Briefing: March 2010

In January, a database update for some Bendix/King KLN and KLX products rendered them unsafe for use under IFR. Jeppesen apparently delivered some bad data to Bendix/King that contained incorrect dynamic magnetic variations for all terminal and en route waypoint records. Bendix/King quickly posted a corrected database and got the word out to customers through about every channel imaginable. Still, its a sobering thought how dependent weve become on data that has a potential, however remote, of being corrupt. As far as we know, no in-flight incidents occurred as a result of the problem.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An urgent data recall for Bendix/King navigation products highlighted the critical importance of accurate aviation data following an update with incorrect magnetic variation information.
The FAA is reviewing Part 23 certification standards for General Aviation aircraft, aiming to base requirements on performance and complexity to potentially lower certification costs.
Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives now have General Aviation Caucuses, which is expected to raise congressional awareness and provide support for the industry.
The Light Sport Aircraft market continues to evolve, featuring new entrants like the PiperSport, production delays for the Cessna Skycatcher, and finalized FAA rule changes.

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Bendix/King update leads to urgent data recall
In January, a database update for some Bendix/King KLN and KLX products rendered them unsafe for use under IFR. Jeppesen apparently delivered some bad data to Bendix/King that contained incorrect dynamic magnetic variations for all terminal and en route waypoint records. Bendix/King quickly posted a corrected database and got the word out to customers through about every channel imaginable. Still, it’s a sobering thought how dependent we’ve become on data that has a potential, however remote, of being corrupt. As far as we know, no in-flight incidents occurred as a result of the problem.

FAA Announces Public Meetings For Part 23 Review
Right about the time the ink is drying on these pages the FAA will be hosting public meetings about the future of Part 23, the FAR that defines how most GA aircraft are certified. The plan is to use public input to help determine how well the current airworthiness standards work through the course of an aircraft’s service life, with an eye toward Part 23 revisions. The agency would like to consider requirements based on airplane performance and complexity instead of propulsion and weight. Will this open avenues for less-expensive certification—and lower sticker prices? Perhaps the light-sport ASTM model will lead the way. Keep your fingers crossed.