While we're talking about Garmin GPS

Actually, he went through every single page in the 430 in detail, but either
didn't stress the position twiddle, or I simply forgot how to use it. Most
users don't employ every feature, and that doesn't necessarily mean a lack of
proficiency or under-utilization of the box. In this specific case, the NRST
function works great, with the same number of knob clicks.

FYI, this CFII has about 12,000 hours with at least 2/3 of that instruction
given. He's trained 3 generations of instructors on the west coast using
virtually every NAV gizmo made for GA, and is universally respected and
regarded as one of the best around. My sincere hope your is that your
inference about proficiency or lack thereof is limited to this one anecdotal
oversight.


I would suggest recounting the number of clicks. To go from NAV page 2 to NRST
page 4 requires 3 clicks of large knob (NAV-WPT-AUX-NRST), and then of course
from NRST page 1 to the correct VOR page would require 3 additional clicks of
the small knob (NRST airport-NDB-intersection-VOR). I count 6 clicks of large
and small knob using your prefered method, vs 2 of the small knob going from
NAV2 to NAV4 using my suggestion. Or did I miss something?

And of course I sincerely hope that you are indeed quite happy with the Garmin
430 training. Hopefully you got all that you wanted (and even more importantly
what you needed).


paul k. sanchez, cfii-mei
on eagles’ wings
2011 south perimeter road, suite g
fort lauderdale, florida 33309-7135
305-389-1742 wireless
954-776-0527 fax
954-345-4276 home/fax

"Windecks" wrote in message ...
On an IFR proficiency flight with my partner the other day, we got into a
little debate about the best way to use the Garmin 430 for ATC position
reporting. He uses the cursor on the map page to point at an airport or
NAVAID, then reads out the distance and (reciprocal) bearing. I go to NRST,
and pick an airport or VOR which have continually updated distance and
bearing. For those 430/530 users out there, which way do you prefer?

Wouldn't it be nice to have a 'Position' button; an easy to reach menu
choice, softkey or button that gives the following configurable readout
(don't display what you don't want):

- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest airport
(22nm NW Reid Hillview KRHV)
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest VOR
(10nm SW Mustang FMG or maybe 215 Radial?)
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest NDB
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest intersection
- Distance and reciprocal bearing to the nearest VFR reporting point
- If within 2nm of any of the above, a message that says "Vicinity Squaw
Valley SWR" e.g.

Punch the button, wait for the frequency to clear, then just read off the
position to our friends with the big screens. Punch the button again and
you go back to the previous display. NRST works just fine for me, but it's
always fun to bitch about your expensive, useful panel toys..

Not a panel mount, but on my 295, I hit NRST, and then select VOR to
get bearing and range to a the nearest VORs.

-Nathan

There is a page in the "Nav" set that will do what you want. It is the 4th page
or "Position" page. It can be set to give you your position from the nearest
apt, VOR, NDB or waypoint. I use it set to give me a position from the nearest
VOR. It will show radial and distance. I mostly fly in areas that do not
require position reports, but I use the feature when contacting Fligh****ch and
giving my position for in flight weather updates.

Alan
PP-SEL-IA
Bonanza N5081E