Introduction

This article describes the safety issues related to the design and implementation of Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC). The main objectives are to provide an idea why certain choices are made during the development process and to identify best practices for CPDLC development and deployment.

There are a number of decisions to be made when developing a new CPDLC system. All of them offer some benefits but also may present a number of safety or financial issues. Resources are limited, therefore the balance between safety, technical features and economic feasibility is the key to producing a good CPDLC system.

Use of Free Text Messages

Description: The use of free text allows users to send messages

Benefits: Greater flexibility; more options in case of non-standard situations (e.g. in case of loss of radio communication).

Issues: Increased chance of misunderstanding or ambiguity (e.g. due to grammar or spelling mistakes).