Hello, two questions I have about this craft.

 

1. I see no option to preset altitude similar to that in most other aircraft of the type. There's usually a window where you enter it and that it is notifying you on 1000 to go.

 

2. How do I automatically track the plan? I see no NAV/GPS hold function but the HDG hold.

 

please advise.

 

I've got the same question!

You have to capture the altitude you want manually. Get your initial climb sorted out with trim, pop open the AP window (Shift+4 I think) and press the AP button. Set your heading bug and then click the HDG button on the AP. Use the little rocker switch to increase/decrease climb rate. When you're 50' from reaching your planned altitude click the ALT button on the AP and it will level off and hold the altitude.

 

If you want to climb or descend from there use the rocker switch to initiate the climb/descent and keep clicking down or up until you get your desired FPM, capture your altitude again 50' below your desired altitude (which means if you're descending you'll have to go slightly below your desired altitude, if you capture ie: 12,000' at 12,001' on the altimeter the AP will level off at 12,100' instead of 12,000' - you have to click below so wait for 11,999' before you click)

 

To track the GPS plan you use the AP NAV button but you have to click the CDI button on the GNS430 so it says "GPS" as opposed to "VLOC". (this is simply the NAV/GPS switch)

 

If that old ancient autopilot isn't doing it for you, you can replace it with a default AP which will behave normally with an altitude preset and all that.