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Amy Wilder

General aviation, including business aircraft, now leads airlines in controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) equipage, according to recent FAA data <a href="https://nbaa.org/aircraft-operations/communications-navigation-surveillance-cns/datacomm/general-aviation-exceeds-airlines-in-cpdlc-equipage/">highlighted by the National Business Aviation Association</a> (NBAA).
While airlines conduct more daily flights and therefore generate more individual CPDLC transactions, NBAA noted that the data shows the business aviation community’s strong commitment to equipage and participation.
“The business aviation community has stepped up to make the financial and hardware commitment to participate in CPDLC and help the FAA make the domestic CPDLC program a success,” said Richard Boll, chair of NBAA’s airspace and flight technologies subcommittee. “We are also seeing an expansion in CPDLC equipage beyond the types of aircraft we saw equip initially.”
The FAA’s <a href="https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/En-Route%20CPDLC%20Participation%20List%20%28Pub%20v1.8%29%20July%2023%2C%202025.pdf">July 23 En Route CPDLC Participation list</a> identified 3,919 general aviation (GA) aircraft eligible to participate in U.S. Domestic En Route CPDLC. In the preceding three months, 3,689 GA aircraft used the system, compared with 3,473 mainline operator aircraft.&nbsp;
NBAA noted that early adoption was concentrated among large fractional and management companies conducting oceanic operations, but participation has since broadened to domestic operators. More avionics retrofit options have opened the door for smaller aircraft, including turboprops, to join the program.
According to Boll, <a href="https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/DataComm">an updated FAA “red, yellow, green” avionics list</a> is expected later this year. Avionics on the yellow list are under evaluation, red-listed equipment has identified performance issues, and green-listed configurations are approved for participation. Currently, no systems are in the green category, though the forthcoming update is expected to change that.
The FAA’s Data Communications program enables the exchange of complex air traffic control clearances through datalink, reducing reliance on voice communication. Benefits include shorter transmission times, improved National Airspace System efficiency, and enhanced safety by reducing the potential for miscommunication. FAA guidance cautions that coverage below 16,000 feet is not guaranteed, and turboprops operating at lower altitudes may experience service gaps or interruptions.

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