Avionics
FAA Opens CPDLC to All Equipped Operators in U.S.
En route datalink is available in many areas of the U.S. national airspace
FAA Data Comm coverage map for U.S. airspace
© FAA

According to OpsGroup, the FAA has rescinded the notam that restricted access to domestic en route controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) services in the U.S. Until now, CPDLC was available only to trial participants. “That trial has now ended, and as long as your avionics make the grade, you can now make use of this service,” OpsGroup reported.

Now any business jet with the proper equipment can use CPDLC, and the FAA has published detailed information on the equipment requirements. Basically, this includes a VHF digital link radio (VDL Mode 2) that is approved to TSO-C160a "or an equivalent that meets the specification of automatically tuning to multi-frequencies” and a push-to-load-capable flight management system that can load route changes into the navigation system.