Chapter 14. Data Link Communications

Section 2. En Route Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) - Domestic

14-2-1. GENERAL

  1. The use of CPDLC is approved to augment the voice communication requirements of FAA Order JO 7110.65 for all altitudes, routes, speeds, holding clearances, altimeters, advisories, and frequency changes.
  2. The sector team is responsible for sending and responding to CPDLC messages.
  3. Controllers should minimize the use of CPDLC during critical phases of flight.
  4. CPDLC should not be used to issue immediate or expeditious clearances unless voice communication is not operationally feasible.
  5. Ensure there are no trajectory altering clearances (TAC) open prior to transfer of communication unless otherwise coordinated.
  6. Use of the automated Voice Communication Indicator (VCI) during CPDLC operations complies with the requirements of FAA Order JO 7110.65 paragraph 2-1-17, Radio Communications.
  7. Unless otherwise coordinated, the last controller working the aircraft before it exits the continental United States (U.S.) must ensure the CPDLC connection is terminated upon transfer of communication to any non‐U.S. facility or Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) sector.
  8. Coordination must be accomplished with the sector with eligibility prior to terminating a CPDLC connection from any other position or adapted air traffic workstation.
  9. In the event of receipt of an emergency pilot initiated downlink (PID), follow the provisions of FAA Order JO 7110.65, Chapter 10, Emergencies.
  10. When responding to a PID for a weather deviation request via CPDLC, and the aircraft has a clearance to climb/descend via or has a crossing restriction, the controller must unable the request and revert to voice communications.

14-2-2. ABNORMAL SITUATIONS

  1. When an Initial Contact (IC) mismatch or confirm assigned altitude (CAA) downlink time‐out indicator is displayed in the full data block (FDB) and ACL, the controller who has the aircraft on their voice frequency must use voice communication to verify the assigned altitude of the aircraft and acknowledge the IC mismatch/time‐out indicator.
  2. Abnormal CPDLC indications must be acknowledged by the controller only after required coordination has been performed.
  3. Use voice communications when overriding an open CPDLC clearance and issuing alternate control instructions. If the CPDLC clearance contains multiple elements, the entire clearance must be restated.
  4. Controllers may cancel an open uplink only after ensuring the pilot has been issued and acknowledged, via voice communication, the superseding ATC clearance.
  5. For No Radio (NORDO) aircraft with an active CPDLC connection:
    1. It is permissible for the sector with eligibility to mark the aircraft on frequency to allow CPDLC communications with that aircraft.
    2. Use procedures in FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraphs 5-2-4, Radio Failure, and 10-4-4, Communications Failure, for all CPDLC aircraft that experience a two‐way voice radio communications failure.

14-2-3. SYSTEM SITUATIONS

  1. If the CPDLC system fails to provide a necessary automated altimeter setting to an aircraft, the controller must issue an altimeter setting in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, Chapter 2, Section 7, Altimeter Settings.
  2. When a CPDLC connection is unexpectedly lost with an aircraft, and voice communication had not previously been established, the controller must ensure voice communication is established and maintained with that aircraft.
  3. Whenever there is a shutdown or failure of CPDLC service:
    1. Controllers must use voice to broadcast a message alerting pilots to the shutdown and request no pilot downlinks until further advised.
    2. Controllers must take action to ensure that any open or abnormally closed uplinks at the time of the shutdown are resolved, by voice, with each aircraft.

14-2-4. SPECIFIC UPLINKS