Bryan,
   You can already file /G with the GNS530 the way it is now.  Upgrading it to WAAS has nothing to do with the equipment qualifier.  Just FYI, the new antenna you get with the system is 26.5db gain, the old one is 17db gain.  That is the only difference in the antenna.  One other comment on the new 530 WAAS upgrade.  You get the terrain feature for free, and it's dramatically better than the old terrain (much like the difference between the 396 and 496 terrain) This feature alone is worth it in my opinion.  The processer is much faster too, also very worthwhile. 

Ron Galbraith

 

Does the new upgrade of the 430/530 by Garmin for $1500 to enable them as WAAS solve this problem?  Then upgrade includes a new antenna.  I have my appointment for July to have it done.  It was to be a backup system but now it could be primary and the Chelton/Freeflight could be secondary for IFR?

 

Bryan

N132BB