FSX Tutorial: GPS Navigation (Comprehensive Garmin GPS 500 Guide)

Here I look at how to use the Garmin GPS 500 unit in FSX, look at all the various features and pages that are available and also look at how to navigate using it.
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/ doofer911
Copyright © 2015 - Doofer911 - All Rights Reserved.
DISCLAIMER: While this video is intended for educational purposes, I must stress that I am not a professional pilot or instructor and I am not certified in any way with regards to aviation or education. Every subject I talk about is based on my personal study and understanding. Therefore the information I give may be incorrect or inaccurate and should NOT be used as a reference for real world flying.

[@kendreamer6376]

By far the only video I found that explains everything for the gps for Microsoft Flight Sim X everyone else is on 2020 and I'm still playing g the old stuff

[@frunomaol5069]

You are not alone.

[@yousuffarhatkhan6470]

Same here ❤

[@velochlauer585]

I know I'm late to the party, but I want to say that your tutorials were extremely helpful to me. I just got into "realistic" flight simming in preparation for Flight Sim 2020, so it's all new to me. Two additions from my experience to this video: - If you want to reactivate a leg that has already been deactivated (because you have reached the target WPT) or skip a leg in your flight plan, you can open the FPL page, push the cursor button, choose the target WPT of the leg you want to activate, then enter and "activate". Now the leg you've chosen is pink again and the AP will head for the starting WPT of the leg. - If you use freeware aircraft, you may have to bind the NAV/GPS button to your keyboard or joystick or whatever you're using. Some freeware aircraft don't have that button in the cockpit model but have AP, NAV computers and a GPS that still let you use the "fly by gps" function.

[@Doofer911]

Thank you all for your comments and support, never expected this video to be as popular as it has become!

[@Minalover100]

This video deserves to be popular. Thanks for taking the time and giving an excellent presentation.

[@hmabboud]

Brilliant one! As usual, I am fan of you.

[@treborhg_9381]

can you please do a video talking about airspace and explaining it

[@Doofer911]

Already have done, check through my video history and you should be able to find it.

[@treborhg_9381]

Ok thanks. I would like to know if it is possible to failures to occur based on the pilots actions in the cockpit or if it has to be set on the failures tab in free flight for it to occur. For example, can I cause an engine fire if I don't have the plane engines set up right?

[@ijustgottasay1412]

I know I'm pretty late to this party but just wanted to add to the existing comments how fantastic your videos are. Have been going through your FSX playlist and they are a godsend! Thank you.

[@OmarCapellan]

WOW! I been playing this game for years, and you just showed me so many thing I did not know. Thanks

[@Doofer911]

I'm glad this video could help :)

[@smokingorca]

omar capellan I know the feeling... :)

[@Doofer911]

+smokingorca Glad I could help! :)

[@smokingorca]

I have been playing since FS2004, and have used GPS since then, but I had noooo clue that you could find ILS approach... Thanks again.

[@roggekamp1gator467]

Same here :)

[@philipgoff2461]

Thank you very much, the best FSX GPS tutorial I have seen on youtube.

[@user-ej9jq2zf1y]

I am very late to this party used to fly for real but only lately started picking up doing the flight simulation thing which I am totally new too! Thinking about picking up flying GA aircraft again so this is a first step back into interest of flying. I will have to say you can explain things so much better than anyone else that I have watched or heard instruct technology!!! Hope you are still active educating others!!!

[@scottweaver9319]

You posted this video right as I am at a gate to board a flight to ATL. Now I have to wait a few hours to watch. Thank you for making such great videos.

[@lunartwilight]

Very thorough tutorial. Not only did you demonstrate the locations of different pages, but explained there individual functions and used in flight examples of programming and approach! I feel very confident to try some auto pilot and ILS VOR approaches. Thanks!

[@JayHickman]

Very nice tutorial - Even though I have flown a lot in FSX - learned more about the GPS in this 40 minute video than I have through all of my trail and error attempts of the past - thanks

[@flyingturnip1]

Finally! Been a jet jockey for a long time using FMC's and yet I couldn't figure out the default GPS! Getting back into VFR single piloting and this helped greatly! Thanks!

[@kpwoodsong1750]

When it comes to FSX tutorials you are the Man. I never knew that I could fly an approach with the GPS. Thanks.

[@lenetheridge2865]

just finished watching your tutorial on the garmen gps500 . have been using it for years on the 737 in fs 2004 and still learned lots !!! thanks. will be following for more good info.

[@davestarr7112]

I learned a LOT! Thank you. I have flown MSFT Flight Simulator since version! (yes there was such a program, came on two floppy disks) and I found several things I had never known from your videos. Your real strength is taking your time ...don't feel you have to rush to keep the video from getting too long ... you can't learn it/teach it all in 20 minutes ;-). LOVE the registration of your teaching aircraft. Keep flying and keep teaching.

[@Andrei5656]

Excellent content, thank you so much. I've been flying flight sim since 2002, still didn't knew how to correctly use all those features.

[@beortom]

One step closer to having fun with MS FSX-SE thanks to your videos.

[@Corsair8X]

Such a great tutorial. While I understood many aspects from trial and error, the airport procedures remained a mystery to me. No longer. You did a great job clearly explaining that - especially the meaning of the various options available when an airport is reached. So worth the length of the video. Thank you so much.

[@Doofer911]

+Corsair8X You're very welcome :) the airport procedures are probably one of the most practical features in my opinion.

[@grahamrichmond]

Dear Doofer911, Trust a true Scotsman to another Scotsman on the other side of the world, and I should thank-you very much for this tutorial. I flew reverse VORs and am having trouble getting up to Kiribati from British Samoa in the basic FSX B737-800. Need you choochter a lot, I,m a Glasgow Engineer and am a bit out of touch with the technologies. Shall be flying the B737-8 soon, so I better "pull my socks up." My friend is a private pilot-Granny was from Buckie-and father bomber command out of Lossiemouth. Your tutorial shall blow his mind, so thanks for everything. Hope you had a grand Hogmanay. Yours sincerely, Swaggy 213.

[@Doofer911]

Hey Graham.... So glad to hear my video could help. That's amazing your dad worked out of Lossie, I never forget watching Tornados thundering over Inverness. Also speaking of the 737-800.... I've got some amazing tutorials coming very soon. If you liked this, you're definitely going to like the 737 ones coming! Hope you had a great Hogmanay as well mate. Cheers ;)

[@railman6868]

So glad I discovered Doofer911, the mystery of the Garmin GPS is now explained in simple terms and easy to follow. Also, how to use the plane instruments to navigate the route. My confidence has leaped sky high !! Thanks

[@Doofer911]

I'm glad my video could help! Enjoy your newfound confidence! :)

[@mbradley0410]

Wow man I've literally watched what feels like 100s of videos on this, as I just purchased the game not too long ago. This is the best, most informative guide I've found. Thanks so much for taking the time to show everything. You rock!!

[@Doofer911]

+Matthew Bradley Thanks very much :D

[@hakunamatata3913]

Thank you very much for all your videos and all the effort behind them. You obviously are a very intelligent person, explaining things the way they should be explained, and it has been a pleasure learning from your channel. I am a 50 yr old self-taught flying enthusiast and have flown a real cessna a few times. This passion gives me the adrenaline I need at this age. Kudos to you, once again.

[@Doofer911]

I'm really glad my videos have helped re-ignite your passion for flying :) Thanks for the kind comment and for watching

[@sarathw5740]

You are a wonderful teacher. I hope by now you are an instructor.

[@weatherbog]

Great vid, leaned more about the Garmin than in 5 years of experimenting. Nice one Mr Doofer.

[@KevDYAD]

I have had FSX for years and didn't realise that the GPS could do so much. Thanks for explaining what all the buttons are and what the abbreviations mean too. A great video, I'll be watching all your other ones too.Thanks for posting.

[@Doofer911]

You're welcome Kev, glad this video could help you out!

[@jabliberty]

I have watched 2 of your videos so far! They are excellent. They move slowly enough that I can follow them. They are answering all of my questions about flying in FSX, especially the navigating portion. Well done!

[@Doofer911]

Hey John, glad you're liking the videos :)

[@johnnypenso9574]

Simply the best tutorials of any kind I've ever found on the net. Job well done, you should do this for a living!

[@Doofer911]

+Johnny Penso I wish I could! Would be a dream come true!

[@liordah0]

its called teaching mate

[@rcredidio]

yes, and he's doing it. The hard part is earning enough money of it, so you can quit your actual job.

[@rcredidio]

+Doofer911, congrats on the excellent work. Loved all your FSX tutorials, but this one is out of the curve, absolutely amazing

[@joaocavalcanti7721]

I am new at the FSXSE I just purchased it and I would like to say thank you for the best tutorial video on Garmin 500 GPS so far !

[@Doofer911]

You're welcome, thanks very much for watching :)

[@nanosaiz4731]

With just 5 videos you have solved all the problems I had with my simulator. Thank you from Spain.

[@Doofer911]

You're welcome, I've got a few more if you're interested ;)

[@sarathab]

It has all been said before... but has to be repeated. Excellent video... good explanation... anybody can understand... Very useful, Thanks

[@martinparry70]

Thanks so much for this - I've been fiddling with the GPS but never knew the correct sequences to do things in. But the best find by far was the approach patterns for each airport.

[@readyteddy7620]

Fantastic..your instruction being clear and concise really helps a lot, many thanks from me and i`m sure many others.

[@railman6868]

just discovered this guide. It is superb and explains the mysteries of the GPS operation. many thanks, Doofer911 for all your help and advice on flight sim operations that you give to your viewers. This video has opened up a new world for me, of flying and enjoyment of flight sim using GPS.

[@Doofer911]

I'm really glad this video could help :) thanks for watching!

[@MrFriedensye]

One of the most complete videos I've seen so far. Thank you very much sir!

[@kengunn31]

Your knowledge and your teaching skill combine to make your videos a real boon to a student. Doesn't often happen a teacher has both. Thanks!

[@Doofer911]

Thanks for the kind comment Ken. My knowledge of aviation as a whole is still lacking so there's always room for improvement :)

[@PrateekJain-pi9jc]

Your video series allowed me to learn so much more than I did by following rod machado

[@kengunn31]

Thanks Doofer for this video. I find it easy to absorb the info as you have presented it. I look forward to flying 'smarter' now.

[@Doofer911]

I'm really glad this video could help!

[@heymanwvu]

Unbelievable tutorial. You've been my go-to for how-to and will continue to be. Thanks for taking time to produce these!

[@Doofer911]

+Eric Wilson You're welcome, glad this video helped you out :)

[@StuartAshing]

Thanks. Very Clear Just what I needed. Flying FSX on and off for many years and this made GPS NAV understandable. And Inverness is a beautiful part of the world

[@Varnofx]

The best video on this topic on the planet. You would think Microsoft would give tutorials like this. I finally understand what i am doing. Thank you man. You're awesome. You should make videos for flying air buses and helicopters.

[@Doofer911]

Some aircraft specific tutorials are on the way soon ;)

[@preetclinic9414]

Thank you so much for a wonderful, commendable and humongous effort for all us aviation lovers. Good luck with all your future endeavours too. Cheers from India.

[@buggyclown109]

Excellent tutorial!!! I learned many things about GPS for only 45 minutes. It is definitely worth to watch.

[@Doofer911]

Thanks, took a few attempts to make so I'm glad it was worth it!

[@dougkordek9236]

Thank you so much. Your voice is calm and professional. Great teacher.

[@Doofer911]

That's kind of you to say :) Glad you liked the video!

[@GraemeBNash]

I'm going to be boring but yet again another excellent video. Superb explanation very well presented.

[@bobhatcher5505]

Thanks, I haven't used the Garmin 500 for a long time so this vid was a good refresher!

[@gunny07]

One of the best explanations of gps I've seen.Westley

[@Doofer911]

Thank you :)

[@Aardvark892]

That's the most I've ever learned from a single video about this subject. Immensely helpful! Thank you Very Much!

[@Doofer911]

You're welcome :)

[@garyruhs9466]

Thank you so much for all the info in this video. I have struggled a long time trying to discover how to do these things with trial and error... partly I succeeded but now I can move forward a little. I will surely need to re-see this video several times but by bouncing back and forth between the video and actually trying maybe I will get it. Some of what the gps can do I was totally unaware of. Thanks again, very instructional video.

[@Doofer911]

+gary ruhs Yeah same, I didn't realise how powerful a tool it was until I spent a lot of time just randomly pressing buttons trying to make things happen

[@BlackFox403]

Very clear and concise. Great information and great presentation. Really appreciate you taking time to do this- has taught me quite a bit and a reference for others that ask.

[@scribe0714]

Bravo! Echo what others have said .., this is by far the most comprehensive tutorial on the web as fas as the Garmin system.

[@Doofer911]

Glad it was helpful! This was one of the videos I was most nervous to produce

[@daraious-simulations1007]

This was really very useful and beautifully explained! Thank you Doofer911!

[@roddixon7687]

Thanks Doofer great video explanation of the Garmin 500, you explained the process of functions and operation with ease and made it sound easy which it isn't. Have been doing the trial and error thing for ages with no success but now I have a clearer view.Thanks so much for taking the time to educate us all

[@Doofer911]

+Rod Dixon You're welcome Rod. Glad the video could help!

[@supertminecraft8675]

I dint know as much about the GPS as I thought I did, thanks!

[@Beauchot78]

Great video! Landed my plane using GPS and ILS thanks to your video. Best regards.

[@keithhodkinson8386]

Having learned on the likes of PMDG and Aerosoft FMC's, was a bit mystified when it came to the GPS of a simpler aircraft. Your video explains perfectly, thank you, you have saved me many hours of frustration!

[@Doofer911]

No problem Keith, glad you liked it!

[@davidemery974]

Really like your videos and your explanation of them. Just started to learn FSX and X-plane and you have help me a lot. Thx.

[@Doofer911]

I'm really glad my videos could help introduce you to flight simming. Thanks for the kind comment :)

[@willemp6432]

Thanx for your time Doofer911......

[@mileskfranklin]

GREAT....JUST LEARND SOME INTERESTING THINGS....LOVELY....as always your tutorials are simple.. EXCELLENTE...BRAVO...

[@ThePatriotsFlag]

Thank you. I've added a link to your fine contribution to our Return to Misty Moorings FAQ page for GPS tutorials. This is really excellent.

[@weatherbog]

Great vid, all helping me with increasing my knowledge for my up and coming PPL training and (hopefully) licence.

[@gopaldesikangopaldesikan5818]

Hi... I enjoyed watching video and learned how to set up GPS. Out standing video with clarity of commentary..wish to see many such videos on other aspects of VOR, ILS approach. Kudos. Keep it up

[@Doofer911]

Please check through my channel, I've covered all of those topics in various videos :)

[@umer90o7]

Wow, simply WOW! Ur tutorial has helped me alot, the amount of detail that you talk about is amazing. You deserve more subscribers! ❤️

[@Doofer911]

Thank you for the kind words, I did the best I could with my videos :)

[@showraideruk]

Nice vid many thanks ,was asked about GPS from one of our flight sim members, and found your, nice guide to show how to use this handy little flight aid .

[@Doofer911]

You're welcome, glad the video could help :)

[@Abs8648]

Wow!.....That was certainly comprehensive, but as usual it was a very explanatory video. Well done and thank you Doofer

[@Doofer911]

abs orton You're welcome :) was good to play about and discover all the features of it.

[@Ihsaan1c]

Excellent video. Regarding the orbit area, I found this on a forum; The Orbit areas are for the use of E-3 AWACS aircraft (both RAF and NATO). Each area has a number of nodes to allow for separation and spacing as the E-3 effectively becomes a mobile HIRTA when it is "active" and additional protection must be given to it to avoid frying any electronics of other aircraft. With the nodes in use, separation can be provided to the node, rather than the whole area. It also allows for multiple AWACS to work the same area of sky with adequate procedural separation.

[@TheOpenBoatDAFFODIL]

Excellent! The Outer/Inner Ring thing always catches me out. Nice one :-)

[@guydube448]

Thank you very much my friend for the GPS course, I saved it for future references. I watched all of it! Guy

[@paddyredmond3039]

Doofer - thanks very much. Learnt so much and it works just the same (well almost) with the GPS on the A2A Cessna 172. Much appreciated.

[@Doofer911]

No worries, glad the video could help! :)

[@nal2us2]

Beautiful tutorial my friend! Answered all my questions!!!!

[@monkyboy1966]

Just getting into flight sims, these tutorial as the best I've seen. Please keep the content coming. :) thanks

[@Doofer911]

monkyboy1966 Got plenty more videos planned :) Glad you're enjoying the videos and that they're helping you with flight simming.

[@perthutube]

Great job! Very easy to listen to you and watch the vid. Finally learned how to get back to default screen by press hold Clr button! Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@Doofer911]

Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching! :D

[@Wolferal]

Great (and much needed) lesson. Thank you!

[@jsteinb456]

FYI I have enjoyed all your videos they are greatly appreciated :)

[@janhoogvliet535]

comprehensive and well described - thank you very much.

[@brianwhite4726]

All your videos are brilliant this one is a gem well done mate.

[@seahorsetube]

this is a job well done! Very instructive and well explained. I'm so happy I found this video and it really helped me a lot to enjoy flying more. Cheers from Belgium and happy flying. I'll be watching your other video's. Luc.

[@Doofer911]

Thank you for the kind comment, glad my video could help you with flying :)

[@DR87408]

Thank you for this tutorial, clearly and expertly executed

[@Doofer911]

You're welcome, glad I could help :)

[@CBParker49]

Great turorial, perfect voice ! Thanks so much !!!!

[@ericc7936]

i would like to thank you so much for this video and your other tutorials. i have learned a great deal about the Joy and Challenge of flying even at my advanced age! a new hobby. i will watch this video many times and make notes in order that your instructions sink into me. thanks again.

[@Doofer911]

Hey Eric, no problem, glad my videos can help you get involved in the hobby, welcome to the world of flight simulation! :)

[@RonaldvanHoove]

Thanks for explaining this very well. You were a great help!

[@fonsvanswaal]

Thx a lot for all you're video's , very easy to follow up , excellent work.....!!!

[@jsteinb456]

Thanks so much for the great tutorial. Cant wait to get home and give it a try.

[@paulmarbach3307]

One of the best tutoriel ever seen ! Thank you.

[@Doofer911]

You're welcome :)

[@ricardosc57]

Thanks million for "opening" a door into using the Garmin GPS in FSX. Can't wait for the next one!!! :) Regards

[@Doofer911]

ricardosc57 You're welcome :) Next video coming Saturday Morning!

[@rjc0234]

I find all this so much more fun than all the G1000's that are in at least half of the planes in flight sim 2020. was a little bit disappointed how few aircraft had these GPS's, and the ones that didn't have them didn't even have any VOR DME equipment.

[@hubsonekka]

Why I didn't find You before my "flying" in FSX ;] Great video. Everything is said clearly and understandably (I hope last word exists -I'm foreigner). Cheers.

[@Doofer911]

You speak English well :)

[@larissasousa5052]

Excellent, objective, clear lesson. You are a knowledgeable aviator!

[@Doofer911]

That's a very kind comment, thank you :)

[@larissasousa5052]

You are most welcome!

[@tomhughes9639]

Need to watch this video numerous times👍🏻😜🇺🇸

[@Dick.C.Normous]

UK ORBIT AREA 9 = RAF Training airspace. Thanks for the videos, love these tutorials.

[@vetterburns1048]

I always set my CTRL + Right Arrow and Left Arrow to Heading Bug Increment and Decrement. Soo much easier when in a pinch. btw, I love yer mouse-work. It helps a LOT!

[@Doofer911]

+Vetter Burns Good Tip! I struggle to remember keyboard shortcuts for most things but that seems like an intuitive setup.

[@mareks.7688]

you helped me pretty much so you deserved a like

[@Randy97402]

Thank you SO MUCH! After your tutorial, even I understand how to use it now. Thanks again!

[@Doofer911]

No worries, thanks for watching! Glad the video could help :)

[@etnwhvac]

Great tutorial I just need to add an detail. For the simmers using the gyro drift option enabled to be careful and make sure the heading match between the OBS and the GPS otherwise you'll end up like me flying 10nm in the wrong direction. Happy Fliying!!!

[@Doofer911]

+Otniel Ocampo Very good point!

[@rw3313]

Thanks, very clear and concise. Brilliant video.

[@Doofer911]

I'm glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@assurneto]

Dude, youre the man! perfect explanation!

[@ccm4181]

Very helpful and informative!

[@mickward5776]

Thanks. Sort of helpful for a new pilot.

[@Tiber234]

Excellent video Mr Doofer!

[@Doofer911]

+H. Lightsphere Thank you kindly :)

[@caligula57]

Excelent explanation. Thank you, very well done.

[@TylerDurden-bb8lw]

Thanks for taking time out to do this!

[@Doofer911]

No problem, thanks for watching! :)

[@dimitriskovsr5064]

Really nice tutorial, it helped me a lot! Thnx for your time and keep up the greet work!