When the database update meets the conditions stated in paragraph (k) of 14 CFR § 43.3 it is not considered maintenance and may be performed by the pilot. Those listed in paragraph (c) of appendix A of this part. (5) The items of preventive maintenance authorized by this section are (4) The certificate holder has procedures to evaluate theĪccomplishment of a preventive maintenance item that requires aĭecision concerning the airworthiness of the rotorcraft and (3) There is no certificated mechanic available to perform preventive Program and is authorized in writing by the certificate holder forĮach item of preventive maintenance that the pilot is authorized to (2) The pilot has satisfactorily completed an approved training Suspected mechanical difficulty or malfunction that occurred en route (1) The items of preventive maintenance are a result of a known or To perform specific preventive maintenance items provided. This chapter, operating rotorcraft in a remote area, to allow a pilot
The Administrator may approve a certificate holder under Part 135 of (h) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (g) of this section, If these conditions are not met, then there is a final escape door which might apply to Part 135 rotorcraft pilots: It contains an interesting section regarding databases 14 CFR § 43.3(k) specifically addresses database updates. 14 CFR Part 43 covers Maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding and alteration. In some cases the database update is not considered maintenance and can be performed by the pilot. However, he is not acting in his capacity of pilot in that case, but wearing his maintenance hat. Of course if the pilot also holds the required maintenance certificates, then he can update the database in the appropriate way. Typically this is a maintenance task and the pilot has no play in this. The RNAV database inside the FMS should be updated according to the 28 day Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) cycle. I assume that by updating you mean loading a pre-compiled database into the FMS, replacing the old one. (ii) Determine the status of the data upload. Procedures consistent with manufacturer's instructions to the pilot (3) The holder of operating certificates must make available written (2) The pilot must comply with the certificate holder's procedures or (iii) Performed without the use of tools and/or special equipment. (ii) Performed without disassembling the avionics unit and Of this paragraph are not considered maintenance and may be performed (k) Updates of databases in installed avionics meeting the conditions There is no training requirement specified by the regulations, however there may be company specific procedures which require it.ġ4 CFR 43.3 was updated, and now says (in part): However, the regulations were changed at the end of 2012 (here is the final rule) and it no longer falls under this category so pilots are allowed to update "aeronautical databases" (a new term) if it is "easy" to do (see the regulation quoted below for the exact requirements). Updating a navigation database used to be considered preventative maintenance and was required to be performed by a mechanic under Part 135.