What are Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communications (CPDLC) ?
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Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communications (CPDLC) is an air/ground data-link application operated at the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, which enables the exchange of text messages between controllers and pilots. CPDLC complements traditional voice communications, providing pilots and controllers with an additional communications medium. The objective of CPDLC is to improve the safety and efficiency of air traffic management.
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Why do we need Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communications (CPDLC) ?
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One of the biggest constraints in air traffic control today is the saturation of voice communication channels. CPDLC helps alleviate this saturation and congestion by providing an additional communications medium for aircrews and controllers.
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What is CPDLC used for ?
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CPLDC is used to exchange routine, non-time-critical messages at strategic level between aircrews and controllers. If urgent messages need to be exchanged at tactical level, traditional voice communications are used.
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What types of CPDLC messages are exchanged at Maastricht ?
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The operational use of CPDLC in Maastricht will allow for the exchange of the following ground originated messages:
- Check microphone
- Change SSR code
- Squawk ident
- Change frequency
These messages (above) will be exchanged without the need for voice read-back.
Additionally "Flight Profile" changing Messages can be exchanged, witch presently still do require a voice read-back until further notice:
- Direct flight to a point
- Climb od Decent to a FL
Aircrew will also be able to answer ATC instructions by data link and request routings from ATC.
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How many aircraft exchange CPDLC messages with the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre ?
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At present, 3% of the traffic crossing the Maastricht airspace (some 50,000 flights/year) already uses CPDLC on a daily basis. CPDLC usage is increasing steadily from year to year.
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Is the fact that CPDLC is slower than voice communications a problem ?
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No, it is not a problem, since CPDLC communication is not intended to be as fast a means of (tactical) communication as voice. It is designed to pass routine (strategic) messages, where time is not an essential factor.
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What are the expected benefits of CPDLC implementation in continental airspace ?
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Frequency congestion on sector frequencies is a well-known constraint. Voice communication tasks represent between 35% and 50% of the tactical (executive) controller’s overall workload.
The use of a supplementary communication medium like CPDLC offers the potential to relieve some congestion, enhancing existing communications between the air and the ground, and offering unambiguous transmission of routine messages between controllers and pilots. In addition, shortcomings such as stuck microphones, blocking of frequencies or simultaneous transmissions are avoided, contributing to the overall safety of the ATC system. CPDLC contributes to reducing the pilot's and the air traffic controller's communication workload, and allows them to concentrate on other essential tasks.
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Which airlines participate ?
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Are different CPDLC technologies supported at Maastricht ?
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Yes. Maastricht operates a multi-stack system, allowing it to communicate with both ATN- (Aeronautical Telecommunications Network) and FANS- (Future Air Navigation Systems) equipped aircraft. In continental airspace, CPDLC via ATN over VDL Mode 2 is the technology of choice.
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What does the controller CPDLC interface look like ?
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The CPDLC interface for the controller is a radar track symbol and an integral part of the windows-based Operator Input and Display System. All interactions are carried out at the control position, using a mouse, the data-link window and pre-defined menus.
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