Garmin aera 796

As of this writing, Garmin’s most current software update for the 796 and 795 is version 2.50. If your unit doesn’t have the most current software update I highly recommend downloading and installing it from Garmin’s website: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=5349. Even brand-new units right out of the box may not have the most current software so it’s important to check your new unit right away. Here’s a couple reviews shortly after the Garmin 796 was released — notice the review update for each once they received the latest software updates.

Donald — Santa Clara, CA
11/24/2011
Unlike the trouble free Garmin 696 when it came out 3 years ago, the Garmin 796 has been riddled with software issues. I have about 50 hours now on it. I was one of the first to buy it several months ago. A month ago I was ready to return mine. There were too many bugs. In addition to running too hot to touch in my airplane in the afternoon sun, there were a number of menu items that were included in the 696 that were missing from the 796 such as measuring distance between two points and rubber banding of flight plan legs. I sent Garmin my list of problems with the unit. They paid attention and now with system 2.3 the bugs, as far as I can tell, are down to four: the flight logging which was so useful on the 696 is totally intermittent in its logging of flights: the data logging doesn’t separate out individual flights as it does on the 696: sometimes the flight plan is not displayed on the map after a flight plan is entered; and finally sometimes while scrolling through the XM channels, the whole unit freezes and needs to be rebooted. However, I’m not willing to send mine back just yet. While the pages are not set up as conveniently as in the 696, I have found that I can get around much,faster than with the buttons of the 696. Garmin added some new shortcut menu features with System 2.3, and a new system is forthcoming. I haven’t had the heating issue, since I got a new exchange unit. I recommended some upgrades that could make navigating the screens easier. Garmin support has been very open to suggestions. When the 696 came out, I quickly was able to enthusiastically recommend it. While at present I cannot recommend purchase of the 796, if Garmin continues to fix the problems that make it unreliable for use in the cockpit, I hope to be able to update this review with a positive recommendation in the not too distant future.

UPDATED 2/7/2012
With the System 2.5 update I can now highly recommend the purchase of this GPS. Two minor software problems still persist, but they are insignificant compared to the improvements made to this product. A Climb Gradient data field has been added to the list of data fields along with a significant improvement to the 3D Vision Page, the addition of a VNAV glidepath window and a VSI tape with a carrot showing VS necessary to track that glidepath. “Field of view” lines have also been added to the split screen 3D Vision Page like the G1000 has. While the 796 still can’t measure distance between two points like the 696 can, the additional features give it more useful functionality than the 696, and I wouldn’t want to fly now without it. I’m upgrading the review to 5 stars.

Robert — Savannah, GA
11/08/2011
I was quite excited about this product when I was first introduced to it. However, after using it on several flights I do not consider it reliable in its current state. I have had numerous “lock-ups” where the software stops responding and appears to be in some sort of loop. This has occurred more frequently when trying to access the weather products and then return to navigation. Occasionally the keyboard seems to lose its calibration which makes it impossible to continue its use. The only resolution to the problems has been to power off and then back on. This disrupts the weather updates, and they are not available until the normal update sequences are re-established. All of this makes it highly suspect during a critical aspect of flight such as an instrument approach. The potential of this product is very high, but I am waiting for an update to the software that will correct some of these issues. The unit already required an initial software update that corrected issues from the factory installed software.

UPDATE 11/09/2011
After contacting Garmin support I received an email directing me to the process for installing the latest update. I was familiar with the process, but I did not know there were additional updates available. There have been notable enhancements in addition to the bug fixes with this latest update. The unit is evolving to the level I have come to expect from Garmin, and I also think it will make five star status within a reasonable time. Used on several flights, and it is extremely useful with situational awareness.

For more information on the aera 796 and aera 795, including product features and in-flight videos, visit the unit links below.

Garmin aera 796

Garmin aera 795

Here’s an excerpt from a survivor’s story that crashed in the water in an amphibian airplane that stayed afloat but whose ELT was ineffective in transmitting the airplane’s location:

” In 2007, I purchased my ACR 406 MHz PLB through REI. In 2009, upon learning that satellites were no longer monitoring aircraft 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELT), I upgraded to a 406 MHz ELT. As it turned out, in this incident, though the ELT activated, it could not work as the antenna was on top of the plane which was upside down, and the antenna was completely underwater, so the signal never reached the satellites. My PLB, however, which also was underwater in a pocket of my life jacket, worked fine once I was out of the water and able to deploy the antenna and activate it.” Read the complete story here.

A quick Google search should return you enough stories to convince you to carry a PLB when flying. A PLB is one of those purchases that you pray you don’t ever have to use but can’t give thanks enough that it’s there when needed.

ACR Cobham is a leading manufacturer of PLBs and rescue equipment. Currently they’re running a Spring promotion offering a $50 rebate or free safety gear worth $109 on their Aqualink, SARlink and ResQFix model PLBs. For as little as $217 (after $50 rebate), you can have one of these amazing rescue devices.

ACR ResQLink Plus PLB — $216.95
ACR ResQLink Plus PLB — $216.95
ACR AquaLink 406 PLB — $299.99
ACR AquaLink View PLB — $399.99

If you know you’re going to want a Garmin aera 796 on or shortly after they’re released, I recommend pre-ordering a unit ASAP. You can pre-order using the following links:

Click Here to pre-order a Garmin aera 796.
Click Here to pre-order a Garmin aera 795.

Do you already own a Garmin aviation unit? You can save money on your new Garmin 796 or 795 by trading in your previous unit.
Click Here to view trade-in values and requirements.

On September 14, 2011 Garmin announced its two newest additions to the Garmin aera family:
Garmin aera 796 & Garmin aera 795

The aera 796 and 795 are already being dubbed “iPad Killers.” Suffice it to say, it is only meant to express that it is going to kill the iPad as it pertains to aviation. The iPad is a montster that shows no signs of slowing down.

The Garmin 796 incorporates the popular features of the Garmin 696, while also adding new capabilities such as a touchscreen user interface, pilot-selectable screen orientation and 3D Vision – AKA Synthetic Vision. The Garmin 795 has the same features and functionality as the aera 796 minus the XM satellite weather. Everyone familiar with Garmin’s G600 or G1000 units knows that the synthetic vistion technology is nothing short of awesome. I don’t know if the 3D Vision in the 796 and 795 will perform and display identically to that of the G1000 and G600, but based on the screen shots I’ve seen, it’s really close.

I’ll be getting my hands on both of these units within the next few days and I will be able to post my thoughts at that time. In the meantime, for detailed manufacturer descriptions and information, including a video of an in-flight demonstration of the Garmin aera 796 and a video comparing the 796 to the iPad, use the links below.

Lastly, if you know you’re going to want one of these units soon after they’re available (Garmin is stating mid-October), I highly recommend pre-ordering. My experience is that most, if not all dealers sell their entire inventory before they even receive their first shipments from Garmin. Ordering on the actual “release date” could put you into a back-ordered situation where it could take weeks to receive your unit. By pre-ordering your unit, you’re assured that your unit will ship to you on Garmin’s release date.

Garmin aera 796 description and information

Garmin aera 796 in-flight video and iPad comparison

Garmin aera 795 description and information

On February 18, 2011, Garmin announced price reductions to their aera series portable aviation units.  The new prices are as follows:

aera 560 – $1,599 (was: $1,999)
aera 550 – $1,249 (was: $1,499)
aera 510 – $1,099 (was: $1,299)
aera 500 – $699 (was: $799)

I’ve had a number of inquiries regarding Garmin’s motivation for lowering these units with most thinking that they’re preparing to release upgraded units.  This certainly is a possibility, and if so, I wouldn’t expect to hear anything until Oshkosh at the earliest.  Similar to Apple, Garmin is very good at keeping secrets and leaked information is not likely.  The aera series units are selling well, but I’m sure the US economic downturn has not discriminated against them.  So it could be just a matter of trying to boost their bottom line.

In either case, the new pricing on the aera 560 and 550 should just about eliminate future sales of their GPSMAP 496 and 495 units.  Except for the diehard users of these units who for whatever reason don’t want to upgrade to a unit that’s smaller, faster and has a larger screen (touchscreen), I can’t see a reason not to move into an aera.

For the purpose of this blog, we’re going to point out one of those features – Auxiliary Audio Input

The redesigned control module now includes an auxiliary audio input with Intercom/AUX priority switching. Many pilots will want to use this input for dedicated GPS and traffic warning systems. You can set audio priority to mute the AUX input completely when intercom signal is detected, or to simply lower the AUX volume appropriately.

Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity allows you to receive calls wirelessly while wearing the Bose A20 headset. And its enhanced EMI protection helps minimize interference from the mobile phone. Plus, the A20′s integrated sidetone provides a more natural feel to Bluetooth phone conversations, even when you’re disconnected from the intercom.

From Bose:

The Bose® A20™ Aviation Headset is the most technologically advanced Bose® headset ever. Bose was the first to introduce active noise reducing headsets to aviation more than 20 years ago, forever changing the way pilots fly. Now, the Bose A20™ Aviation Headset introduces an entirely new standard. It’s been engineered for significantly increased noise reduction in even louder environments. With an improved degree of comfort you’ll appreciate. All without compromising the clear audio you expect from Bose. Plus, a Bluetooth® communications interface, auxiliary audio input and priority switching. It’s made in the U.S.A., and meets or exceeds all TSO requirements. No other headset can deliver this advanced combination of benefits.

Some of the additional benefits of the Bose A20 are:

Significantly greater noise reduction for pilots than currently available.

Improved level of comfort achieved through choice of materials, distribution of weight throughout the headset,  1/3 less clamping force than most conventional noise reducing aviation headsets, and additional room for the ears.

• Clear audio for enhanced communications.
• Now available from Bose for the first time: Bluetooth® communications interface
• Also included by Bose for the first time: auxiliary audio input.
• Priority switching so pilots can decide which audio source they want to hear.
• At least 40 hours of typical headset use from just two AA alkaline batteries
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Meets or exceeds all TSO standards.

All this, and these headsets still weigh only 12 ounces.

For more information or to purchase a Bose A20 Aviation Headset, visit www.banyanpilotshop.com.

When the Garmin 495 was released by Garmin, it provided all the features of its counterpart the Garmin 496, but without XM Weather and pre-loaded City Navigator NT and gave it a smaller price tag. The 495 kept popular features such as SafeTaxi and AOPA’s Airport Directory data. With the new Garmin aera series release, the Garmin aera 550 is the perfect replacement to upgrade from the GPSMAP 495. Similar to the Garmin aera 560, the aera 550 only lacks the XM Weather. Like the 3 other aera series GPS’, Garmin has turned the aera 550 into a fully intuitive touch screen system, giving the user a larger screen than the Garmin 495 in an overall smaller unit. The aera 550 graphical Terrain page offer both overhead and vertical profile views of the topography you’re flying over. The database-driven terrain advisory feature offers TAWS-like color coding and pop-up obstruction alerts. Like all the units in Garmin’s new aera series, this piece of hardware is great for the Road Warriors as well as aviators, providing built-in Bluetooth and voice-guided driving directions.

Garmin aera 550 & Garmin GPSMAP® 495 Side-By-Side Comparison

As I mentioned, the 550 is not as fully functioning as the Garmin aero 560,
but it is a more then suitable upgrade to it previous counterpart, providing
the users with the option fly/drive option.

Garmin aera 560 & Garmin GPSMAP® 496 Side-By-Side Comparison

As I mentioned previously, I’m glad to see Garmin has finally given us aviation portables with touchscreen technology for an all in one GPS; the Garmin aero 560 is the top of the line in multipurpose GPS’. I don’t think we’ll have to wait too long before more vendors follow in Garmin’s well laid footprints.

Garmin aera 500 & Garmin 296 Side-By-Side Comparison

Although the Garmin 296 was one of the first to have many of the now standard features at a reasonable price, the Garmin aera 500 is just as user friendly with a sleeker look and wider screen.
Want more information on the Garmin aera 500? Click Here.

Introducing the Garmin aera 510

FINALLY! Garmin implemented their touch-screen technology from their popular automotive units and put them into their new Garmin aera series aviation portables. Actually, it would probably be more accurate to say that they’ve taken their aviation technology and put it into their nuvi automotive line. Regardless, I think they hit the mark with the new Garmin aera 510 aviation portable.

In a nutshell, they took the Garmin 396, put it into a nuvi widescreen body and lowered the price by almost $200. The Garmin aera 510 has a larger screen than the Garmin 396: 3.81″W x 2.25″H; 4.3″ diaginal (aera 510), 3.2″W x 2.1″H; 3.8″ diaginal (GPSMAP 396), and a much smaller body: 5.3″W x 3.3″H x .9″D (aera 510), 5.7″W x 3.2″H x 1.9″D (GPSMAP 396). The aera 510 is also almost 5 ounces lighter than the 396.

Garmin aera 510 & Garmin 396 Side-By-Side Comparison

As I mentioned previously, I’m glad to see Garmin has finally given us aviation portables with touchscreen technology. I was surprised to find that it doesn’t display your aircraft’s position over the charts and plates, like the Bendix/King AV80R Ace, but I don’t think we’ll have to wait too long for that feature.