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Databases on non-essential equipment

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guido411

ShesGoneFromSucktoBLOW!!
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Posts
399
Question:

If you have an extra GPS installed (separate from manufaturer installed GPS) for XM weather, does its nav/terrain database have to be current to be legal even though those functions are not used?
 
Question:

If you have an extra GPS installed (separate from manufaturer installed GPS) for XM weather, does its nav/terrain database have to be current to be legal even though those functions are not used?

No, we have a GNS400W and an Avidyne EX500 installed and both are placarded as "Not to be used for navigation".
 
The answer, as always, is maybe.

Under Part 91, if it is on the aircraft it must be operational (even if it is the light that tells you the coffee pot is warming). Unless, of course, you carry a non essential equipment list that is for your aircraft. Then you can follow the procedures in that manual to operate the aircraft. This is similar to an MEL, but the FAA in their infinite wisdom says you can't call it an MEL.
 
The answer, as always, is maybe.

Under Part 91, if it is on the aircraft it must be operational (even if it is the light that tells you the coffee pot is warming). Unless, of course, you carry a non essential equipment list that is for your aircraft. Then you can follow the procedures in that manual to operate the aircraft. This is similar to an MEL, but the FAA in their infinite wisdom says you can't call it an MEL.

If that where true and since MEL has time limits all the Eclipse jet would be grounded because there is no database for them right now. I don't think Databases fall in to MEL. I remember seeing a FAA AC on databases, if you can find that I believe it will say that it is ok as long as you don't do any approaches with it... etc.
 
If that where true and since MEL has time limits all the Eclipse jet would be grounded because there is no database for them right now. I don't think Databases fall in to MEL. I remember seeing a FAA AC on databases, if you can find that I believe it will say that it is ok as long as you don't do any approaches with it... etc.

If anybody knows what AC this might be that would be great. Or if anybody with a current AOPA membership could call and ask them I would be most thankful.
 
the database does fall into the MEL....if the database is not current the unit cannot be used, it is then MEL'd.

If you have an add-on, and it's placarded as "not to be used for navigation" and it is functioning properly, then you won't need a current database.
 
the database does fall into the MEL....if the database is not current the unit cannot be used, it is then MEL'd.

If you have an add-on, and it's placarded as "not to be used for navigation" and it is functioning properly, then you won't need a current database.

That makes sense, I take back what I said since the certified OEM nav equipment would be different than add-on stuff. I'll have to look in our MEL and see what it says.

Good discussion, anywho :)
 
If I'm not mistaken, there are some MEL items that have no time limits. A GPS database may be one of those items. But we aren't talking about MELs, we are talking about NonEssential Equipment Lists and the FAA says those are not the same. :)
 
If I'm not mistaken, there are some MEL items that have no time limits. A GPS database may be one of those items. But we aren't talking about MELs, we are talking about NonEssential Equipment Lists and the FAA says those are not the same. :)

FYI...Cat C for the Lear 45 FMS
 

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