Jammed frequencies, interrupted clearances, and timid speakers on the mic are just a few of the issues that controllers and pilots face nearly every day. “In 1993 the first Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) message set was created. CPDLC is an air to ground data link which enables the exchange of text messages between controllers and pilots” (“Controller-Pilot Data”, n.d.). There are challenges and risks that go along with new technologies and CPDLC is no exception. Retrofitting cost will be high for older aircraft and there are concerns about message latency. However, the many benefits of CPDLC far outweigh the risks. The potential for safer frequency changes, reduced miscommunications, and less congestion on Air Traffic Control
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The use of CPDLC systems across Europe began in 2009 when EUROCONTROL implemented Regulation 29/2009. This regulation mandated certain aircraft operators and ATC providers use data link communication. According to Mark Miller from Universal Weather and Aviation “CPDLC requirements are currently only for specific airspace, but these mandates are to be extended out in future.” (Miller, 2013) Over the last five years, data link communication has proven itself in Europe and other countries. In 2014, Canada also implemented CPDLC nationwide. The United States on the other hand is still testing the system. The move to implement CPDLC systems across the nation will face some major …show more content…
The primary disadvantages will be focused on older aircraft. As CPDLC becomes mandatory to fly for specific routes and altitudes, aircraft without the system will be limited on their routes of flight. Older aircraft will need to upgrade or retrofit CPDLC in order to fly those routes. This will be extremely expensive and some pilots may not be able to comply with CPDLC requirements. If aircraft are not equipped with CPDLC, they will have to deviate from direct routes. The resultant lost time and fuel will be
The use of CPDLC systems across Europe began in 2009 when EUROCONTROL implemented Regulation 29/2009. This regulation mandated certain aircraft operators and ATC providers use data link communication. According to Mark Miller from Universal Weather and Aviation “CPDLC requirements are currently only for specific airspace, but these mandates are to be extended out in future.” (Miller, 2013) Over the last five years, data link communication has proven itself in Europe and other countries. In 2014, Canada also implemented CPDLC nationwide. The United States on the other hand is still testing the system. The move to implement CPDLC systems across the nation will face some major …show more content…
The primary disadvantages will be focused on older aircraft. As CPDLC becomes mandatory to fly for specific routes and altitudes, aircraft without the system will be limited on their routes of flight. Older aircraft will need to upgrade or retrofit CPDLC in order to fly those routes. This will be extremely expensive and some pilots may not be able to comply with CPDLC requirements. If aircraft are not equipped with CPDLC, they will have to deviate from direct routes. The resultant lost time and fuel will be