Databases and Cycles
The cycles, dates, and regions for standby, active, and available databases are displayed on the ‘Database Status’ Screen. Any active databases with expiration dates in the past will be highlighted with amber text.
The navigation database contains the aeronautical data used by the system for the flight management and flight planning functions. Included is detailed data for waypoints, procedures (arrivals, departures, approaches), and airways. The navigation database is updated every 28 days. Navigation databases are available for multiple regions. Refer to flyGarmin.com® for a list of navigation databases available.
The basemap database contains data for the topography and land features, such as rivers, lakes, and towns. It is updated only periodically, with no set schedule. There is no expiration date. The basemap database is only available in a ‘Worldwide’ version.
The terrain database contains the terrain mapping data. These databases are updated periodically and have no expiration date. The terrain database is only available in a ‘Worldwide’ version.
The obstacle database contains data for obstacles, such as towers, that pose a potential hazard to aircraft. Obstacles 200 feet and higher are included in the obstacle database. It is very important to note that not all obstacles are necessarily charted and therefore may not be contained in the obstacle database. This database is updated on a 56-day cycle. The obstacle database is only available in a ‘US/Canada/Europe’ version.
The data contained in the terrain and obstacle databases comes from government agencies. Garmin accurately processes and cross-validates the data, but cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the data.
The AOPA or AC-U-KWIK Airport Directory provides data on airports and heliports throughout the U.S. or worldwide, respectively. The AOPA Directory offers detailed information for over 5,300 U. S. airports, along with the names and phone numbers of thousands of FBOs. These databases are updated every 56 days. The AC-U-KWIK Directory offers detailed information for more than 8,000 airports with runways longer than 3,000 feet worldwide. A ‘Worldwide’ Airport Directory database is available as well as Airport Directory databases for multiple regions. Refer to flyGarmin.com® for a list of Airport Directory databases available.
The SafeTaxi® database contains detailed airport diagrams for selected airports. These diagrams aid in following ground control instructions by accurately displaying the aircraft position on the map in relation to taxiways, ramps, runways, terminals, and services. This database is updated on a 56-day cycle. A ‘Full Coverage’ SafeTaxi database is available as well as SafeTaxi databases for multiple regions. Refer to flyGarmin.com® for a list of SafeTaxi databases available.
The FliteCharts® database contains procedure charts. This database is updated on a 28-day cycle. If not updated within 180 days of the expiration date, FliteCharts will no longer function.
The ChartView™ database is updated on a 14-day cycle. If the ChartView database is not updated within 70 days of the expiration date, ChartView will no longer function. The ChartView database must be purchased directly from Jeppesen but can be updated at jeppesen.com or flyGarmin.com®. The ChartView database is available for multiple regions. Refer to jeppesen.com for a list of ChartView databases available.
The IFR/VFR charts database contains VFR and IFR raster charts. The VFR Charts are digital representations of the Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Terminal Area Charts. The IFR Charts include both IFR High (designed for navigation at or above 18,000 ft) and IFR Low (designed for navigation below 18,000 ft). IFR/VFR Charts are updated every 28 days except for Canadian IFR/VFR Charts which are updated every 56 days. The IFR/VFR charts database is available for multiple regions. Refer to flyGarmin.com® for a list of IFR/VFR charts databases available.