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Old September 7th 05, 09:06 PM
Cheetah236
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Default Warning: GPS data incorrect

Thought I'd better share this as others might be flying approaches
using the newest Jepp database for the Northstar M3 Approach GPS.

I downloaded the newest Northern Hemisphere database using Skybound USB
just prior to going for an Instrument Proficiency Check. The examiner
had me fly the GPS-B approach into KMMV using BERNI as the IAF. I
selected and ACK'd the approach to fly direct BERNI and flew the
indicated heading. When the GPS said I'd arrived at BERNI, I turned to
enter the hold and the examiner asked me to look outside. I was right
over the airport! BERNI is five miles Southwest of the airport!

I checked BERNI as an intersection as opposed to its position in the
approach and it indicated at its correct distance and bearing. Flipped
back to the approach and confirmed that it repeated the behavior after
resetting the unit - it did. We then decided to fly the NBG(GPS) RWY22
approach using MINNE as the IAF. Went to dial it into the database and
it didn't exist. The only IAFs listed were AAA, ABBMY and ABB#2, none
of which exist.

I ended up flying the VOR for my non-precision approach and everything
else was anticlimactic. When we got back, I pulled out last month's
database card and put it in the GPS. Everything was fine on it.

I don't know how widespread the problem is, but I suspect that if two
out of two approaches I sampled were bad, it might be ubiquitous. If
so, someone could end up flying into a mountain five miles from the
runway they think they're about to touch down on.

I notified Jeppesen and they are aware of the problem. Apparently CMC
Electronics, who currently own the Northstar GPS software, are involved
in the issue and are currently researching it.

BE CAREFUL!