Garmin International Inc 0126000 Manuel D’Utilisation

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PRELIMINAR
Y
Garmin G5000
 Pilot’s Guide (Preliminary)
339
HAZARD AVOIDANCE
often not displayed by the radar.  Additionally, a cloud that contains only small raindrops, such as fog or 
drizzle, does not reflect enough radar energy to produce a measurable target return.
Figure 6-52  Precipitation Type and Reflectivity
G
round
 r
eturns
The intensity of ground target returns depends upon the angle at which the radar beam strikes the 
ground target (Angle of Incidence) and the reflective properties of that target.  The gain can be adjusted so 
shorelines, rivers, lakes, and cities are well defined.  Increasing the gain too much causes the display to fill 
in between targets, thus obscuring some landmarks.
Cities normally provide a strong return signal.  While large buildings and structures provide good returns, 
small buildings can be shadowed from the radar beam by the taller buildings.  As the aircraft approaches 
and shorter ranges are selected, details become more noticeable as the highly reflective regular lines and 
edges of the city become more defined.
Bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans are not good reflectors and normally do not provide good 
returns.  The energy is reflected in a forward scatter angle with inadequate energy being returned.  They 
can appear as dark areas on the display. However, rough or choppy water is a better reflector and provides
stronger returns from the downwind sides of the waves.
Mountains also provide strong return signals to the antenna, but also block the areas behind. However,
over mountainous terrain, the radar beam can be reflected back and forth in the mountain passes or off 
canyon walls, using up all or most of the radar energy.  In this case, no return signal is received from this 
area, causing the display to show a dark spot which could indicate a pass where no pass exists. 
a
nGle
 
of
 i
ncidence
The angle at which the radar beam strikes the target is called the Angle of Incidence.  The figure illustrates 
the incident angle (‘A’).  This directly affects the detectable range, the area of illumination, and the intensity 
of the displayed target returns.  A large incident angle gives the radar system a smaller detectable range and 
lower display intensity due to minimized reflection of the radar energy.
GWX 70 Prelim.indd   339
7/25/2012   3:14:45 PM