Current Status of FAA ControllerPilot Data Link Communication CPDLC

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Current Status of FAA Controller-Pilot Data Link
Communication (CPDLC) - Build 1, 1A, and
Beyond M J A Asbury
Presentation ATN3.3
Presentation ATN 3.3
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Presentation Objectives

• The objective of this brief presentation is to
  describe the outline of the FAA Controller Pilot
  Data Link Programme, the changes brought about by
  the September 11th 2001 disaster, and the current
  status of the programme

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FAA CPDLC Programme - An Overview (1)
FAA initially planned a three-stage approach to
the introduction of ATN-based Controller Pilot
Data link Communications into US domestic and
oceanic airspace - CPDLC Build 1 - Extremely
limited message set - 4 routine, workload
significant messages at one ARTCC CPDLC Build 1A
- An additional 5 messages introducing tactical
control, implemented at 23 ARTCCs and CPDLC
Build 2 - A realistic implementation of an
operational message set, with the option to
add usage of additional messages from the
CPDLC message set as demand increased
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Pre September 2001-CPDLC Build 1 Plan

• Prior to September 2001, the CPDLC Build 1
  program read like this.
• On track for implementation of system into
  Miami ARTCC in June 2002, complying with ICAO
  SARPS Version 1
• 4 Services to be implemented
• Transfer of Communications
• Initial Contact
• Altimeter setting
• Pre-defined Message Text
• American Airlines the launch airline

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Pre September 2001- CPDLC Build 1A Plan

• ...and the CPDLC Build 1A program read like this
  -
• 5 additional services to be implemented
• Assigned Speed
• Heading
• Assigned Altitude
• Route Clearance, and,
• Pilot downlink
• Implementation of system into the first of 23
  En-route Centres (planned for June 2003) was in
  the midst of a re-scheduling/re-budgeting
  exercise which would have led to slippage to
  December 2003, with completion in 2005.

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Pre September 2001- CPDLC Build 2 Plan
The CPDLC Build 2 program development plan had
been defined, with initial implementation
targeted at 2008, although there was no FAA
baseline program established.
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SEPTEMBER 2001
The events of September 2001 significantly
altered data link implementation plans in the
United States
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SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2001
All FAA programs underwent urgent stringent
review.
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Post September 2001- Revised CPDLC Build 1Plan
...

• The revised CPDLC Build 1 program now reads like
  this.
• On track for introduction of system into Miami
  ARTCC in June 2002, but now complying with ICAO
  SARPS Version 2.
• 4 Services to be implemented
• Transfer of Communications
• Initial Contact
• Altimeter setting
• Pre-defined Message Text
• American Airlines the launch airline

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Revised CPDLC Build 1 PlanContinued

• Operational trials with American Airlines will
  continue
• Controller training at Miami will take place
• Evaluation of progress and decision in
  September 2002 as to whether or not to place
  the system into Initial Daily Use (IDU)

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Post September 2001- Revised CPDLC Build 1Plan
...

• The revised CPDLC Build 1A program is now much
  longer term.
• Introduction of system into in the first of
  the 23 En-route Centres not now until December
  2005.
• Late 2007/early 2008 before nation-wide
  rollout. (Biggest issue is training - up to 9
  months at large facility like Atlanta.) ..

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Revised CPDLC Build 1 Plan Continued

• Same 5 additional services to be implemented
• Assigned Speed
• Heading
• Assigned Altitude
• Route Clearance, and,
• Pilot downlink
• ICAO SARPS Version 2 compliant
• Compatible with but improvement on Eurocontrol
  Extended PETAL trials

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Post September 2001- Revised CPDLC Build 2 Plan
The CPDLC Build 2 program development plan is
currently sitting on the back burner, pending
successful initial implementation of Build 1A
plans. No FAA funding is currently approved for
this program.
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CPDLC Build 1 Status ...

• Build 1 continuing progress for operational
  evaluation in Miami ARTCC
• Technical and operational evaluation will
  continue during the summer of 2002
• Controller and pilot training taking place
• American Airlines is preparing to add equipped
  aircraft to their fleet as launch airline
• ..

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CPDLC Build 1 Status Continued

• Decision point in September 2002 will indicate
  whether to proceed to Initial Daily Use (IDU) for
  Build 1
• Expectation is that criteria will be met to
  continue operations of Build 1 beyond September
  2002
• System will remain in Miami until replaced by
  CPDLC Build 1A

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CPDLC Build II Status

• All FAA effort on the Build II program has
  stopped
• FAA priority is to get Build 1A back on track
  before consideration of follow-on program
• Build 2 could develop as add-ons to Build 1A

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CPDLC - The Future

• FAA (and its partners) committed to ATN-based
  CPDLC development and implementation.
• Additional High Benefit messages are being
  assesed as possible augmentation to Build 1A post
  completion of the 23-Centre implementation
• Technical refreshment to bring the system up to
  SARPs Version 3 standard, including Security.

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FAA Controller Pilot Data Link Program Status
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