|
|
|
|
From PETAL to LINK2000+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Maastricht UAC Air/Ground Data Link Implementation Project |
|
|
Frequency congestion on the controller's radio network is a well-know constraint to capacity enhancements in today's crowded airspace. Experts calculate that voice communications tasks - simply issuing instructions on the frequency and listening for requests and readbacks - represent between 35 and 50% of the controller’s workload, a considerable amount of their time.
Most messages conveyed through the frequencies are related to routine activities such as - to name but a few - the transfer of voice communications, flight level requests and clearances, route and heading clearances and requests, speed clearances and SSR code changes. Pilots and controllers need to exchange information such as this as efficiently as possible, avoiding any possible misunderstandings that could have adverse effects on safety. They also need, though, to prioritise their transmissions, ensuring that more critical transmissions can be, and are, made at the appropriate moment.
The PETAL project has demonstrated that the transmission of digital data via air/ground data link offers a reliable alternative to voice communications in relieving spectrum and ATC congestion and improving safety in air transport. In the Centre's operational environment, non-critical data link messages are currently exchanged between the controller and the pilot without having to resort to voice read-back procedures.
A number of advantages have been realised following the seven years of operational trials using the air/ground datalink.
|
|
|
|
|
