Garmin GNS 430: Throwaway or Keeper?

Despite false rumors and misinformation that the hugely popular Garmin GNS-series navigators are at the end of their service life, Garmin says that 99 percent of GNS users can keep using their units. Moreover, the Garmin factory will still continue to support common repairs and refurbishments as it has for the past 25 years. For a deep dive into the future of GNS support, and some tips for dealing with a dreaded failure, Aviation Consumer Magazine Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano linked up with Garmin's Jim Alpiser.

[ericpauley]

People faulting Garmin here are missing the reality of electronics components. It’s difficult to think of any compute-driven device that’s been supported as long as the GNS.

[badbadm]

As a career product planner, I’m staggered at what they have attempted to do by deliberately side-stepping the opportunity to build slide-in replacements for the 430/530, particularly since those units were the factory-supplied equipment stack in a huge number of Part 23 certified GA models from factories around the world.
Isn’t the average age of a GA airplane between 40-50 years old? They had to know support would be required (or replacement made easy) for more than 25 years.
Using their dealer network as the “certified installer” to preserve Part 23 compliance at the highest-possible cost, they built solutions that are anything but simple or affordable. It feels deliberately complex and forceful.
THIS is where the bellyaching about foreseen obsolescence (if not ‘planned’) is coming from.

[gmcjetpilot]

GARMIN LOWER COST DATA UPDATES $149/$399yr. to $30/$100.
This is basic USA update, no terrain, obstacle, taxi. .
GARMIN gets FREE data from FAA, TAX PAYERS fund, plus updates are minor.
Garmin's update and repair fees and cost are outrageous.

[RBEmerson]

Interesting video - thanks for putting it together. I'm not a great Garmin fan for far too many reasons, but it's important to hear what Garmin has to say.

BTW, the left and right sound channels are swapped - you're on the left side of screen, but in the right speaker. I validated my own left/right settings with the Win11 built-in test to be sure my speakers are connected "right way round".

[mafpw]

I wish Garmin would make a slide in replacement. We would all buy one.

[woutersijtsma]

$2000 for the repair of a 430, that shows a non charging back up battery, and has a processor that needs service. Speaking about a ripoff. Especially because it is a unit that was "repaired" previously by Garmin in 2022. Now, if that would include a WAAS upgrade, it would still be high, but more defendable. My question is why this was not done with the initial repair?

[hotironaircraftshop]

Does it save an aircraft owner more money to upgrade a cheaper product periodically vs. maintaining a more expensive product periodically?

[mxcollin]

If somebody could make a fix or aftermarket screen for the 430 and 530 they could make a lot of money. There’s still are still thousands of 430s and 530s out there flying.

[greghowe]

Would you do a show about the GPS 155 TSO ??

[erikpetersen]

I get the part problem. Buy a used 430 for a fraction the cost of a new GPS. Maps are still supported.

[unbelver]

Please don't mix left/right for the different speakers. But if you do, don't swap them. Garmin is screen right, audio left, and AC is screen left, audio right.

[DVLITTLEPILOT]

would have been better if I did not have to turn the Volume to max to hear Garmin than hope I could get it turned back down as to not blow my speakers

[AwestrikeFearofGods]

Buttons and knobs are superior to touchscreens. Change my mind.

[sergeylipovetsky]

Yea, we will replace the glass on your unit if you scratch it. Did he mention that minimum repair cost at Garmin is $2000 (bench fee) + parts? Snakes!

[azcharlie]

I can't help but believe there was protectionism for Garmin dealers and installation shops. If they designed a slide in, like Avidyne, all their dealers would be out of business. The government (FAA) is helping them too by requiring to use the same repair parts as when manufactured. For an electronic device, that's ridiculous. Try shooting a non precision GPS practice approach with your Ipad, or Android device. Then use your panel mounted GPS. See any difference? No.... But, you have to use a panel mounted device. That's protectionism by the FAA.

[LarryPortouw]

Not surprising they can't get components. The parts situation-- availability, price and quality-- is terrible. It's causing me to consider selling my plane. Just went through several spinner bulkheads that didn't fit, last one modified slightly by the mechanic n order to get the spinner on, despite being parts from an FAA certified manufacturer. When campared to each othere, NONE of them were the same dimensions. Been waiting a quart of TCP for 2 mos.

[jeffreyhanson]

Tough spot. Apple gets you to buy each new iPhone at $1500 a pop. Problem is a new GTN 650 is $13000 installed as a slide in replace for 430. Did 3 of them for flying club. GTN 650 is so much easier to use, capable.

[praveen]

Sorry but I don’t think you could have made this interview any more softball. As a journalist you should be asking questions that are pointed and relevant, not justifying your own question even before your interviewee gets a chance to answer. The question whether or not Garmin is indeed working on planned obsolescence aside, the way the question is posed leaves much to be desired.

[prodigalpilot]

In the past 20 years, how many thousands have you spent on smart phones as they become outdated and obsolete? Yes, the cost is high for replacement - but compare the amortized cost against any of the consumer electronics in your home. I think most would be surprised..