FMS Navdata Update does not work as per FAQ

[kevinh]

I hadn't updated navdata for a couple of months, so I've only just come across this issue. With cycle 2509 released, I went into the OIS to update it (I already had NAVIGRAPH data selected and linked). I did this with the aircraft on external power, no engines running. I downloaded the latest revision (2509r1) and that showed up correctly in the OIS with a green success banner and an updated revision nymber. However the FMS is still on the old revision. I tried powering off the aircraft completely then reapplying battery and external power. That didn't load the new database. I had to go back to the main MSFS menu then reload the A350 to get the new revision loaded.

• The FAQ says downloading a new navdata revision wipes the database, but it doesn't indicate that in the OIS and the FMS still has the old data.
• The FAQ says switching from NAVIGRAPH to SIM DEFAULT would wipe the database, but it doesn't indicate that in the OIS and the FMS still has the old data.
• The FAQ doesn't mention having to reload the sim to get the new database loaded in the FMGS.

So how is this supposed to work? Is a reload now a required step? If so that's not great, as it takes up a lot of time in MSFS. The PMDG 777 EFB updates the navdata loaded in the FMS so there's no need to reload the sim. So it is possible.

An offline method of updating navdata would be much faster and more convenient unless this can be fixed. Managing this via the Navigraph Hub would be a way to do that.

Finally, a suggestion. The sim doesn't keep a back up navdata revision (unlike the real aircraft). That would be a nice feature to implement so you could easily revert to the previous revision in the FMS in case there's a problem with the latest data.

Kevin