As data link becomes an important means of delivering ATS, there are crucial questions that shall be answered before this technology is used for safety-critical communications. This need is especially true where a data link communications system is the primary, or even integral, element in allowing the reduction of separation minima.
IFATCA Policy is:In any ATS system where data link is considered safety-critical, data link shall be accompanied by direct two-way controller-pilot voice communications. This direct voice functionality shall be rapid, continuous, and static free. Direct voice communications requires that no third human party is involved in the set-up and / or delivery of these communications. Any set-up procedures by either pilot or controller shall be minimal and nearly instantaneous. For datalink communications to be considered direct controller-pilot communications, they shall support communications equivalent to the VHF in terms of transaction times and HMI. |
| See: WP 114 – Taipei 1997, WP 81 – Toulouse 1998, WP 102 – Santiago 1999, Resolution B45 – WP 62 – Virtual 2022 |
Last Update: August 9, 2022