When is the best time to activate the approach part of a flight in the Garmin? At times it seems to get confused and can't get situated. Also, what is the difference between Activate Approach and Activate Vectors to Final? Thanks.

Like any IFR GPS, Activate Vectors assumes that no hard waypoints are needed until you're at the FAF, as ATC will vector you. So, active fp segment goes from infinity inbound to the FAF, which you will join (usually at least 2 miles outside of the FAF) by vectors. Only activate this mode when you are sure that you are vectored an no further fp waypoints (other than the FAF) are required.Activate Approach ussumes you are flying the full approach, as in a non-radar environment, and will include PT's where necessary, plus a choice usually of FAF's. You also use this mode in IR training to show the examiner that you can find your own way around a full approach without vectors.Bruce.

Wrong. GPS goes into approach mode within 30 miles of the FAF.

Thanks for the help guys. ;-) Tom

>Wrong. Maybe you care to explain what is "Wrong" in what Bruce wrote. On the other hand I see plenty of misinformation in what you wrote. GPS CDI sensitivity switches into "terminal mode" (from "enroute") within 30 miles of the destination airport (not FAF) but it has nothing to do with activating approach. By the way the CDI sensitivity will subsequently switch to the "approach" mode. But pilot must manually Activate approach or Vectors to final - this will not be done for him automatically. You are mixing a few things up and this can only confuse those who ask.Michael J.WinXP-Home SP2,AMD64 3500+,Abit AV8,Radeon X800Pro,36GB Raptor,1GB PC3200,Audigy 2http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/747400.jpghttp://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_beta_member.jpg