IFR GPS, Are you legal
If you have an IFR approved GPS onboard your aircraft and you are updating the database you must ensure the proper paperwork is accomplished after each 28 day database update. You are performing a maintenance function on equipment permanently installed onboard and as a pilot you can perform preventive maintenance under FAR43.3. This requires a maintenance entry describing the work done and approving it for return to service under FAR43.5. This does not need to become a permanent part of the aircraft logs; it needs only be kept until the next update is performed.
Part 43, Appendix A, Subsection C, item 32, lists updating such a database as preventative maintenance (be careful, as not all updateable databases may be considered preventative maintenance, regardless of what Appendix A tells you…anything requiring complex disassembly takes it out of the realm of preventative maintenance, as does anything requiring special tooling or training that you don’t have).
The paragraph reads:
(32) Updating self-contained, front instrument panel-mounted Air Traffic Control (ATC) navigational software data bases (excluding those of automatic flight control systems, transponders, and microwave frequency distance measuring equipment (DME)) provided no disassembly of the unit is required and pertinent instructions are provided. Prior to the unit’s intended use, an operational check must be performed in accordance with applicable sections of part 91 of this chapter.
FAR43.11 Maintenance record entry states what you need to record.
Example of how you can enter:
Date Maintenance performed Signature Certificate Held/Certificate Number
Here is a good article discussing VOR and GPS and recordkeeping for IFR operation:
I hope this helps keep you flying safe and legal.
