A320 Navigation Database

[PT6A]

Hi guys,

Pilot question here... I have never actually seen our engineers update the Navigation Database... So I was just curious, how do you do it?

Is it via a disc or a data loader?

Cheers!

[CONSPICUITY]

A320 NAV DATA BASE

Hi The Nav data base is loaded every 28 days and is loaded using the on board data loader if fitted or from a portable data loader using floppy discs.It is loaded into fmgc 1 or 2 and then cross loaded into the opposite fmgc and normally takes approx 40 minutes.

[PT6A]

So is there a plugin on the MCDU? It just perked my curiosity...

[Exup]

Not sure on the 320 but all other types I have updated have a remote point for connecting the data loader to.

[flame_bringer]

It is done through the MDDU and the DLS(data loading selector)with a floppy disk (usually 2 disks).
Selection of the computer you want to load the software to is through the DLS and the floppy disk is inserted into the MDDU, Then after an FMGC reboot through a c/b reset uploading starts.
It can also be done with tbe PDL (portable data loader) where selection is made through the DLS and the floppy disk is inserted, Then reboot the FMGC for it to start loading.
After the data base had been successfully loaded it is cross loaded to FMGC 2.

[IFixPlanes]

Most of the A320 have either a floppy drive (covert with a flap) or a connection port for the PDL hidden behind a panel named "FMS LOAD".

FMS LOAD:
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Floppy drive (near gravity gear extn):
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