CPDLC – DCL Coming to an Airport Near You in 2016

Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), also known as Data Comm within United States Airspace, links pilots and ground controllers to communicate information regarding current or future flight of the aircraft. Available since the 1990s, this capacity has been used for Oceanic communications. Since 2009, the FAA has worked with Lockheed Martin to incorporate Data Comm functions within En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) in the continental U.S. airspace. As of March 27, 2015, ERAM replaced the 40-year-old En Route Host computer and backup system used at 20 FAA Air Route Traffic Control Centers nationwide.

The Segment 1 Phase 1 (S1P1) portion of the FAA Data Comm contract is the first part of the CPDLC services to be implemented. This phase allows Future Air Navigation System (FANS)-equipped aircraft departing from ATC towers equipped with the Tower Data Link Services (TDLS) to exchange Departure Clearance (DCL) messages with the aircraft. The current Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC) service differs from the DCL service in that amendments to the original clearance can be sent to the aircraft instead of requiring amendment to be voiced over the radio.

Currently, the FAA's goal is 56 operational airports by the end of 2016. At this time, CPDLC-DCL is operational at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX (IAH), William P Hobby Airport in Houston, TX (HOU), and Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah (SLC).

Advanced Aircrew Academy is prepared to meet your necessary DCL training requirements with an all inclusive CPDLC – DCL eLearning module.