Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Eurocontrol has released <a href="https://ext.eurocontrol.int/WikiLink/images/9/97/Recommended_Practices_for_CPDLC_in_Europe_2026.pdf">guidance on using controller-pilot datalink communications</a> (CPDLC) now required in most of Europe’s airspace. The recommended practices mainly focus on how operators should log on and key steps in-flight.
Based on ICAO procedures, flight crew should be logged on for CPDLC 10 minutes before entering airspace where its use is required. They should check the connection after reaching 10,000 feet and report if it is not working, unless the issue relates to a known incident of interference with the GNSS service.
The guidance warns pilots not to disconnect from CPDLC, pointing out that this is tantamount to disabling a radio. That said, in some time-critical situations, voice clearances may still be used, and this would also apply if network connections prove slow and uplinks get lost.
Eurocontrol’s notes also mention that an uplink message stating that a flight is “cleared to” a specific waypoint via multiple other points is a route change rather than a direct clearance. It should not be confused with a “proceed direct to” message that relates to a single waypoint.
The latest guidance emphasizes the need to use the CPDLC load function to avoid errors. It also covers the appropriate response when replying to controllers’ requests to “advise/state preferred level.”

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Eurocontrol Issues CPDLC Datalink Guidelines for Aircraft Operators

Release covers controller-pilot datalink communications

European air traffic management agency Eurocontrol has published a best-practices guide for its controller-pilot datalink communications requirements.

Eurocontrol Issues Datalink Guidelines for Operators

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

KDCA and KEWR receive SMR-4 installations, while IDIQ AT&T covers coms

FAA Installs Surface Radars at Key Airports and Awards $74.3M to AT&T

Hanneke Weitering

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Milestone covers the software that talks to air traffic control

Merlin Clears a Certification Hurdle for AI in the Cockpit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Honeywell-led consortium to consider advanced air mobility integration

Verti-Go Initiative to Lead European Airspace Update

NASA controllers used existing tools to manage simulated autonomous traffic

Wisk Tests 1:3 Supervisor Ratio for Autonomous Flight

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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