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United States Pilots Association |
I would wager that most of us who have a panel mounted GPS in our plane that we use for navigation which requires a data disc to operate are flying an unairworthy airplane. Why, you ask?
The FAA requires that every time a data disc is replaced a legal entry must be made in your airplane maintenance logbook before the plane can be returned to service and is considered safe to fly. Yes, I agree that there are probably few FAA requirements that are more foolish than this one. One must ask, what does this requirement for an entry in a logbook have to do with safety? Nothing that I can tell.
Here is the how and why for this requirement. FAR Part 43.5 stipulates that an aircraft that has undergone maintenance, to include preventive maintenance, must have a maintenance logbook entry before it can be returned to service as by Part 43.9 or 43.11. This means date work completed; description of work performed; signature, name, type of pilot certificate and certificate number. This entry constitutes the approval to return the aircraft to service. The pilot must hold a private certificate or above to be able to sign the logbook.
Okay, now go to Part 43, Appendix A. This is the list of major repairs, major alterations, and preventive maintenance. Paragraph (c) is a list of preventive maintenance which the pilot can do. Paragraph (c)(32) states that updating a self-contained, front instrument panel-mounted ATC navigation software data base is a preventive maintenance operation. It also states that an operational check must be performed before using per Part 91, as applicable.
Doesn't make a lot of sense does it? A small logbook just for making these logbook entries is acceptable according to AOPA.
So, are you flying your plane legally? Do you have your data card change maintenance logbook entries every 28 days?
Bob Worthington, President
New Mexico Pilots Association