Wed, Feb 11, 2004
AOPA Suggests Changes To AC
GPS are almost rendered
useless, without up-to-date databases. AOPA says it has fought to
keep this process as accessible and economical as
possible.
The FAA will make sure that pilots continue to be allowed to
install updated database information in their GPS units. AOPA
raised a red flag when a draft advisory circular (AC) appeared to
weaken the current policy on pilot installations. The association
suggested changes to strengthen the loosely worded AC. The FAA is
modifying the AC so it's consistent with existing policy.
"Reducing the cost of flying is one of AOPA's highest
priorities," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We wanted to make
sure the FAA didn't ask us to pay a certified mechanic just to
remove and replace a common memory card in the GPS."
The new advisory circular is intended to certify the way
aeronautical data is handled. AOPA's biggest concern is the
bottom-line cost to existing GPS database subscriptions. "AOPA
members continue to express dismay at the costs associated with
database subscriptions, given that FAA data is available for free,"
said AOPA Senior Director of Advanced Technology Randy Kenagy.
Over the years, AOPA has lobbied Congress and urged the FAA to
provide a free or very low cost navigation database that would meet
all IFR and VFR requirements. The FAA responded and has been
building a database over the past several years. In December, the
FAA unveiled the first public edition of its GPS database. As more
content is added, manufacturers could use this data and pass on the
cost savings to their customers.
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