Suspended

Your article “Keeping Me In Suspense,” September 2014, nicely explains the purpose of the OBS button on the Garmin GNS430/530 series when performing a missed approach. The GPS unit will “suspend” and stop displaying navigational guidance until the OBS button is pushed upon reaching minimum altitude. Although unrelated to an approach, this is the perfect time to mention the second purpose of the OBS button on the Garmin GNS 430/530.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots provide practical clarifications, such as a second use for the Garmin OBS button to intercept specific radials, and correct the misconception that extending flaps improves climb performance (less flap is generally better).
Discussions highlight critical techniques for max gross weight, high-density altitude takeoffs (e.g., proper leaning, gentle control inputs), and question standard practices like AoA indicator calibration for optimal approach, and the benefits of a thorough post-flight inspection over a pre-flight for specific aircraft owners.

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By pushing the OBS button while on a flight plan, the next waypoint becomes a VOR with 360 radials. You can rotate your OBS dial to the radial you select and intercept it. This comes in very handy, for example, when trying to intercept an airway or the extension of a runway.
David Shepherd
Via email