Traffic Advisory System, Operation, Cirrus Perspective by Garmin

What are the basic steps for operating the Traffic Advisory System in the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin?

Ground Mode

You have the the option to manually switch from standby to operating mode while on the ground.  I find this is an effective way to scan airspace around the airport prior to take-off.  From the Nav page, turn the inner FMS knob and select the Traffic Map page.  You’ll see the “standby” softkey highlighted.  Press the MFD softkey “Operate” and use the range knob to select 2/6 nm setting or 2 nm for more separation detail.

The TAS system must be in the operating mode to display traffic.  The Cirrus Perspective TAS system automatically goes into standby on the ground and reverts to operating mode automatically after take-off.

PFD Inset

In the left lower corner of the Primary Flight Display you can open an Inset window to show surrounding traffic.  Press the Inset softkey.  Press the traffic softkey to display traffic on the

Inset (TRFC-1) with ground references.  Press the traffic softkey again to display traffic only without navigation map clutter on the Inset (TRFC-2).  A third press will remove the traffic data.  Your Cirrus Perspective PFD Inset will automatically open with a Traffic Advisory – Threat.

Traffic Map Page

You can adjust the Traffic Map page to display three different range settings from 2 nm to 12 nm.  The range settings are as follows:

• 2 nm
• 2 nm and 6 nm
• 6 nm and 12 nm

Nav Page

On the Nav page you can configure TAS display options by pressing the “Menu” key. Then  highlight “Map Setup” and press enter “ENT” key.  Turn the inner FMS knob, select “Traffic Group,” and press the “ENT” key.  You’ll have four options to setup:

1. Traffic: On or Off
2. Traffic Mode:
   1. All Traffic
   2. TA/PA: Displays Traffic Advisories (threats) and Proximity Advisories
   3. TA Only: Displays only Traffic Advisories (threats)
3. Traffic SMBL: Select the maximum range at which traffic symbols are shown, i.e. if you select 100 nm then when you increase the Nav page range to greater than 100 nm no traffic symbols are shown.
4. Traffic LBL: You can select the maximum range at which traffic labels are shown with the option to turn them off.

In summary, traffic information can be displayed on the following:

• PFD Inset Map
• Navigation Map page
• Traffic Map page
• Nearest pages
• Flight Plan page, Trip Planning page, Aux page

WARNING: “. . .Traffic Advisory System (TAS) is intended for advisory use only to aid the pilot in visually acquiring traffic. No avoidance maneuvers should be based solely upon TAS traffic information. It is the responsibility of the pilot in command to see and maneuver to avoid traffic.”

NOTE: “Pilots should be aware of TAS system limitations. TAS systems require transponders of other aircraft to respond to system interrogations. If the transponders do not respond to interrogations due to phenomena such as antenna shading or marginal transponder performance, [or transponder is turned off], traffic may be displayed intermittently, or not at all. Aircraft without altitude reporting capability are shown without altitude separation data or climb descent indication. Pilots should remain vigilant for traffic at all times.”

NOTE: “Aircraft without operating transponders are invisible to TAS.”

Sources:

Cirrus Perspective by Garmin – Pilot’s Guide for the SR22, 2008, pp. 400 –

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