I've had my GNS 430 for about two years, and I love it.

I toggle back and forth between the Nav1 CDI (or "numbers" screen, as you
call it) and the map depending on what mode of flight I'm in and what
I want out of the display.

While in cruise, I usually use the CDI screen for keeping the heading
a close as I can.

When getting vectors to the ILS, I'll put it in map mode so that I can
readily see how far from the ILS I am (given that the ILS CDI is usually
a full deflection until you're close to it), and then switch back to the CDI
screen again once I'm established on the ILS.

For non-precision approaches, I usually use the map screen.

-- Dane

In article ,
Mitty wrote:
The "Cheating the ILS" thread prompts my curiosity:

I fly with a single G430 and rarely use the map display. Almost
always I am set on the Nav1 "numbers" screen, which tells me pretty
much everything I need to know. I have talked to a number of
commercial pilots with lots of G430 experience, and this seems to be
the consensus.

The tone of the OP on the "Cheating the ILS" seems to be that his use
of this screen is unusual. I use the TRK number on the Nav1 screen
routinely to help on ILS approaches and have never thought anything of
it. I fly my best approaches this way because I do not have to cut &
try to get a heading that holds the needle centered.

So ... Do you normally fly looking at Nav1 or at the map? Cruise?
Approaches? Why? And what is your experience level with the G430?