G1000 Database Currency

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meritflyer

Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if the G1000 database (as indicated on the MFD during start) has to be up to date for both IFR and VFR? The rumor is that it only has to be current for IFR however, I cant find any references supporting that idea.
 
meritflyer said:
Does anyone know if the G1000 database (as indicated on the MFD during start) has to be up to date for both IFR and VFR? The rumor is that it only has to be current for IFR however, I cant find any references supporting that idea.
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IFR is the only requirement to have that current, way to stay home and eat all the chips

edit to add reference:
AIM 1-1-19 B.3.(b) said:
In many receivers, an up-datable database is used for navigation fixes, airports, and instrument procedures. These databases must be maintained to the current update for IFR operation, but no such requirement exists for VFR use.
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I believe the above AIM reference was part of the VFR portion (section B) of 1-1-19.

Here are some other tidbits (section E):

Table 1-1-6
Footnote 3 "Requires current database." That footnote is referenced under Approaches and using the GPS ILO ADF/DME.

Footnote 2 "Requires verification of data for correctness if database is expired." This one is referenced under IFR Enroute and IFR Terminal.

So, you just have to verify the data and can use it for Enroute and Terminal operations. You just cannot shoot GPS approaches or use the GPS ILO ADF/DME.

Also remember that the other database in the G1000 is for terrain/obstacle awareness and not (unless upgraded) an official TAWS system. There are fewer updates for that system.
 
meritflyer said:
I would be interested to hear if Garmin has ever published any guidance on the subject.
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From the G1000 Pilot's Guide (by Garmin for GFC700 Cessnas):
p.D-2

"Non-precision GPS approaches are not to be flown with an expired database. See the approved Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) as well as the aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) for more information."

The Waypoint Pagegroup will give you the Lat/Long of VORs/intersections and some nav programs (fltplan.com or AOPA) will put that info on the nav log. You just have to verify the numbers.
 
I didn't think you could get by with validating the waypoint references in order to use an expired database. I was under the impression it had to be current, updated software.
 
Guys, all documentation aside, think about this logically for a minute--

If a person can go fly a vintage aircraft with no more than airspeed, altimeter, and engine gauges under VFR, why would it be illegal to go VFR with an expired GPS database?
 
jrh said:
If a person can go fly a vintage aircraft with no more than airspeed, altimeter, and engine gauges under VFR, why would it be illegal to go VFR with an expired GPS database?
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Are you familiar with business risk mitigation practices? The law of unintended consequences?
 
jrh said:
Yes. And I would still be completely comfortable dispatching a G1000 aircraft with an expired database under VFR.
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Should have current charts and NOTAMS for special use airspace anyway, correcto?
 
The DPE made a buddy of mine update the database prior to his IFR check ride. Luckily, the flight school already had the SD card ready to go.
 
deadstick said:
I believe that is required in the PTS.
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It is. If the aircraft you fly for an instrument checkride is equipped with an approach capable GPS, you have to demonstrate a GPS approach. You can't legally fly a GPS approach without the database being current.

You can continue to use the GPS with an expired database as a secondary means of navigation, but you must use another navigation instrument (VOR, ADF, Loran, etc...) as the primary means of navigation to cross check the accuracy of the GPS database.
 
I've got a tag along question I never got answered. The G1000 says what date the navigation database expires, but does not list a time for the expiration. Would one be safe to assume that it expires at the same time as charts (0900Z)? Or, is there another answer that I'm oblivious to
 
KSCessnaDriver said:
I've got a tag along question I never got answered. The G1000 says what date the navigation database expires, but does not list a time for the expiration. Would one be safe to assume that it expires at the same time as charts (0900Z)? Or, is there another answer that I'm oblivious to
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every 28 days
 
Yeah I was not sure.. Nice to see you can download EGPWS databases for free from Honeywell... be a nice move if they did that for GNSS systems.
 
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