Garmin aera touchscreen series launches with aviation and automotive navigation
Garmin has introduced its aera touchscreen handhelds, offering pilots integrated aviation and automotive navigation with four models targeting different needs and budgets.
Garmin has launched the aera series, a new line of touchscreen handheld GPS devices designed to switch between aviation and automotive navigation. The aera range, announced ahead of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Summit in Tampa, Florida, includes four models: the aera 500, 510, 550 and 560. All are available immediately, with prices ranging from $799 to $1,999 depending on specification.
Each aera device features a 4.3-inch QVGA touchscreen that remains readable in direct sunlight. The interface is built around large icons, allowing pilots to access functions such as mapping, weather, terrain, nearest airports, and flight planning with a tap. The units come preloaded with detailed aviation data, including terrain and obstacle warnings, and support for private airport information.
The aera 510 and 560 add a GXM 40 receiver for XM WX Satellite Weather and XM radio, giving pilots access to live NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, lightning, and other weather data, as well as entertainment. The 550 and 560 models also use higher resolution terrain data for more detailed hazard depiction. SafeTaxi diagrams and the AOPA Airport Directory are included on the 550 and 560, with a year of complimentary aviation database updates.
Automotive navigation features
Switching to automotive mode, the aera series provides a navigation experience similar to Garmin’s nüvi and zūmo devices. The units ship with detailed street-level maps for the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, and offer voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions. The 550 and 560 models include advanced features such as lane assist, junction view, and speed limit notifications. Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard across the range, supporting over 200 compatible phones.
For drivers, the aera can overlay XM weather information on automotive routes and stream XM radio, provided the user has a subscription. The devices are waterproof to IEC 529 IPX-7 standards and can be used on motorcycles with the appropriate Garmin zūmo 660 mount.
Model differences at a glance
| Feature | aera 500 | aera 510 | aera 550 | aera 560 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5Hz GPS update | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XM WX weather/radio | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| High-res terrain data | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| SafeTaxi & AOPA Directory | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lane assist/junction view | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth hands-free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
All four models share the same hardware design, with differences in software features and bundled accessories. The entry-level aera 500 covers essential navigation, while the 560 offers the full suite of aviation, weather and automotive enhancements.
At launch, the aera series is available through Garmin’s aviation dealers and on display at the AOPA Summit. The company positions the new range as a solution for pilots and drivers seeking a single device for both cockpit and road navigation.
