Flying With Expired Data

I was thrilled when the first LORAN with waypoint databases made life ever so much easier and, ultimately, safer through improved situational awareness. But it came at a cost to keep the data current, and all of us pilots have objected to the cost from day one. As a result, many pilots choose to fly without the latest digital data.

Key Takeaways:

• Pilots frequently fly with outdated digital navigation data to cut costs, a practice that introduces more risk than using outdated paper charts due to an over-reliance on automated systems without active cross-checking.
• Outdated data presents various risks: missing new ATC instructions (additions), attempting to use non-existent navigation aids or procedures (deletions), or most critically, following incorrect procedures due to modifications in routes, altitudes, or frequencies, which can lead to serious incidents or crashes.
• To mitigate these dangers, pilots should prioritize keeping at least one primary IFR GPS database current, actively cross-reference digital navigators with up-to-date paper or free online charts, and consider using cheaper portable subscriptions for double-checking critical flight information.

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