How do you verify the currency of the FMS/nav data?

• A. Verify data by checking the last maintenance report only.
• B. Ensure the FMS database is current with the latest cyclic data updates per maintenance procedures and verify version numbers.
• C. Currency is not required for modern aircraft software.
• D. The data currency is determined by pilot checklists.

Answer: (B)

Verifying currency of FMS/nav data means confirming the navigation database in the FMC is current with the latest cyclic updates and that the installed version matches the required cycle. NAV data are published in fixed cycles (AIRAC-like updates) and pilots rely on these to reflect the most recent fixes, airways, and procedures. The correct approach is to ensure the FMS database is up-to-date with the latest cyclic data and to verify the version numbers shown by the system or documented in maintenance records. This directly proves that the data used for navigation and approaches is current; without it, planned routes or procedures could be inaccurate.

Relying on the last maintenance report alone doesn’t prove the updates were actually installed or that the database matches the current cycle. Claiming currency isn’t required is incorrect, as up-to-date nav data is essential for safe and accurate flight operations. Data currency isn’t determined by pilot checklists—the maintenance/aviation data management processes establish and verify this.