Garmin 300XL GPS Approach didn't arm

Mark Hansen wrote:
During my instrument training, my CFII and I were flying into a local
non-towered airport using the Garmin GNS 430 and a GPS approach. After
passing the FAF, the unit put up a message that the approach was not
active.

I've seen that as well with a 430. More than once. And I think I've
even seen it in the PC simulator from Garmin's web site. But I
couldn't reproduce it. I think if you get well off course as the
needle sensitivity increases (just outside the FAF), it may bump you
off like that. But I never found an explanation for all of the cases
in which it happens.

Peter

wrote in message
oups.com...

Mark Hansen wrote:
I've seen that as well with a 430. More than once. And I think I've
even seen it in the PC simulator from Garmin's web site. But I
couldn't reproduce it. I think if you get well off course as the
needle sensitivity increases (just outside the FAF), it may bump you
off like that. But I never found an explanation for all of the cases
in which it happens.

Peter


I confirmed it wasn't a RAIM issue and I was dead on the approach course. I
even pressed the arm/actvate button but that didn't help.

Garmin says it might have to do with the setup of the unit not interfacing
with the annunciator panel. However, I'm getting the MSG light on the
annunciator panel so I don't think that is it. They are checking on that
and said they will get back to me.

On 05/09/06 16:46, Steve S wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...

Mark Hansen wrote:
I've seen that as well with a 430. More than once. And I think I've
even seen it in the PC simulator from Garmin's web site. But I
couldn't reproduce it. I think if you get well off course as the
needle sensitivity increases (just outside the FAF), it may bump you
off like that. But I never found an explanation for all of the cases
in which it happens.

Peter


I confirmed it wasn't a RAIM issue and I was dead on the approach course. I
even pressed the arm/actvate button but that didn't help.

Garmin says it might have to do with the setup of the unit not interfacing
with the annunciator panel. However, I'm getting the MSG light on the
annunciator panel so I don't think that is it. They are checking on that
and said they will get back to me.




For what it's worth, I just flew a practice GPS approach using the PC
simulator for the GNS 430. This approach required a holding pattern
procedure turn. Upon reaching the holding pattern fix, the 430 went
into SUSP mode and told me to enter the holding pattern (with the
appropriate entry pattern).

After making the turn, if I don't take the unit out of SUSP mode, then
after crossing the FAF, I get a message that the approach is not active.

If I take it out of SUSP mode during the turn, the approach executes
as expected.

My guess is this was the problem I encountered on that training flight
so long ago. It may or may not be what you saw on your 300XL.


--
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane
Cal Aggie Flying Farmers
Sacramento, CA