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Link 2000+ Programme Overview |
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Over the next decade, a range of measures will have to be introduced to cope with the anticipated growth in the traffic. Initially, these will consist of modifications to route structures and the arrangement of number of sectors. However, these measures will produce diminishing returns and there is a limit to their effectiveness. The cost of not meeting the demand, in terms of delay and foregone revenue for the airlines may be high, particularly if the traffic estimates are exceeded. Thus it is recognised that new tecnologies will have to be introduced into the ATC process to meet the growing demand. CPDLC is one of the first such new technologies which can make a direct impact on ATC capacity.
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The EUROCONTROL LINK 2000+ Programme packages a first set of en-route controller-pilot data-link-communication (CPDLC) services into a beneficial and affordable set for implementation in the European Airspace using the ATN and VDL Mode 2 (Aeronautical Telecommunication Network and VHF Digital Link). The R&D has been carried out, the standards are stable, the safety case is mature and business case justifies it.
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LINK 2000+ "simply" implements three basic services automating the routine tasks which fill up to 50% of controllers 'time today, and provide for 11% capacity increase (when 75% of flights are equipped):
- ATC communications management - ACM: to handle repetitive frequency changes
- ATC clearances: to provide standard clearances - ACL (e.g. "Climb to level 350")
- ATC microphone check - AMC: to enable communication in case of blocked frequencies.
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These services do not replace voice as a primary means of communication - both media will always be available, thus providing mutual back-up, a definite safety improvement; in case of non-standard communications or emergency, "revert to voice" is the procedure.
The standards comprising the LINK 2000+ baseline combine the entire output of more than three ICAO panels specifying operational, technical and data-link standards over at least seven years (approximately 1990-1997). These were then used to define the interoperability, safety and performance requirements in EUROCAE and RTCA between 1999 and 2005
CPDLC is also a prerequisite for further progress in implementing more advanced data-link services, since it provides key improvements in avionics and ground system infrastructure. The time saved by relieving pilots and controllers of routine tasks can be also used for new operational functions. After LINK 2000+, other programmes will re-use and update LINK 2000+ services and infrastructure.
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