G-1000 questions
 

Hey guys

1. When the G1000 database expires, do the screens/charts go blank or do they stay alive but the onus is on the pilot to not use them. Aka Proline 21, GNS-XLS, etc database. Database expired, but they still "work"

2. Has the problem of unable to fly a ATC or pilot defined nonpublished holding pattern still exist ? I seem to recall hearing a "software update" was pending on this.

I have had some units go through the self-test informing us the data was expired or when you load a SID, Arrival, Approach or stored Route it may not recognize the material. If you were using it to go direct to some waypoint this portion may work VFR. I have never seen a screen or charts go blank in which be aware some Garmin units are the first defense of a up coming TFR your neighborhood FSS/ATC has not told you about. I don't recall NO. 2 at all. If our database was expired we would MEL it and go VFR. Hope this helps! Personally I feel naked without my Garmin.

It will not go blank. The expired database can still be used for enroute navigation but cannot be used for Instrument approaches (ie, GPS approaches).

1. It depends on the expired database. Expired data remains viewable on certain databases like nav data and terrain. Chart data and safe taxi are viewable for a certain amount of time after expiration, but after this time period (a couple of weeks I believe) the charts are no longer viewable.
2. User defined holds are programmable on the latest software version (don't know the number). The revision came out with the new G1000 equipped Seneca V and is supposed to be available for any G1000 installation soon.

How do you program the hold in the new version?

You can use an expired db for approaches, if you verify the procedures haven't changed. This is part 91. 135, refer to ops specs.

Looking forward to this capability. Guessing that it would be through the FPL page, but like I said this is a guess.

About time!:)

I've always thought the inability to define a hold was the Achilles heel of the G1000. I wonder why it took them so long to do it.

Can you load airways directly now? That was another drawback. In our G1000 with old software, you have to load VOR to VOR and simulate the airway.

At least the last 2-3 years I was able to do it in TBM's and PA-46's. FPL, load a valid waypoint or for, then hit menu, 'load airway'