EASA SIB 2008-68R1: Navigation Data (NavData) Support of FreeFlight Systems (Trimble) GPS Navigation Systems

What to do

Operators and maintenance personnel should review the relevant Service Bulletins listed in the SIB to perform the necessary hardware and software upgrades on eligible FreeFlight Systems GPS units. They must ensure that upgrades are completed before or shortly after December 18, 2008, to avoid loss of updated navigation data. For further assistance, stakeholders should contact FreeFlight Systems Technical Support or EASA's Airworthiness Directives section.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2008-68R1 addresses the navigation data support status for FreeFlight Systems (Trimble) GPS Navigation Systems installed on various aircraft, including Part 23 certificated aircraft. It informs operators that the last available navigation database for some GPS models will be Cycle 0813, effective December 18, 2008, after which no updated NavData will be available unless hardware and software upgrades are performed. The bulletin also details newly published Service Bulletins that provide instructions for upgrading affected systems to continue receiving updated navigation data.

What changed

This revised SIB updates operators on the availability of Service Bulletins that enable hardware and software upgrades to certain FreeFlight Systems GPS units, allowing continued support for an enlarged navigation database. It clarifies that while upgrades are available for Approach and Approach Plus models, other GPS systems such as the TNL 1000 DC and TNL 2000/2100/3000/3100 series will no longer receive NavData updates after Cycle 0813. The document also references FreeFlight and Jeppesen's collaboration to extend NavData support for specific Approach series GPS systems.

Why it matters

This information is critical for aviation professionals to maintain operational capabilities of aircraft equipped with affected FreeFlight Systems GPS units. Without the upgrades, operators risk using outdated navigation data, which can reduce navigation accuracy and compliance with airspace requirements. Maintenance and compliance teams need to be aware of the upgrade options and deadlines to ensure continued safe and legal operation of their navigation systems.