GPS Effective date

alindsay

alindsay

Pre-Flight
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May 24, 2007
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Omaha area
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Allan
Jeppesen allows the Garmin 430W database to be downloaded 10 days prior to the effective date.

Can you use the DB prior to the effective date?

I've been reading through the FARs and don't see anything but the need to use a current database for IFR approaches.

Thanks,

Allan
 
alindsay said:
Jeppesen allows the Garmin 430W database to be downloaded 10 days prior to the effective date.

Can you use the DB prior to the effective date?

I've been reading through the FARs and don't see anything but the need to use a current database for IFR approaches.

Thanks,

Allan
Click to expand...
I've heard before it's a no-no for paper charts and approach plates prior to the effective date. I doubt it's any different for databases used for IFR navigation. But, if used for VFR only? No issue.
 
It's a definite no-no for IFR (just as using new IFR charts before their effective data), and even for VFR, there are issues. Planned frequency changes programmed into the database may lead you to call folks or look for a VOR on the wrong freq. Don't use the new database until its effective date/time. If that means having two cards, and loading the new database in one and switching cards on D-day, so be it.
 
That's what I thought. Guess it's time to buy an extra card.

Thank you,

Allan
 
alindsay said:
That's what I thought. Guess it's time to buy an extra card.

Thank you,

Allan
Click to expand...

I believe that you can have two database files on the same card. When you download the latest, the previous month's DB should remain on the card and the GPS will use the old one until the new one is current. This may require you to reboot the GPS midflight if you happen to be in the air at 0000Z when the next one takes effect.
 
I believe that you can have two database files on the same card. When you download the latest, the previous month's DB should remain on the card and the GPS will use the old one until the new one is current.
Click to expand...
I don't think that's true, at least not for the Garmins. The problem with doing it that way is that it would be smart, and we can't have that!
-harry
 
mantakos said:
I don't think that's true, at least not for the Garmins. The problem with doing it that way is that it would be smart, and we can't have that!
-harry
Click to expand...

I have a Garmin (sort of, it's a GNS480) and it works as I stated. So did the KLN-94 that preceeded it. I'd be surprised to learn that the X30 family cannot do this as well but it's certainly possible. The problem I see with that is you'd have to switch the card out in flight sometimes to be current.
 
You cannot have two databases on a 430/530 card, WAAS or otherwise. Best solution is two cards and swapping.
 
Ron Levy said:
You cannot have two databases on a 430/530 card, WAAS or otherwise. Best solution is two cards and swapping.
Click to expand...

I guess that's just another example of the superiority of the recently discontinued GNS480 over the X30W family for IFR flight.
 
Where do you purchase a second data card. I have a Garmin gnc300?
 
dogman said:
Where do you purchase a second data card. I have a Garmin gnc300?
Click to expand...
Ask GARMIN. I'm sure they'll sell you another. You might also just google the product number on the card. An avionics shop that services GARMIN might have one in the back room.
 
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