Aircraft
FAA Endorses Iridium Datalink for Oceanic Air Traffic Control
The FAA has endorsed use of the Iridium satellite data service for air traffic control (ATC) communications in oceanic airspace, providing airlines and bus
ICG NxtLink Series ICS-220A Iridium Communications System combines data modem and dual voice/data transceivers. (Photo: ICG)
ICG NxtLink Series ICS-220A Iridium Communications System combines data modem and dual voice/data transceivers. (Photo: ICG)

The FAA has endorsed use of the Iridium satellite data service for air traffic control (ATC) communications in oceanic airspace, providing airlines and business jet operators with what is considered a low-cost solution for Future Air Navigation System (FANS) datalink messaging.

The FAA will no longer restrict FANS-over-Iridium (FOI) capability, following the recommendations of a Performance-based Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee (PARC). After gathering data from a year-long series of field trials involving Cargolux Boeing 747-400 freighters, Continental Micronesia 737s and Delta 737/757s equipped with Iridium datalink transceivers, the PARC concluded that Iridium meets speed, reliability and service requirements for ATC communications. FAA has adopted an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Operational Datalink Document as guidance.