Richard Kaplan wrote:



Actually, I do not have a KNS-80 or other VOR/DME RNAV system in my
simulator; the KNS-80 is in my airplane. I agree with you there is no point
in a brand-new KNS-80 installation either in an airplane or in a simulator.
I am, however, debating in my mind whether to install a Garmin 430 vs. 530
later this year as part of an avionics upgrade, and I am leaning toward the
430 because it would save enough space to allow me to keep the KNS-80 and
thus maintain true DME and VOR/DME RNAV capability, two forms of navigation
which the Garmin 430/530 can only emulate based on GPS calculations.

The errors that the KNS-80 are subjected to are unquantifible at this point. If
the FAA were honest about it all, they would decertify the set for en route
operations.

Having used both the 530 and 430 I like the 530 a whole lot better. The big
display, and two separate map pages make it the clear choice if you can afford
it. Having said that, a 530 and a 430 make a great installation, too. You end
up with redundancy everywhere and use the 530 as your primary RNAV set.

Everything about the 530 is easier, including being able to see many more legs
or flight plans on FP pages 1 and 2.