91.103

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The FAA seems to have all the bases covered. In Section 91, Subpart B- Flight Rules, lives 91.103 which says "Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight." All available information. Now that covers a lot of real estate. Navigational charts are updated with a new version every 56 days. GPS data bases are updated every 28 days. So all those charts that I purchased along with all those lovely electronic navigation devices that I have in the plane must be absolutely current because how could I possibly become familiar with all available information if I don't have the most current information? I even had to make a one time purchase of the western half of the USA for my GPS because my normal subscription service only covers from the Atlantic coast to about North Dakota. And then there is the plane itself- it must have current re certification of the transponder and altitude reporting system. This is the equipment that makes my aircraft specifically identifiable to air traffic control on the radar screen. Generally speaking this is a very good idea and it is required when flying thru the airspace surrounding the busier airports. It is possible to do this trip by flying around the airspace that requires a transponder but that would call for us to fly a mighty zig-zag course and ultimately limit where we could go which would also minimize our options for fuel, food, hotel rooms and bad weather landing spots. I am all about having options on this trip. Bottom line, I will be 100% current with "all available information" for this flight.