Garmin GPS Pilot 3 Manual

The Garmin GPS Pilot 3 is a dedicated aviation GPS receiver designed for pilots, featuring a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, aviation database, moving map display, flight planning capabilities, terrain awareness, and support for various aviation frequencies. It operates on internal rechargeable batteries or external power, with sunlight-readable display and intuitive pilot-centric interface. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Flight Planning & Navigation 8. Database Management 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-sensitivity GPS antenna, Aviation database (Jeppesen), Moving map display, Terrain awareness, Flight planning functions, COM/NAV frequency support, External antenna port, USB data port.

Feature	Description
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS with fast acquisition
Aviation Database	Includes airports, navaids, intersections, and procedures
Moving Map	Detailed aviation chart display with ownship position
Terrain Awareness	Color-coded terrain display with alerts
Flight Planning	Create and edit flight plans with direct-to navigation
Frequency Database	COM/NAV frequencies for airports and navaids
External Antenna Port	For connection to external GPS antenna
USB Port	For data transfer and database updates
Power Input	10-32V DC aircraft power or internal battery
Display	Sunlight-readable color LCD with backlight

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose appropriate mounting location in aircraft.

Mount unit: Use provided yoke or panel mount; ensure clear view of sky.
Connect power: Attach power cable to aircraft 10-32V DC power source.
Connect antenna: Attach external GPS antenna if required for better reception.
Secure all connections: Ensure cables are routed safely away from controls.

WARNING! Installation should be performed by qualified personnel. Ensure mounting does not obstruct aircraft controls or visibility.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Initialize GPS: Allow unit to acquire satellite signals (may take several minutes first time).
Set preferences: Configure units (nm/km, ft/m), time format, and display settings.
Load databases: Ensure current aviation database is installed via USB.
Calibrate sensors: Follow on-screen instructions for internal sensors if applicable.

CAUTION! Do not rely solely on GPS for navigation. Always have backup navigation methods available.

Specifications

GPS Receiver: WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channels.
Database: Jeppesen aviation database updated quarterly.
Display: 3.5-inch color LCD, 320x240 pixels, sunlight readable.
Power: 10-32V DC or internal Li-ion battery (4-6 hours).
Storage: Internal memory for flight plans and tracks.
Interfaces: USB 2.0, external antenna connector.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).
Dimensions: 4.5" W x 3.2" H x 1.5" D (114 x 81 x 38 mm).
Weight: 8.5 oz (240 g) with battery.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, ENTER, BACK, PAGE, ROCKER (up/down/left/right). Soft keys: Context-sensitive functions along display edges.

Main Pages: Map, Trip Computer, Nearest, Flight Plan, Auxiliary. Settings: System (backlight, sounds, units), Navigation (CDI scale, approach settings), Map (orientation, detail level).

Flight Planning: Create from airport to airport, with intermediate waypoints. Navigation: Direct-to, flight plan activation, altitude alerts. Database: Access airport info, frequencies, runway data, procedures.

Connecting Devices

External GPS antenna: For improved reception in canopy aircraft. USB: For database updates and flight plan transfer. Power: Aircraft power or external battery pack.

Ensure unit is powered off before connecting cables.
Use only Garmin-approved cables and accessories.
Secure connections to prevent in-flight disconnection.

Tip: Test all connections on ground before flight.

Flight Planning & Navigation

Create and execute flight plans with waypoint sequencing.

Create flight plan: NAV > Flight Plan > New, enter departure and destination.
Add waypoints: Insert airports, navaids, or user waypoints.
Activate plan: Select "Activate" to begin navigation.
Direct-to: Press DIRECT, select waypoint for immediate navigation.
Nearest functions: Access nearest airports, navaids, intersections.
Terrain display: Monitor terrain proximity with color-coded alerts.
Trip computer: View groundspeed, ETE, ETA, distance to destination.
Approach mode: Automatically activates for instrument approaches.

WARNING! GPS is supplemental navigation aid only. Verify all navigation information with official sources.

Database Management

Aviation database updates quarterly. Update via USB connection to computer.

Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect GPS Pilot 3 to PC.
Run Garmin updater: Use Garmin Express or WebUpdater software.
Follow prompts: Download and install latest database.
Verify update: Check database version in system information.

Note: Subscription required for database updates. Expired database may contain outdated information.

Care & Maintenance

Clean display with soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. Avoid chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not expose to extreme temperatures or moisture. Store in protective case when not in use.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with FAA TSO-C146 for standalone GPS. This device must accept any interference received. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com/aviation or contact Garmin Aviation Support at 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No GPS signal	Poor satellite view	Move to open area; ensure clear view of sky; allow time for acquisition.
Unit won't power on	Battery/power issue	Check power connections; charge battery; try external power source.
Database expired	Update required	Connect to computer and update database via Garmin software.
Inaccurate position	Poor satellite geometry	Wait for better satellite coverage; check for interference sources.
Display issues	Backlight/settings	Adjust backlight brightness; check display contrast settings.

Reset: Hold PAGE + POWER for 10 seconds to perform soft reset.

Service: 1-800-800-1020; www.garmin.com/aviation