Do I need a sectional when I have a G1000?

14 Answers

1. 
   

   
   

   Derek Schwalenberg on Feb 01, 2012

   Sec. 91.503 — Flying equipment and operating information.
   (a) The pilot in command of an airplane shall ensure that the following flying equipment and aeronautical charts and data, in current and appropriate form, are accessible for each flight at the pilot station of the airplane:

   …and so on and so forth, so yes. I have heard that the iPad (using foreflight or something) has been approved on the airlines as a suitable replacement that’s about it.

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2. 
   

   
   

   Bill Trussell on Feb 01, 2012

   The question is answered best by considering what you might do if your avionics suffers a failure in flight.  As a practial matter, it would make sense to have a chart as a backup in this instance for lots of reasons, including terrain avoidance and landing planning.
   There have been many interpretations of the legality of not having a chart available and in most cases the FAA has said yes you do.
   The airlines still operate with IFR enroute charts in their flight bags, either paper or electronic (iPad).  Seems like a good idea to do the same.  You can consider the use of WAC charts instead of Sectional charts to make it cheaper if  you like.

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3. 
   

   
   

   Nathan Parker on Feb 01, 2012

   You don’t “need” a sectional at all, regulation-wise, so whether you carry one or not is a matter of prudence.  If I were travelling far from home, I’d feel more comfortable with a paper backup; plus, it’s a good idea to plan your flight on the ground, then fly your plan.  A sectional or enroute chart makes this possible.  Just jumpng in the airplane and punching in a remote fix strikes me as a bit careless.
    
    
    
    

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4. 
   

   
   

   Nathan Parker on Feb 01, 2012

   Derek:  Bad citation.  91.503 only applies to Large and Turbine ME airplanes.
    
   Bill:  Reference on the FAA requiring charts?  Never seen one.

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5. 
   

   
   

   Bill Trussell on Feb 01, 2012

   There is not a reference from the FAA rules on the requirement for carrying charts, it is an interpretation of the rules, and a loose one at that.  There is a case to be made by the FAA for a pilot operating an aircraft solely by refefence to a map function in the avionics only to lose that function due to a malfunction.  They might consider such an operation a “careless and wreckless operation” under 91.13a.  This is just one example.
   The case the FAA might bring is made more solid by the fact that the availability of charts is easy and relatively inexpensive.  There are also some interpretations that cite the lack of “current” charts as well.
   Bottom line is it is still a good idea, regardless of the justification used.

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6. 
   

   
   

   Walker Guthrie on Feb 01, 2012

   Three weeks ago, I was flying VFR in an old C152 with no nav instruments on the panel. I had my iPad with Wingx Pro and a paper chart. Halfway to my intended destination, I experienced engine trouble due to carb icing, and called Center to inform them of my intention to divert to a nearby alternate.
   Guess which navigation aid I grabbed first? Yep, the paper chart! In a frantic situation, I wanted avoid key presses and multiplie iPad screens and menus. In a very short time, I had the info I needed for my precautionary landing.
   I can’t speak to the regulations, but I’ll always have a paper chart within reach!

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7. 
   

   
   

   Nathan Parker on Feb 01, 2012

   “There are also some interpretations that cite the lack of “current” charts as well.. ”
    
   Do you have a reference?  I don’t think there are such interpretations.  The only FAA statement about charts I’m aware of states that charts aren’t a requirement for most Part 91 operators and you can’t be violated for not carrying them.  Here’s a link to that:
    
   http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/faq/#q2e
    
   One can raise the spectre of a 91.13 violation for just about anything, so unless you have evidence that this occurs for charts, I don’t think it carries much weight as an argument.
    
    

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8. 
   

   
   

   Robert on Feb 01, 2012

   Ok.  That pretty much answers my question.  A student asked if he needed charts with a G1000 airplane.  I tell my students to have current charts mainly do to the “all available information” clause in the FAR.  Thanks for the info.

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9. 
   

   
   

   Gary Moore on Feb 01, 2012

   From my personal view – the real issue isn’t whether the chart is paper or electronic – present or absent – the real  issue is “are you prepared for the flight”?  Do you have all the information you require to complete your flight safely.  That can depend on a lot of things – your exprence, the flight, the plane etc….

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10. 
    

    
    

    Matthew Waugh on Feb 02, 2012

    In your question you ask if you need charts. Some have interpreted that as asking if charts are legally required – to which the answer is, technically no, although there are the myriad of secondary issues around “all available information” etc. in which you pay your money and take your choice.
     
    If the question really is, do you need charts, then I think the answer is you need something, but if you’re satisifed that the something(s) you have are sufficient without a paper chart that’s your call. You need an engine, but we only carry one of those, so I suppose just having a G1000 is sufficient.
     
    I would never let a student solo, cross-country or not, without the appropriate paper charts – but I’m just old fashioned like that.

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11. 
    

    
    

    Bill Trussell on Feb 02, 2012

    From the FAA Web site please note that we are all correct, but most importantly please note number 5 below:
     
    What is the FAA policy for carrying current charts?
    The term “charts” is not found in the FAA’s Part 91 regulations (other than for large and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes in 91.503[a]). The specific FAA regulation, FAR 91.103 “Preflight Actions,” states that each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. What is not specifically addressed in the regulation is a requirement for charts. You should always carry a current chart for safety’s sake. An expired chart will not show new frequencies or newly constructed obstructions, some of which could be tall enough to be a hazard along your route of flight.
    The only FAA/FAR requirements that pertain to charts are:
    Title 14 CFR section 91.503[a] (Large and Turbojet powered aircraft)
    Title 14 CFR section 135.83 (Air Carriers-Little Airplane)
    Title 14 CFR section 121.549 (Air Carrier-Big Airplanes)

    The FAA has rendered interpretations that have stated the foregoing. The subject of current charts was thoroughly covered in an article in the FAA’s July/August 1997 issue of FAA Aviation News. That article was cleared through the FAA’s Chief Counsel’s office. In that article the FAA stated the following:
    “You can carry old charts in your aircraft.” “It is not FAA policy to violate anyone for having outdated charts in the aircraft.”
    “Not all pilots are required to carry a chart.” “91.503..requires the pilot in command of large and multiengine airplanes to have charts.” “Other operating sections of the FAR such as Part 121 and Part 135 operations have similar requirements.”
    …”since some pilots thought they could be violated for having outdated or no charts on board during a flight, we need to clarify an important issue. As we have said, it is NOT FAA policy to initiate enforcement action against a pilot for having an old chart on board or no chart on board.” That’s because there is no regulation on the issue.
    …”the issue of current chart data bases in handheld GPS receivers is a non-issue because the units are neither approved by the FAA or required for flight, nor do panel-mounted VFR-only GPS receivers have to have a current data base because, like handheld GPS receivers, the pilot is responsible for pilotage under VFR.
    “If a pilot is involved in an enforcement investigation and there is evidence that the use of an out-of-date chart, no chart, or an out-of-date database contributed to the condition that brought on the enforcement investigation, then that information could be used in any enforcement action that might be taken.”

    If you, as an FAA Safety Inspector, Designated Pilot Examiner, Flight Instructor, or other aviation professional are telling pilots something other than the foregoing then you are incorrect.

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12. 
    

    
    

    BC on Feb 03, 2012

    There are several catch-alls in the FA regs. “…Review all information available for the flight..” comes to mind. Like bill said, not a problem most of the time. Get involved in an accident and you’ll be surprised at all the things that get uncovered.
     
    Fly like a pro and always have a backup chart, a backup piece of avionic gear, and a backup plan of action. Plan for the worst and you’ll never be caught by surprise. Did i mention that i usually wear a parachute when flying light aircraft? OK, they are aerobatic planes, but i’ll still wear a chute when flying them from point A to point B. Hey, i like an ace up my sleeve.
     
    Capt BC

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13. 
    

    
    

    Robert on Feb 06, 2012

    Sorry to dredge this up again, but why would the FAA-S-8081-14A PTS state in the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards : “2. Uses appropriate and current aeronautical charts.”- if the FAA does not require charts (or not current charts)?
    ref: D. TASK: CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT PLANNING (ASEL and ASES)
     
     
     

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14. 
    

    
    

    Nathan Parker on Feb 06, 2012

    “Uses appropriate and current aeronautical charts.”
     
    The various PTS require many things that aren’t required by regulation.  Are you required to make navigation logs as in “Completes a navigation log and simulates filing a VFR flight plan?”  The PTS encourages good piloting habits and we all agree that carrying a chart is generally a good idea.
     
     
     

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