1. Data Link Communications
AC C and A056
operational authorization update
OSWG
Mark Patterson, FAA, AFS-470
18 March 2015

2. Overview U.S. domestic data comm program update AC 120-70C
8900.A056 Notice and A056 templates
Upcoming work

3. Services Strategy Segment 1 Phase 1 - Tower Service AvionicsCY
Segment 1 Phase 1
- Tower Service
Departure
Clearance
IOC
Departure Clearances (DCL)
IOC
FANS 1/A transitioning to ATN
Avionics
Future Air Navigation System (FANS)
Ground System
Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN)
IOC 3 3 3 3 3

4. Services Strategy Segment 1 Phase 1 - Tower Service Segment 1 Phase 2CY
Segment 1 Phase 1
- Tower Service
Departure
Clearance
IOC
Departure Clearances (DCL)
Segment 1 Phase 2
- En Route Services
Initial En Route Services
Transfer of Communications
Initial Check-In
Altitudes / Altimeter Settings
Go Button / Airborne Reroutes
Pilot Initiated Downlinks
Controller Initiated Routes (Limited)
Direct-to-Fix (Limited)
Crossing Restrictions (Limited)
Advisory Messages (Limited)
Holding Instructions (Limited)
Speed and Headings
Beacon Codes
Stuck Microphone
Tailored Arrivals (Limited)
Data Comm Routine
Communications
IOC
TFM Data Comm
Reroutes
Data Comm Routine
Communications
Follow- On En Route Services
Tailored Arrivals
FANS 1/A over VDL-2 transitioning to ATN
Avionics
Future Air Navigation System (FANS)
Ground System
Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN)
Full tailored arrivals, holding instructions, advisory messages
4D Trajectories
D-TAXI
Segment 2
- Advanced Services
IOC 4 4 4 4 4

5. U.S. domestic CPDLC-DCL trials - overview
Started in KMEM
Two locations:
KMEM – ops / day
KEWR – 60 ops / day (~10% of all departures)
Participants
Part 121: FEDEX, UPS, UAL
Part 129: Operators: BAW, SAS (pending CAA approval)
FANS 1/A (CPDLC) and not PDC (ACARS)
Initial and revised departure clearances
Required equipage
FANS 1/A (CPDLC)
VDL M0/A
Continue until 1Q 2016

6. CPDLC-DCL - waterfall schedule (as of 29 Jan 2015)

7. Questions?

8. AC C – current status
Feb ‘14 - briefed AC B & A056 template revision project
AFS-470 / DCIT / PARC CWG collaborated to produce a limited-scope revision:
New format (ICAO) and editorial changes
Domestic CPDLC DCL and European Link added
Updates event reporting to reflect GOLD
Minor changes to authorization process (roles & responsibilities)
Highlight - Part 91 operators will not be required to have operational authorization (A056) for U.S. CPDLC-DCL
DCIT – Data Comm Implementation Team
PARC CWG – Performance-based Aviation Rulemaking Committee Comm Working Group
GOLD – Global Operational Data Link Document
CPDLC – Controller Pilot Data Link Communication

9. AC C - current Status
Posted for public comment on March 17, 2015
30-day comment period
Due April 16, 2015 (no time extensions)
Comments out-of-scope will be held for next revision
Parallel AFS formal coordination began
After 30-day window
Immediately adjudicate comments
AFS-400 approves adjudication
To tech writers for publication
Review current version of draft AC C (if desired)

10. Questions?

11. A056 templates - current Status
Operational Authorization (OpSpec / Mspec / LOA) A056 & Notice
Entered into AFS formal coordination on March 17, 2015
Highlights
Deleted the requirement for aircraft to be equipped with an approved collision avoidance system that is on and operating
Part 91 - references related to data comm operation within the U.S. has been deleted. Operators will not need operational authorization for U.S. domestic CPDLC-DCL
Review Notice and draft templates

12. Part 129 Part 129 will not require a separate A056
CAA approval / authorization will be annotated on A003
Review draft A003 template

13. Take aways…
Do not wait for the revised AC before submitting data link authorization applications.
Applications being submitted (or already in approval process) referencing AC B will still be processed
Delaying applications will cause delays in receiving authorization (and inability to participate in DCL ops at IOC)
Operators with existing A056
Prepare your training and crew procedure documentation now so you can respond quickly when the Notice is published

14. Next steps AC 90-[datacomm] project Includes: AC 120-70C incorporated
New guidance
PBCS
FANS / ATN B1 / B2 (as available)
Post-implementation monitoring
Compliance determination
Streamlined application process for Part 91
OpSpec / MSpec / LOA template updates
Additional guidance / training material as necessary

15. Questions?

16. Back-up slides

17. U.S. domestic DCL trials - specifics
Uses a stand-alone DCL Trials Automation Platform System (DTAP).
Processes participating operators initial / revised DCL aircraft clearances independent of the current FAA Terminal Data Link Services (TDLS) system.
Interfaces with the Tower ARTCC Host ATM Data Distribution System (HADDS) interface to receive NAS flight data.
The ATC Clearance Delivery position hosts a dedicated DTAP DCL display and user interface.

18. U.S. domestic DCL trials - specifics
Participating FANS1A / FANS1A+ equipped aircraft log into the DTAP via CPDLC.
Once the link is established, the flight deck requests and receives its initial departure clearance and any revisions to that clearance using CPDLC.

19. Operator timelines