Updates for Garmin 496

[SantaPaulaCTSW]

How often should I download updates to my 496? And what is the current update from Garmin for the 496?

Thanks.

[FlyingMonkey]

The full update bundle for the 496 is $399, which seems excessive to me.  I update the obstacle and nav databases once a year, that costs $100.  Because terrain doesn't change much over time, and I constantly update the data on my iPad using Garmin Pilot, I don't feel like I'm missing much.

You should definitely periodically update the nav (which includes airports and airspace) and obstacle data though, for safety and to avoid errors navigating airspace.

[opticsguy]

Because the 496 feeds my radio frequencies based the waypoint, I once landed at an airport (untowered) on the wrong frequency (only one in the pattern).  I like to update every 2-3 years.  Obstacle DB is kind if important because cell towers are going up all the time.