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GNS 530/430

Credit where credit is due: the Working Title avionics are among the best features of MSFS. The mod augments the GNS units not because of limitations, but because they invite experimentation and customization.

Features

The mod unlocks two WT framework features that do not exist on real-life GNS units, both can be disabled on the Config tab, but the setting only becomes active on the next flight:

  • "VISUAL" approaches Lifted from the G1000 NXi. The unit builds a VISUAL approach for any runway: a straight-in final on a 3° glidepath, listed alongside the published procedures. Select it and the autopilot flies it coupled, with no instrument procedure involved. No real GNS 530W or 430W offers this.

  • Coupled VNAV Lifted from the G1000 NXi. The unit computes a descent path to the altitude constraints in your flight plan, and the autopilot flies it as PATH. Arm it from the VNAV page, or by loading a procedure that carries constraints. A real GNS 530W computes the same descent but only advises it.

Persistence

The persistence is split into parts, dictated by legacy sim behavior: frequencies are stored and restored as part of the opt-in persistence system. The rest of the internal state of the units uses their own persistence layer, independent of the mod. That means that the internal state is fleet-wide instead of individual (per variant) and stored and restored unconditionally and independent of the opt-in system.

I added a few more items to the list, e.g. the state of the ADB-S transmitter, the last selected page, and the selected range for each page (needs validation vs. the real unit or the official Garmin simulator).

Reviewed 2026-08-04.