What is the proper protocol when the pilot cannot verify database accuracy?

The proper protocol when the pilot cannot verify database accuracy is to discontinue navigation using the Flight Management System (FMS). This is crucial because reliance on potentially inaccurate navigational data can lead to safety risks such as navigation errors, loss of situational awareness, and unsafe flight paths. In such situations, it is essential for pilots to revert to a method of navigation that they can confirm as accurate, either through traditional navigation aids or visual references.

Discontinuing the use of the FMS ensures that the pilot is not making decisions based on unreliable information, which could affect flight safety. This protocol is in line with best practices in aviation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining situational awareness and ensuring navigation accuracy, particularly in critical phases of flight. The actions taken prioritize the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, reinforcing the importance of navigation integrity.

While other options might suggest valid responses in different contexts, they do not directly address the immediate need to avoid using potentially erroneous data from the FMS, making the correct response a matter of safety and operational integrity.