M-20 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 896; Flight Crew Type 253
Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Aircraft; Human Factors
I was circling around the left side of Chicago's Class B airspace at 7;500 FT using a GPS to make sure I had clearance between myself and the left side of Class B airspace. (I was using a Lowrance 2000C.) I also had two had copy flight charts beside me with my route planned and both did show Chicago's class B properly. I passed around the southwest curve of Chicago's Class B; went over ARR (Aurora Airport); then proceeded due north. My GPS showed this as clear of the Class B. Upon arrival to destination; I was informed by the Tower to call the number which turned out to be Chicago's FAA. When the official informed me I had intruded into Chicago's Class B; I said I didn't know how I could have as I'd followed my GPS and should have been well clear of their airspace. He said they'd investigate; obtained my name; my FAA license number and my cell phone number. Then he said they'd be getting back in contact with me. I thanked him (hesitantly???) and finished parking my plane. I plugged the GPS back in; brought it back online and verified that the plot line was clear of Class B; including the location where I'd locked in and set the course from ARR. The GPS said I was clear all the way. That's when depression set in; I realized that I'd been unable to upgrade the GPS date since 2009; despite repeated attempts since then. A review of my hard copy charts did indeed prove that Chicago has increased that area of their Class B airspace on the west side and I had done exactly what the FAA voice on the phone said. So although I certainly tried to fly apparently and legally; I obviously blew it. I know I failed to observe the difference in shape of the old Class B airspace and the new. I apologize both to the FAA in general and also to aircraft and ATC Controller's at Chicago. If I ever wanted to bust Class B; I assure you it sure wouldn't be one as crazy as Chicago. I will no longer use the Lowrence and am replacing it with the PC tablet I bought the very next morning connected to a GPS receiver and using smart phone/tablet based charts; which will update on a continuous basis.
M20 pilot is informed after the fact; that he has flown through the ORD Class B western extension while using a GPS that had not been updated since 2009.