paul k. sanchez wrote:


Not quite sure why you feel that Garmin 400/500/480/MX20 is "pretend" IFR stuff
but I will sumise that you probably have a well-founded opinion why.

"Pretend IFR" is in total context. Generally, these types of avionics
are installed in light aircraft, which are generally incapable of safe
en route IFR operations. Further, the interface and complexity of sets
such as those you cite overwhelm even the most proficient IFR pilots at
times; at least in single-pilot, hand-flown operations.

Of the sets listed I have some time using the 500 (not 530) in a
friend's airplane. We both know the set well and we both have a whole
lot of time. (I have 4,000 hours light aircraft time and 14,000 hours
Part 121 time. He has perhaps 8,000 hours light aircraft time.)

We have both concluded that the 500 cannot be safely used without either
two pilots or a first-rate autopilot being used by a pilot who *really*
understands how to use the autopilot.

I also have a friend who is a flight-planning engineer for one of the
biggest companies that makes FMS suites for biz jets and air carrier
aircraft. He has a fair amount of time playing around with the 530
flying along with a friend of his. His conclusion is that, although the
530 is best light aircraft set out there, it is too difficult to use
safely in single-pilot, hand-flown operations.