per year - https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/support/pricing

You can buy single updates for individual products (bottom of price list) or annual updates for 1 or 2 products but this quickly adds up to more than the annual bundle price.

Ignore the Onepaks, these only make sense for multiple panel mounted devices.

 

If you had an iPad you could get all Garmin mapping products (with a Garmin Pilot subscription on up to 3 iPads) for AU$300 per year.

So cost wise an iPad my have been a better deal.

I believe the Aera is more readable in sunlight tho.

 

Edited December 8, 2025 by BurnieM

[djpacro]

I  wouldn't use it enough to warrant Garmin Pilot. My Aera is very easy to read up there. Mine came with maps and I've never bothered to get updates,

[jackc]

1 hour ago, djpacro said:

I've had an Aera 500 in my airplane (it was there when I bought it). I use only use the HSI display because it is easily visible high on the panel. Otherwise I don't need it as I have a TSO'd GPS and I use an iPad with AvPlan if I go anywhere.

 

Mine is panel mounted.

Thanks for that info 👍  I will try it on joystick see how it looks, but more I think about it, mount it as a heads up display? I have Garmin296 in my Jabiru as a panel mounted, I don’t even use it, because it’s too far right on panel, to see easily?