On an IFR proficiency flight with my partner the other day, we got into a
little debate about the best way to use the Garmin 430 for ATC position
reporting. He uses the cursor on the map page to point at an airport or
NAVAID, then reads out the distance and (reciprocal) bearing. I go to NRST,
and pick an airport or VOR which have continually updated distance and bearing.
For those 430/530 users out there, which way do you prefer?

Wouldn't it be nice to have a 'Position' button; an easy to reach menu choice,
softkey or button that gives the following configurable readout (don't display
what you don't want):

- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest airport (22nm NW Reid
Hillview KRHV)
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest VOR (10nm SW Mustang FMG or
maybe 215 Radial?)
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest NDB
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest intersection
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest VFR reporting point
- If within 2nm of any of the above, a message that says "Vicinity Squaw Valley
SWR" e.g.

Punch the button, wait for the frequency to clear, then just read off the
position to our friends with the big screens. Punch the button again and you
go back to the previous display. NRST works just fine for me, but it's always
fun to bitch about your expensive, useful panel toys..



I'm a little bit confused here. NAV page 4 of the Garmin 430 is a position page
that can be configured to show nearest VOR, radial, distance. In fact it will
even show a TACAN if it is the nearest NAVAID. It also shows track, ground
speed, calculated altitude, lattitude/longitude.

To configure it press MENU, select "change fields". Move the cursor to the APT
field, change it to VOR.

Perhaps there is material that your Garmin 430 instructor neglected to include
in his training syllabus with you. How long of a training course did you have
on the Garmin 430?

What were you using NAV page 4 for beforehand?


paul k. sanchez, cfii-mei
on eagles’ wings
2011 south perimeter road, suite g
fort lauderdale, florida 33309-7135
305-389-1742 wireless
954-776-0527 fax
954-345-4276 home/fax