ATC
Europe preps for high-altitude regs
The requirement for aircraft flying above FL285 in Europe to have the latest VDLM2 datalink capability begins on Jan.

The requirement for aircraft flying above FL285 in Europe to have the latest VDLM2 datalink capability begins on Jan. 1, 2011, and initially will apply to all new aircraft delivered after that date. From Feb. 5, 2015, the mandate will be extended to all aircraft wanting to fly above this altitude.

Aviation communications specialist Arinc Direct (Booth No. 3440) is advising operators not to delay preparations to ensure that their aircraft can meet the VDLM2 requirement to avoid the inconvenience and additional operating cost of having to operate below FL285. Speaking at the Light Jets Europe conference in the UK last month, Arinc Direct senior business manager James Hardie also advised operators who are due to take delivery of new aircraft to double-check that they are certified as VDLM2-compliant if the delivery is to be made from the start of next year.