Is Expired Data Usable?

There is no question that pilots planning to fly IFR should always keep a current database in their approved GPS. Its not difficult and it demonstrates a professional attitude toward instrument flight and aircraft maintenance. In the perfect black and white world of flight schools and checkrides, this would be standard. However, in the real world of dumb luck and Murphys Law, this topic gets a little murky. …

Key Takeaways:

• Pilots may use an expired GPS database for IFR approaches if they verify the specific procedure has not been amended since the database expired, as permitted by FAA guidance (AIM 1-1-19).
• Verification requires comparing the "procedure amendment date" (found on current paper or electronic charts) with the GPS database's expiration, distinguishing it from general chart revision dates.
• While this offers a contingency, it is strongly recommended to always keep GPS databases current, as the verification process itself requires current chart data and relying on expired data carries inherent risks.

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