Robert,


1) Does a GNS-430 have DME built in? i.e. If I don't upgrade the GPS DB
can I still fly a VORDME approach off the 430's VOR? (I'm trying to
decide if I should keep my DME)

No, it doesn't have a DME built-in. However, if the DME is a waypoint in
the database (not the airport the DME is at, but the DME itself, which is
the case for most, if not all), then you can legally substitute the GPS
distance readout for the DME. You should still be able to fly a VOR
approach with the 430 without a database, but obviously not a VORDME, if
you substitute the DME in the way described above, since the DME part
would depend on the database.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)