Recently, the National Air Transport Association (NATA) clarified a 1996 regulatory change to FAR Part 43, Appendix A. The changes were regarding the updating of navigation databases in GPSs and Flight Management Systems. The regulatory change allowed pilots operating under Part 91 to perform database updates, however for aircraft maintained under Part 135, the tasks must be completed by a maintenance technician, who has the authority to make the proper entry in the aircraft maintenance records.
Preventive maintenance items listed in Part 43, Appendix A, are considered maintenance whether a pilot operating under Part 91 or a certified maintenance technician is performing the task. This is something you will want to keep in mind when your database updates arrive every 28 days!
