Avionics News January 2013 - 16

F R O M R I C P E R I A EA V I C E P R ES I D E N T O F G OV E R N M E N T & I N D U ST RY A F FA I RS

The Aircraft Electronics Association’s international membership continues to grow. Currently, the AEA represents avionics businesses in more than 40 countries throughout the world. To better serve the needs of the AEA’s international membership, the “International News and Regulatory Updates” section of Avionics News offers a greater focus on international regulatory activity, international industry news and an international “Frequently Asked Questions” column to help promote standardization. If you have comments about this section, send emails to avionicsnews@aea.net.

News & Regulatory Updates Pilot Loading of Aeronautical Database Updates

UNITED STATES

In addition to amending Appendix A to Part 43 by removing paragraph (c)(32), the FAA amends Part 43 Section 43.3 by adding subparagraph (k), which reads: Sec. 43.3 Persons authorized to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding and alterations. ***** (k) Updates of databases in installed avionics meeting the conditions of this paragraph are not considered maintenance and may be performed by pilots provided: (1) The database upload is: (i) Initiated from the flight deck; (ii) Performed without disassembling the avionics unit; and (iii) Performed without the use of tools and/or special equipment. (2) The pilot must comply with the certificate holder’s procedures or the manufacturer’s instructions. (3) The holder of operating certificates must make available written procedures consistent with manufacturer’s instructions to the pilot that describe how to: (i) Perform the database update; and (ii) Determine the status of the data upload.

On Nov. 29, 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration published a final rule amending the maintenance regulations (14 CFR Part 43) by removing from the preventive maintenance category the task of updating aeronautical navigation databases used in self-contained, front-panel or pedestal-mounted navigation equipment. It also added text to the maintenance regulations that describe which equipment and, under which conditions, may have aeronautical databases updated by pilots as a non-maintenance function. Equipment that does not meet the criteria outlined in the new regulation will continue to be updated as a maintenance function. This revision will ensure pilots using specified avionics equipment have the most current and accurate data, and thereby increasing aviation safety. This rule becomes effective Jan. 28, 2013. The intent of the rule is to allow pilots of air carrier aircraft to update the aeronautical databases; a task that was prohibited as long as the database updates were considered preventive maintenance. While the rule accomplishes its intended purpose, operators are cautioned to review the final rule that contains training and authorization requirements for air carriers to employ this new authority.
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Avionics News January 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News January 2013