Avionics
FAA To Allow 135, 121 Pilot Updating of Nav Databases
The FAA is seeking comments on a proposed rule change that will allow pilots flying under commercial operating regulations to update navigation system data
The debate about whether commercial pilots update databases might be moot, as services such as Rockwell Collins’s Ascend automate the process.
The debate about whether commercial pilots update databases might be moot, as services such as Rockwell Collins’s Ascend automate the process.

The FAA is seeking comments on a proposed rule change that will allow pilots flying under commercial operating regulations to update navigation system databases, an action currently allowed only for Part 91 pilots. Comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) are due December 19. (See Docket No. FAA–2011–0763 at www.regulation.gov.)

Under the current Part 43 rules, navigation and terrain database updating is classified as preventive maintenance: “Updating self-contained, front instrument panel-mounted air traffic control (ATC) navigational software databases (excluding those of automatic flight control systems, transponders, and microwave-frequency distance measuring equipment [DME]) provided no disassembly of the unit is required and pertinent instructions are provided.”

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