I got my instrument rating (for real) about 10 years ago before all the RNAV and GPS procedures were developed. I am buying a real airplane that will have a Garmin 430 WAAS IFR certified GPS.I have been reading up on RNAV navigation and Required Navigational Performance of 0.3 etc. For those of you that are unaware, it is one thing to use GPS to fly from point A to point B, but an entirely different thing to fly an RNAV (GPS) LPV approach procedure to minimums. These new approach procedures allow the airplane to fly an approach to ILS type minimums - using something other than an ILS to give the course deviation and glideslope indications in the cockpit. In a small aircraft, the "something other than an ILS system" is the IFR certified GPS WAAS receiver. But it does not need to be a GPS WAAS system as long as it is capable of Required Navigational Performance of 0.3. Note:This is why they changed the name of the procedures from "GPS" to RNAV. The airplane flying the approach does not necessarily need GPS, but it must have some navigational system capable of distinguishing its location to the higher standard necessary in flying approaches.One of the important characteristics of this "ILS-like" system is that it gets more sensitive as the airplane approaches the runway - just like an ILS. The other important characteristic is that the navigational system must be "wired in" to the CDI & glideslope indicators so you can read it on the CDI just as though you were shooting an ILS. In IFR, you cannot look at the course on the GPS display itself.This brings me to my question... Are there any add-on (3rd party) airplanes specifically for FSX with an IFR GPS or RNAV system with the RNP that can simulate actual IFR RNAV LPV approach (terminal) procedures? Better yet, one that can also do a RNAV Z or Y approach (the kind where the CDI tracks a final approach course that is not straight). I'd prefer a smaller aircraft with a panel mounted GPS with WAAS that is appropriately connected to the CDI with both localizer type peformance and glideslope rather than a large transport aircraft with an FMS/IRS etc.I am new to RNAV terminal procedures, so forgive me if what I said (above) is not completely correct. I am not yet an authority on it. Lol. Thanks in advance for your response.Joseph Perry.

Yes, the Flight1 Mustang and C182 equipped with the Garmin G1000 are both WAAS capable. Also, the RealityXP GNS430 and 530 are WAAS capable. You have to install them in the correct aircraft, The Carenado line of aircraft will fly RNAV LPV when equipped with the RealityXP GNSW430 or 530.There may be others but, I have personal experience with these.

Thanks Joe. To confirm, will the RealityXP product will "plug into" the airplane's own CDI and display the localizer and glideslope appropriately? Or does it display its own CDI w Glideslope? I have the Carenado Archer II. Since I am buying an Archer II (for real), this would be awesome. Would be doubly awesome if it plugged into the Carenado Archer's own CDI rather than popping some 2D windowed instrument.Also, do you have to pay extra to update the database? I read there are now more RNAV LPV approaches than ILS with more being added all the time.Joseph Perry

Edited January 25, 201214 yr by JoePilotCT

I don't think it will link to the stock HSI/CDI on the Archer. I have the Carenado Saratoga and it does not link to the stock CDI on the Saratoga. However, I replaced my HSI with the RealityXP FLT KI525 HSI and it does link to the GNSW530.The database is out of date. I think the latest available is 2007. There's no way to update it from RealityXP. To be honest with you, RXP has not been very proactive in their product support for the last year or so. You will find some additional info by visiting here: http://www.simforums.com/Forums/reality-xp-unofficial-forum_forum12.htmlThe Flight1 products are fully RNAV functional within the limits of what you are getting. They do display CDI and GS on RNAV LPV approaches. Their database is supported by Navigraph who regularly publishes updates.

Went through all of my add-on aircraft and found the Dreamfleet Dakota had the old 16 bit GNS430, but after some playing with it, I realize it is not a 430W - therefore you cannot do an instrument approach. I do see the Dakota uses XP gauges (the XP logo is in the upper right hand corner of the gauge). So I think it installs its own gauges. Not a big deal. Disappointed RXP didn't keep up with the database though. There are more and more RNAV LPV approaches being added all the time - and the old "GPS" approaches phased out. I think it is important to have a database that is no more than 2 years old. I can't by the RXP product based on your info.Looking through the Flight1 website, but not sure which airplanes do LNAV LPV or specifically have a GPS with WAAS. I did buy the Mustang, but it is like the only aircraft that my system will not run. It is like watching a slide show. Just too resource hungry.Any other Flight1 airplanes with a fully functional 430W or RNAV LPV performance?I really appreciate your responses.Joe

Edited January 25, 201214 yr by JoePilotCT

I'm certainly not the final authority on which planes are flying which avionics. I very much enjoy the F1 Mustang and with my system, I can run it with no problems.That being said, if you are serious about WAAS familiarization using FSX, I suggest you give some serious thought to RXP and the Carenado Archer. Install the 430 or 530 and the KI525. You will not be totally up to date but there will be a good representation of airports with RNAV approaches. If you want to give me your home airport and others you may frequently use, I'll look them up to see if they have RXP RNAV approaches.

Things are better than you might think..1. The RXP GNS navigation database can be updated (for free) to 2011 standards2. In most Carenado planes I own (I do not have the Archer but do have the Arrow),the RXP GNS will drive the standard VOR gauge or HSI with glideslope information.Have a look at the RXP user forum for examples.. or send me a PMhttp://www.simforums.com/forums/forums.html

Just checked my Carenado Arrow.. here is the startup of the 530W, showing the navdata currency and the VOR1 gaugedeflecting the glideslope during the startup test... unfortunately, in this airplane, the HSI does NOT show theglideslope, which Carenado has fixed in their later releases.