COPA has become involved with finding solutions to questions
on GPS databases raised by COPA member Trevor Lyons. (See, “Little orphan
avionics,” page C-6, Canadian Flight, March 2002.) Lyons identified deficiencies
in the database of his Garmin 90 GPS related to the Ottawa area.
Question 1: Some Non-direction Beacon transmitters were missing such as the
“Oscar” Beacon at Ottawa.
Garmin answer: Single letter NDB identifiers will only exist in units with the
approach in the database and may not be included if there are two such named
points in the same region. If there are two “O” NDBs in eastern Canada, there is
no means to discriminate which one you should be navigating to unless you have
the full approach loaded. This is a case of naming policy being incompatible
with new technology.” Matthew Harrah, Product Support Supervisor, Garmin
International
COPA input: “I appreciate the difficulties with the single identifier NDBs. We
have taken this issue up with Nav Canada and Transport Canada. It is a safety
issue that can only be resolved by renaming the beacons using a naming
convention that is compatible with electronic databases. Although we view this
as a relatively minor issue, it can be easily resolved for little cost.” Kevin
Psutka.
Question 2: No control zone circle depicted around Ottawa International Airport
or Gatineau, Que.
Garmin answer: “Jeppesen (database supplier) has dropped what I believe you are
referring to the Class C Control Zone. Our speculation is that the inner-most
airspace ring had the same altitude attributes of a 1,500-ft MSL floor and
12,500-ft MSL ceiling as the adjoining airspace. Having a surface to 3,000 ft
when all other airspace is up to 12,500 ft is odd at the least. This would apply
across the board and not just effect Garmin units.” Matthew Harrah.
COPA input: “I am confused by your answer. It appears that the issue is with
airspace that does not go up to 12,500 feet, or at least to the top of the
surrounding airspace. Even if that is the issue, why is, for example, the
Toronto International (CYYZ) control zone, which goes from the ground up to
2,500 feet, shown in your database? There appears to be an inconsistency in the
database that applies in some area but not in others. I view this safety issue
as a major one. It appears that information that was previously included has
been systematically taken away. A safety trap for sure!
“I will ask that Transport Canada work with Jeppesen and Nav Canada to resolve
this issue and, in the meantime, put a warning out to Canadians, as well as
communicating this to the FAA for pilots who may visit Canada.” Kevin Psutka.
Question 3: Some restricted areas such as around the parliament buildings, are
not depicted.
Garmin answer: “In the case of the Class F restricted airspace, are these
classified as Temporary Flight Restrictions or are they going on the books
permanently? Jeppesen has not added any TFR type data to the database and has
taken the stance to not add them until they reach permanent inclusion in the
National (U.S.) and Canadian Airspace Plans. If they have gone permanent, it
typically takes a cycle or two to be verified and published.”