Page 34 - Volume 17 Number 4

EN ROUTEFAA Amends Preventive Maintenance Rule For Pilot Updating of DatabasesEffective January 28, 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration removed restrictions against pilots operating under FAR Parts 121, 129 and 135 being able to perform simple updating of aeronautical databases in on-board equipment. Beginning in1996, the FAA recognized that keeping databases up-to- date was important and a trained maintenance technician was not always needed to perform the task. Accordingly, Part 91 pilots were allowed to update databases but, until recently, commercial operators could not allow pilots to install an update unless a waiver was obtained. It now appears that Certificate Holders can permit pilots to install updates, rather than require it be done under a Director of Maintenance authority. Rockwell Collins, for instance, facilitates updates with its Aircraft Information Manager, which enables automatic uploads of databases via WiFi or a cellular connection.The Final Rule Summary is reprinted below: Department Of Transportation Federal AviationAdministration 14 CFR Part 43 [Docket No. FAA– 2011–0763; Amendment No. 43–45] RIN 2120–AJ91 Pilot Loading of Aeronautical Database Updates Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. Action: Final rule.SUMMARY: This action amends the maintenance regulations by removing from the preventive maintenance category the task of updating databases used in self- contained, front-panel or pedestal-mounted navigation equipment. Further, we are adding text to the maintenance regulations that describes which equipment and, under which conditions, may have aeronautical databases updated by pilots as a non-maintenance function. Equipment which does not meet the criteria outlined in the new regulation will continue to be updated as a maintenance function. This revision will ensure that pilots using specified avionics equipment have the most current an•d accurate data and thereby increase aviation safety. DATES: This rule becomes effective January 28,2013. T&T32 • TWIN & TURBINEAPRIL 2013