GPS and FMS datbases
 

I often hear from other pilots about observed errors in databases in various GPS and FMS systems

Especially in SID's and STAR's where a combination of fly-over and fly-by waypoints are used.

I have tried several times to report observed database erros to the hardware supplier and also to the database supplier (Jeppesen) but nobody cares about the database errors and they are left for months and years without anybody correcting the errors.

I would like to hear from other pilots weather or not the experience occasional database errors and weather or not they have had succes reporting it.

Thank you.

VFF

I'm sure they care. You sure your complaint reached them? Try again to [email protected]. Recommend you (and everyone using Jepp charts and data) read the Chart Clinics items to be found at http://www.jeppesen.com/wlcs/index.j...ions_aopa.jsp.

Good Luck!

I get the monthly updates for the Jep-derived FMS databases and there's been a large (read several pages) of non-precision approaches deleted in North America in recent months.

Rockwell-Collins for one puts out alerts at least every month with "For immediate attention of the Chief Pilot" on the top line. If you're not getting them or the equivalent, you won't necessarily be aware of a lot of the changes. If you or your company is a subscriber, you can even get all these over the web.

FYI, the FAA is running way behind flight testing these GPS approaches...funding not what it should be...unfortunately.
But when used, have found them to be VERY accurate....as in spot on.:D :D

I wrote a pretty comprehensive paper on this subject about 4 years ago when I was working at Transport Canada. THere are several alphabet groups working on the subject, and my spies in the various authorities have told me that they are finally waking up to the problem.
There should be some more formal guidance on the matter shortly.
My recommendation is to use the maintenance database system called Serive Difficulty Reports (SDR). This is a problem with an installed and approved piece of equipment not working properly, and getting the problems filed might wake up the maintenance / continuing airworthiness folks to the magnitude of the problem.
Shawn