Loading a simple IFR flight plan into the Garmin GNS430W GPS in my Piper Arrow.
The GNS430W is the more precise (WAAS) version of the long-serving GNS430. It combines a GPS suitable for enroute flight, departures and approaches, a COM radio and a VOR/LOC to fly VOR airways and approaches plus ILS or localiser approaches.
The GNS430 series first shipped in 1998 and is pretty much the go-to aviation GPS for general aviation. (You also see its larger-screened version the GNS530, but it doesn't seem to be as popular).
As of 2024, Garmin has announced that repairs for the units will end once current spare parts holdings run out, and is encouraging customers to move to the touchscreen alternatives.
While the 1998-vintage screen on the GNS430 looks like it comes from a Nintendo Gameboy, the 430 is in every other respect an excellent and very reliable unit. Mine talkes to my Garmin G5 HSI and attitude indicator, plus my EI CGR30P engine computer, giving me accurate forecasts of fuel remaining at destination based on flight plan, fuel burn and ETA.
I'm personally very happy with my 430 and like most owners don't plan to replace it unless it breaks!
#GPS #Garmin #airplane #pilot #IFR #instrumentflying #aviation #generalaviation