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28 day versus 56 day IFR chart cycles

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Airspace, Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations

I am confused by the FAA and GPS chart cycles. My paper copies of both enroute and terminal procedure charts are on a 56 day cycle, but my GPS is on a 28 day cycle.

I don't get it, if the paper charts are legal for 56 days, why do I have to update my GPS every 56 days?  What extra information am I getting with the GPS for /G filing that I would not get in a NOTAM?   If my GPS database expires but my paper charts are still current (in other words, one is within the cycle of the other) what would I expect to be different?

Thanks,

 - Bill

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1 Answers



  1. Timothy Broadwater on Feb 28, 2018

    TERPS also have a 28 day revision cycle but it is often not looked at with the FAA charts, the update is often just a handful of pages and isn’t always carried by chart distributors. Jeppesen sends out the 28 day update and if you use Foreflight chart updates are downloaded every 28 days.

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