On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 23:26:58 GMT, RonLee wrote:

I am thinking seriously about getting the GNS480 and need opinions to
(try and) change my mind. The GNS 430 is nice but the 480 has more
features that I like.

Anybody using one and making approaches?

Yes

With autopilot?

Yes

with GPSS?

Don't have that.

Does GPS altitude REALLY work?

What do you mean by that?

The GPS glide slope really works for those approaches for which it is
enabled.

The GPS altitude varies from the pressure altitude due to earth shape
assumptions, and other factors including temperature.

However, my install included an encoding altimeter with a 10 ft resolution.
This allow baro-VNAV approaches. It also allows the pressure altitude to
be read directly on the display.

I, too, chose the 480 over the 430 (as well as over the 530) because of
WAAS, the ability to enter flight plans using airways, TSO146
certification. It has a better display than the 430, although smaller than
the 530.



--ron