Final report; Sept 10, 2015

John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)

NTL-AVIATION-AVIATION ; NTL-AVIATION-Air Traffic ControlNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Human Factors ; NTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/Airworthiness ;

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It is imperative that flightcrew procedures be developed and implemented to capitalize on the strengths of Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) while minimizing the possibility of error. This paper presents a sample of air carrier Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the processing of ATC instructions transmitted via CPDLC. With CPDLC, it is recommended both crewmembers silently and independently read each CPDLC clearance, and confer before maneuvering the aircraft based on that clearance. This procedure allows the same independent interpretation that voice affords. A review of SOPS across seven carriers found that only one carrier instructed their flightcrews to follow this “silent read” procedure. Two carriers suggested that the message should be read out loud on the flight deck; four carriers did not specify a procedure. The methods for training on CPDLC procedures and specific topics covered also varied by air carrier. Based on the review of these materials “best practice” recommendations are provided.

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center

FA16C9