GPS Enroute

[floats4fun]

Can anyone tell me the reference to where it says that you dont need a current Database for en-route operations but you have to be able to confirm your position with alternate traditional aids. I dont know if I read in the GPS Manual, POH, AIM, CARs but I cant find it again!! Thanks

[Tim]

i don't have one at home to check this but i THINK it's in the CAP GEN

[floats4fun]

I remember seeing it in the AIM, now I cant find it. It mentioning, if flying en-route with an expired database you must have other means of determining position. I know its worded differently in the supplement...but the fact that I remember seeing it in the AIM, and now cant find it is going to bug me!

[Tim]

the COM section has a fair bit about GPS...might be in there?

[ahramin]

Please don't ask for a rule that says you don't need something. The rules say WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. You can do anything you want unless there is a rule saying otherwise, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

Having said that, here is the rule that says you NEED a current database:

Requirements for Power-driven Aircraft

602.60 (1) No person shall conduct a take-off in a power-driven aircraft, other than an ultra-light aeroplane, unless the following operational and emergency equipment is carried on board:

(c) a current database, if the aircraft is operated in IFR flight, in VFR OTT flight or in night VFR flight under Subpart 4 of Part VI or Subpart 2, 3, 4 or 5 of Part VII and database-dependent navigation equipment is used;
(amended 2006/06/30; previous version)

Note that it does not specify what Day VFR or private non 604 aircraft need. Anyone want to guess what that means?

[Tim]

there is an exemption that allows you to use an expired database for enroute IFR...i just cant find it.

[ahramin]

there is an exemption that allows you to use an expired database for enroute IFR...i just cant find it.

That's ok. Transport's enforcement guys can't find it either

[Tim]

other people must have heard of this exemption...anyone else wanna chime in?

maybe a mod could move this over to the general forum to get it a bit more exposer?

perhaps the exemption no long holds true, but i am 100% certain that it, at the very least, USED to be ok

[navajo]

First, try to find info about "GPS enroute"... I think you are either "GPS approved" (for approaches), or "not GPS approved". As long as I know, that's how it works.

[HORUNNER]

It depends on how you are flying, if you are VFR or on a VFR plight plan you are good to go with the old GPS, if you are on a IFR flight plan then it needs to be a approved GPS, that being said it has been known to be done by everyone to file IFR with Navaids and then follow the gps . . .
NOW MAKE DAM SURE YOU HAVE THE INSTURMENTS UP AND WORKING incase you have power problems.
Again when I say follow your gps I mean when not in a controll area or where there is radar like when up north.

[ahramin]

As far as approved GPS goes, check the STC in your AFM.

For those who don't simply do whatever they feel like, here are the actual rules vis a vis training for 704. 703 and 705 is identical as far as I know. 604 has no rules for enroute and less stringent rules for approaches:

Note that for enroute, flight training is not specifically required. Only ground training and a check flight by an approved check pilot. For approaches both ground and flight training is required.

724.115 Training Programs

The syllabus of each training program shall include the programmed time allotted and the subject matter to be covered.

(22) Area Navigation Systems (RNAV)

(a) General Training
(amended 1998/09/01; previous version)

(i) To qualify for use of RNAV systems on IFR operations, an air operator shall have an approved flight crew training and qualifications program for use of the system. Flight crew shall have completed the appropriate training and have completed an in-flight check or an equivalent check in an approved synthetic training device. This qualification check shall be conducted by an approved check pilot.

(ii) Training shall be in the following areas:

(A) pre-flight;

(B) normal operation of the system;

(C) procedures for manually updating system;

(D) methods of monitoring and cross checking system;

(E) operation in area of compass unreliability;

(F) malfunction procedures;

(G) terminal procedures;

(H) waypoint symbology, plotting procedures, record keeping duties/practices;

(I) time keeping procedures; and
(amended 2003/03/01; previous version)

(J) post-flight.
(amended 2003/03/01; previous version)

(iii) To qualify for approval to conduct GPS approaches in IFR, an air operator shall have a flight crew training program approved by the Minister. Flight crew shall have completed the appropriate training and have completed an in-flight check, or an equivalent check in a synthetic training device approved by the Minister prior to conducting GPS approaches. This qualification check shall be conducted by an approved check pilot.

(iv) Where pilots are required to use more than one type of GPS for approach, the training program shall address the differences between the units, unless the units have been determined by the Minister to be sufficiently similar.

(v) Ground training shall include "hands on" training using a desk top simulator, a computer based simulation of the unit to be used, a static in-aircraft unit, or other ground training devices acceptable to the Minister.

(b) Ground Training - Non-Integrated Receivers (Panel Mount GPS Receivers)
(amended 1998/09/01; previous version)

An air operator shall ensure that candidates are trained to proficiency in each of the elements associated with the following areas:

(i) Knowledge with the respect to the following:

(A) the GPS system, including:

(I) GPS system components and aircraft equipment;

(II) the composition of satellite constellation;

(III) the minimum number of satellites required for 2-D and 3-D navigation;

(IV) the basic concept of satellite ranging;

(V) factors affecting the accuracy of GPS signals;

(VI) the World Geodedic Survey 84 (WGS 84) datum and the effect of using any other datum;

(B) human factors applicable to the use of GPS and how errors may be reduced or eliminated;

(C) company standard operating procedures for using GPS units; and

(D) procedures for reporting GPS problems and database errors.

(ii) Ability to perform the following operational tasks:

(A) select appropriate operational modes;

(B) recall categories of information contained in the database;

(C) predict RAIM availability;

(D) enter and verify user defined waypoints;

(E) recall and verify database waypoints;

(F) interpret typical GPS navigational displays including latitude/longitude, distance and bearing to waypoint, course deviation indication (CDI), desired track (DTK), track made good (TMG), actual track (TK), cross track error and any other information appropriate for the equipment used;

(G) intercept and maintain GPS defined tracks;

(H) determine navigation information appropriate for the conduct of the flight including ground speed (GS), estimated time of arrival (ETA) for next waypoint and destination;

(i) recognition of waypoint passage;

(J) use of 'direct to' function;

(K)link enroute portion of GPS flight plan to approach;

(L) conduct SIDs, STARs, terminal area procedures and holds;

(M)retrieve, verify and conduct GPS stand alone approaches; and

(N) conduct GPS missed approaches.

(iii) Ability to conduct the following operational and serviceability checks:

(A) database currency and area of operation;

(B) receiver serviceability;

(C) RAIM status;

(D) CDI sensitivity;

(E) position indication; and

(F) number of satellites acquired and, if available, satellite position information.

(iv) Ability to recognize and take appropriate action for all GPS warnings and messages including, where applicable:

(A) "loss of RAIM"

(B) "2D navigation"

(C) "In Dead Reckoning Mode"

(D) "database out of date"

(E) "GPS fail"

(F) "barometric input fail"

(G) "power/battery low" or "fail"

(H) "parallel offset on"; and

(i) "satellite fail".

(c) Ground Training - Integrated Receivers (Flight Management Systems)
(amended 1998/09/01; previous version)

An air operator shall ensure that the training program candidates are trained to proficiency in each of the elements associated with the following areas:

(i) Knowledge with the respect to the following:

(A) the GPS system and theory of operation, including:

(I) GPS system components and aircraft equipment;

(II) the composition of satellite constellation;

(III) the minimum number of satellites required for 2-D and 3-D navigation;

(IV) the basic concept of satellite ranging;

(V) factors affecting the accuracy of GPS signals;

(VI) the WGS84 datum and the effect of using any other datum; and

(B) human factors applicable to the use of GPS and how errors may be reduced or eliminated (i.e. maintaining situational awareness); and

(ii) Ability to perform the following operational tasks:

(A) predict RAIM availability;

(B) link enroute portion of GPS flight plan to approach;

(C) conduct GPS stand alone approaches; and

(D) conduct GPS missed approaches.

(iii) Ability to conduct the following operational and serviceability checks:

(A) RAIM status;

(B) CDI sensitivity; and

(C) number of satellites acquired and, if available, satellite position information.

(iv) Ability to recognize and take appropriate action for all GPS warnings and messages including, where applicable:

(A) "loss of RAIM";

(B) "2D navigation";

(C) "GPS fail";

(D) "barometric input fail"; and

(E) "satellite fail".

(d) Flight Training
(amended 1998/09/01; no previous version)

(i) Pilots shall complete flight training in the use of GPS for approach and other associated duties for each crew position they are authorized to occupy. Flight training may be completed in an aircraft, or in a level A or higher simulator that is equipped with the same model of GPS receiver (or a model determined by the Minister to be sufficiently similar) that is installed in company aircraft.

(ii) Flight training shall be conducted by a designated training pilot who has completed the company ground training program approved by the Minister, and demonstrated proficiency in the use of the model of GPS (or a model determined by the Minister to be sufficiently similar) to an approved check pilot.
(amended 2006/06/30; previous version)