COPA President and CEO Kevin Psutka sent the
following in response to the above:
“It is good to see that the single-ID NDB problem will finally be resolved.
“A problem that I have with the GIT’s approach to the airspace depictions is
that it is not perceived to be a problem because pilots are supposed to be
carrying maps. While I agree that it is wise to carry them as a back up in case
the GPS fails, GPS provides such a valuable safety tool, in terms of freeing up
pilots to keep their heads out of the cockpit instead of map crawling, folding
etc., that everything should be done to ensure that the data is accurate. I can
accept that the VFR units should not be certified, from a reliability point of
view, but having built-in data problems will force pilots to have their heads in
the cockpit even more to ensure that they do not miss something. Aviators should
be encouraged to equip with GPS. From personal experience with a Garmin 295, I
know that there is a tremendous safety benefit.
“Society is moving away from paper currency to credit and debit cards, and from
snail mail to electronic mail. I believe it is only a matter of time, because of
dramatically increasing map prices and beneficial developments in technology
leading to glass cockpits in GA aircraft, that paper maps will be history. Now
is the time to drive home the need for accuracy in use of databases by the
manufacturers. The problem we highlighted is simply a software issue. If the
regulatory incentive was there, the manufacturers would certainly comply. I do
not believe it is that expensive an issue either.
“In the short term, I agree that an ASL and article in COPA’s newspaper should
highlight the data issue, and I will welcome a cooperative effort with GIT to
develop the article. However, we all should be working on database reliability
for IFR and VFR units.”