IFR database update logbook requirements

[FlyDave]

All,

I was just wondering if everyone (anyone) makes a permanent logbook entry when updating your IFR GPS database every 28 days. I've read that you only need a "non-permanent" entry that would change every 28 days but that sounds a little screwy to me.

Thanks,

[flight2000]

I have a simple flight binder that I use to enter the applicable information every 28 days and that includes the VOR check as well.  It stays in the aircraft along with the weight and balance and other required documents and takes an extra 2 minutes to make the entry after updating the Garmin. 

I don't add an entry into the aircrafts maintenance records, that would be a little to much.  I try to keep every thing as simple as possible (at least as much as I can get away with...)

Brian

[danb35]

You're only required to keep maintenance records for a year, or until the work is superseded, whichever comes first.  Most owners want to keep most maintenance records permanently, but there's no requirement to do so--you could, for example, make notes of your last oil change on a whiteboard in the hangar, and replace it when you do the next one.  Updating the GPS database is preventative maintenance, so it's technically required to be logged, but there's no sense (IMO) in keeping a permanent record of every update.

[DonMuncy]

I created a page for VOR checks and one for GPS updates. I keep both with my aiplane records. At 20+ entries per page, these take almost no space.

Don

[Amelia]

I keep a log of flight time in the airplane. Every flight I enter the Hobbs time before and after, when, where, any approaches, night landings, and also, once a month, I do a VOR check and change the GPS data base, and make a note of it. I also scribble on the sheet when my last IPC/biennial was, and when the annual and oil changes were last done. Every six months or so, I bring that sheet home, enter the appropriate numbers into the Excel spreadsheet that now passes for my pilot's logbook, and file it away. Don't know if that's according to Hoyle, but it's at least a way this scatterbrained granny can keep up with it.

[Ratherbflying]

I was listening to Mike Busch this evening and he wryly noted that we are supposed to update log records when we update the GPS database. He also noted that this was the most widely violated regulation in the book.

However, in 2013 the FAA modified 43.3 to exclude these database updates.

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/29/2012-28845/pilot-loading-of-aeronautical-database-updates#h-37

If you keep a record every time you update your 430 data card, you can stand down.

 

[bradp]

I'm a modern guy who abides by the above.  My VOR checks go in a scratchpad of random stuff in my foreflight and is occasionally emailed to myself for record keeping. Until I delete the email.  

[Marauder]

On 7/1/2010 at 6:36 PM, FlyDave said:

All,

 

I was just wondering if everyone (anyone) makes a permanent logbook entry when updating your IFR GPS database every 28 days. I've read that you only need a "non-permanent" entry that would change every 28 days but that sounds a little screwy to me.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Yep. I do. i also do the 30 day VOR check per 91.171

[cloud116]

Whether you are required by law to keep a log for the GPS database, unless you are blessed with living in an airpark and your hangar and garage are one and the same, how do you know the night before your flight whether your database and VOR checks are up to date?

 I keep an avionics log (attached) in my flight bag, along with a spare GPS card. Before my 20 minute drive to the airport, I check my log. If the GPS database is expired, I update the card in my flight bag and when I get to the airport, pop in the updated card, and remove the outdated one and put it in my flight bag.

Since the log is in my flight bag, it is at home when I need it (check GPS database), and in the plane when I need it (conduct VOR check). I am sure there are better methods out there, but this seems to work well for me. Used to drive me crazy getting to the airport and realizing my database was out of date. 

I also added a section at the bottom re: the VOR check so I don't have to remember the rules and each element needed in the log in order to be legal.

[Ratherbflying]

7 hours ago, Marauder said:

Yep. I do. i also do the 30 day VOR check per 91.171

So, with the reg change, the GPS entries are not required.

Question for you on the VOR checks: Regarding 91.171... How often do you depend on the VORs for IFR flight? 

[Ratherbflying]

6 hours ago, cloud116 said:

Whether you are required by law to keep a log for the GPS database, unless you are blessed with living in an airpark and your hangar and garage are one and the same, how do you know the night before your flight whether your database and VOR checks are up to date?

Well, the point of the OP is what's legal and what's not.

If you want to talk about "How do I know?", I have a reminder in my calendar that goes off every 4 weeks and prompts me to download the database to my backup card, then next time I'm going near the airport I do the swap. The system works well.

[Danb]

On July 2, 2010 at 4:58 PM, DonMuncy said:

I created a page for VOR checks and one for GPS updates. I keep both with my aiplane records. At 20+ entries per page, these take almost no space.

 

Don

 

Don thats a good idea my record retention is rather poor. I'll put in a small tablet in the back of the plane, I previously entered on the notes of the iPad.

[Marauder]

7 hours ago, Marauder said: Yep. I do. i also do the 30 day VOR check per 91.171

So, with the reg change, the GPS entries are not required.

Question for you on the VOR checks: Regarding 91.171... How often do you depend on the VORs for IFR flight? 

I do the VOR checks on a regular basis but not beyond 30 days. My main usage of a VOR is the approach to my home airport. Other than that, not often.

Most of the time, I do the check when I am flying somewhere, George is flying and I have time to tune in a VOR and do the the check.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Marauder]

Whether you are required by law to keep a log for the GPS database, unless you are blessed with living in an airpark and your hangar and garage are one and the same, how do you know the night before your flight whether your database and VOR checks are up to date?

 I keep an avionics log (attached) in my flight bag, along with a spare GPS card. Before my 20 minute drive to the airport, I check my log. If the GPS database is expired, I update the card in my flight bag and when I get to the airport, pop in the updated card, and remove the outdated one and put it in my flight bag.

Since the log is in my flight bag, it is at home when I need it (check GPS database), and in the plane when I need it (conduct VOR check). I am sure there are better methods out there, but this seems to work well for me. Used to drive me crazy getting to the airport and realizing my database was out of date. 

I also added a section at the bottom re: the VOR check so I don't have to remember the rules and each element needed in the log in order to be legal.

That is exactly what I do.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Robert C.]

On September 8, 2016 at 7:19 AM, Ratherbflying said:

Well, the point of the OP is what's legal and what's not.

If you want to talk about "How do I know?", I have a reminder in my calendar that goes off every 4 weeks and prompts me to download the database to my backup card, then next time I'm going near the airport I do the swap. The system works well.

Anyone know what those backup cards cost (for G1000)? I recall reading somewhere that you can only get them from Garmin and that they are several hundred dollars?

[Ratherbflying]

10 hours ago, Robert C. said:

Anyone know what those backup cards cost (for G1000)? I recall reading somewhere that you can only get them from Garmin and that they are several hundred dollars?

I see one on eBay for $220. From an earlier post on Mooneyspace, Garmin wants around $500 new. Jeppeson may have them for a better price.

Pretty pricey. I found a backup card for my 430W for $50 so that was easier to swallow.