Appendix D D-1 APPENDIX D. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION D.1 DEFINITIONS. Certain definitions in this advisory circular (AC) are taken from other FAA materials. Other definitions are unique to this AC and their application is limited to use with data link systems.
D.1.1 Air Traffic Data Link Service. A data communication capability comprising air/ground and ground/ground data network services, specified data link message sets and protocols, aircraft equipment, Air Traffic Service (ATS) facility equipment, and operational procedures intended to provide primary or supplemental ATS communications.
D.1.2 Certificate-Holding District Office (CHDO). A Flight Standards Service (AFS) office responsible for the administration of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 119 certificate authority for operations conducted under 14 CFR parts 121, 125, or 135 for a particular certificate holder.
D.1.3 Data Link Service Academic Training. Training that exclusively addresses knowledge requirements (rather than skills), and is usually related to achieving satisfactory knowledge of data link service concepts, Required Communication Performance (RCP) types, systems, limitations, or procedures. The academic training on data link services is generally accomplished using a combination of classroom methods (such as stand up instruction, slide/tapes, computer-based instruction (CBI), or tutorial), flight manual information, bulletins, or self-study.
D.1.4 Data Link Service Use Training. This is training that addresses all of the skills related to the operational use of data link services, including knowledge and skills needed to receive information provided by data link services, and appropriately accept, reject, cancel, or defer a response to that information. In addition, this training includes the knowledge and skills needed to load, store, formulate, and request information from the data link service.
D.1.5 Data Link System. The different systems include Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN)-Baseline 1 (B1), a digital system and Future Air Navigation System 1/A (FANS 1/A), which is basically an analog-based system. At the present time the digital operation is known as Very High Frequency Data Link (VDL)-Mode 2 system. The analog operation is known as the VDL-Mode 0/A. The FANS 1/A system uses both digital and analog components. The data link applications are digital and binary encoded, and then processed by the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting Systems (ACARS) convergence function (ACF) for transmission over a character-oriented network.
D.1.6 Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). An FAA field office serving an assigned geographical area and staffed with AFS personnel who serve the aviation industry and the general public on matters relating to the licensing of aviation personnel, certification of aircraft, operational authorization of air carriers, and commuter and General Aviation (GA) operations.
Appendix D D-2 D.1.7 Follow-On Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) (as related to data link communications). A data link communications STC other than as described in D.1.8 below for an initial type certificate (TC)/STC. The following examples are considered to be follow-on STCs:
D.1.7.1 A previously approved data link communications installation, installed in a subsequent type or model aircraft.
D.1.7.2 Changes of display configuration (flight management system (FMS)/data link display), supporting system engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS)/electronic centralized aircraft monitoring (ECAM), or other aircraft interface (digital flight data recorder (DFDR), etc.).
D.1.8 Initial Type Certificate (TC)/Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) (as related to data link communications). The first FAA data link communications airworthiness approval (in accordance with a TC or STC) of any one or a combination of the following components: a data link processor and/or management unit, or data link communications avionics.
Note: Previously approved data link communications systems may require an initial TC/STC, if the part number of any of the above components changes due to a significant modification that changes the system.
D.1.9 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). The regulatory basis for an MMEL is 14 CFR part 91, §§ 91.213 and 91.1115; part 121, § 121.628; part 125, § 125.201;
part 129, § 129.14; and part 135, § 135.179. An MMEL is a master list of aircraft items which may be inoperable under certain operational conditions, while maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and providing an acceptable level of safety. An MMEL is the document on which an operator must base its MEL.
D.1.10 National Simulator Program (NSP). A team of FAA operations specialists responsible for evaluating flight simulation training devices (FSTD) to aid principal operations inspectors (POI) in approving those FSTDs in accordance with regulatory requirements
(e.g., NSP evaluations support POI approval of a particular full flight simulator (FFS) for use in a specific part 121 training program).
D.1.11 Principal Inspector (PI). Refers to one of three FAA PIs: principal avionics inspector (PAI), POI, or principal maintenance inspector (PMI).
D.1.11.1 PAI. The FAA inspector assigned responsibility for overseeing all avionics issues relative to a specific operator, including input to training programs, operations specifications (OpSpecs), MEL requests, etc.
D.1.11.2 POI. The FAA inspector assigned responsibility for overseeing all operational issues relative to a specific operator, including approval of training programs, OpSpecs approval, maintenance programs, MEL change requests, etc.
Appendix D D-3 D.1.11.3 PMI. The FAA inspector assigned responsibility for overseeing all maintenance issues relative to a specific operator, including input to training programs, approved maintenance programs, OpSpecs, MEL requests, etc.
D.1.12 Special Data Link Event. For the purpose of this AC, a special data link event is one or more of the following occurrences or situations related to data link:
D.1.12.1 In-flight traffic conflicts or potential conflicts, as determined by a flightcrew member, in which use of a data link service is suspected to be contributing cause.
D.1.12.2 Near midair collisions (NMAC) in which the use of a data link service is suspected to be a contributing cause.
D.1.12.3 Data link system performance below that of normal operation or required by the operational procedure (e.g., RCP 240).
D.1.12.4 Air traffic control (ATC) operational error involving the use of data link associated with a data link procedure or operation.
D.1.12.5 Other occurrences or situations in which use of a data link service is suspected to compromise continued operational safety. Loss of standard ATC separation resulting from a procedure or maneuver where a data link transaction, failure, or unmonitored error is suspected to be a factor.
D.1.12.6 Use of the data link service that caused excessive crew workload.
D.1.12.7 A data link service that provides reasonable information but is subsequently verified to be erroneous, or any suspected misinformation.
D.1.12.8 An excursion of 500 feet or more from an assigned flight level/altitude, or a lateral/longitudinal deviation exceeding ATS minimum separation criteria, in which use of a data link service is suspected to be a contributing cause.
D.1.13 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). An FAA certificate certifying that modifications to the respective aircraft, engines, or other components meet airworthiness requirements of the regulations.
D.1.14 Type Certificate (TC). An FAA certificate certifying that the respective aircraft, engines, or other components meet the airworthiness requirements of the regulations.
Appendix E E-1 APPENDIX E. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE AUTHORIZATION
PROCESS Operator Actions FAA Inspector Actions 1 Establishes need to obtain data link authorization.
2 Reviews the current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 120-70, Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), AFM Supplement, Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), or other appropriate documents (e.g., Service Bulletins (SB) or Service Letters (SL)) to determine aircraft eligibility for data link.
Operator contacts airplane/avionics manufacturer, if necessary, to confirm airplane data link eligibility.
Reviews applicable guidance in the current edition of FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System, and AC 120-70.
3 Contacts the FAA authority to arrange a preapplication meeting to discuss requirements for operational approval.
Principal inspector (PI): sends a copy of the compliance matrix and any other necessary information to applicant prior to the preapplication meeting.
4 During the preapplication meeting establishes:
• The form and content of operator application (exhibits/documents) supporting data link authorization.
• The date, prior to start of operations, when the operator application should be submitted for evaluation.
5 Submits application (exhibits/documents) to the appropriate FAA authority with sufficient time prior to the planned start of data link operations. (The FAA will specify the time prior to the planned start).
Inputs the application into the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Tracker. This includes scanned copies of all attachments/exhibits, etc. Refer to FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 1, Section 1, The General Process for Approval or Acceptance of Air Operator Applications.
6 PI:
• Reviews the operator’s application and requests additional information when needed.
• When the application meets guidance requirements, inputs a comment into the tracker stating that the review is complete and recommending that authorization be issued.
• Notifies the regional specialist that the application is ready for review and
Appendix E E-2 Operator Actions FAA Inspector Actions forwards the application to the region via the tracker.
Region:
• Reviews the application and coordinates with the PI when additional information is required.
• When complete, enters a tracker entry stating region approval/concurrence, notifies the PI, and forwards the application back to the PI via tracker.
7 Provides revised material when requested.
8 PI:
• Issues operations specifications (OpSpecs)/management specifications (MSpecs)/letters of authorization (LOA), as appropriate, when airworthiness and operational requirements are fulfilled.
• Ensures the tracker Process Complete date is entered, using the issue date of the authorization.
Appendix F F-1 APPENDIX F. PART 129 PROVISIONS FOR USE OF DATA LINK IN U.S. AIRSPACE The issuance of operations specifications (OpSpecs) or an amendment to existing OpSpecs for data link communications must take place prior to a foreign air carrier operating a data link communication-equipped aircraft in domestic U.S. airspace, or with U.S. domestic facilities.
An appropriate data link must be installed and operated on suitable frequencies specified by air traffic control (ATC) during flight in U.S. airspace if procedures are predicated on its use.
A unique and specific address, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 24-bit aircraft identification, must be assigned to the airplane and the data link must recognize this address. When properly set, the unique address may not be altered, set to a duplicated address, or set to an address that potentially interferes with ATC or data link safety functions.
A data link capable of coordinating with air traffic facilities using RTCA DO-219, Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) for ATC Two-Way Data Link Communications, or other equivalent standards must be installed if operations will be predicated on its use. The data link system should be operated in an appropriate data link mode during flight in U.S. airspace using data link, except as provided for by the minimum equipment list (MEL) provisions acceptable to the State of the Operator.
Training and procedures for use of data link as specified by ICAO, this advisory circular (AC), or other equivalent criteria acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should be used when operating in U.S. airspace.
Unsafe performance or conditions related to data link operations which potentially could affect continued safe operations in U.S. airspace, (a data link event), should be reported to the FAA.
Operators should send a data link non-normal event report to their International Field Office (IFO) as soon as applicable. An example can be found in Appendix A. Operators should also follow the Global Operational Data Link Document (GOLD) problem reporting procedures, which include notifying the Central and/or Regional Monitoring Agency for the region where the problem occurred (e.g., Data Link Monitoring Agency (DLMA) for North Atlantic Tracks (NAT) operations). This information can be found in GOLD Appendix D.3 and GOLD Appendix E.
Appendix G G-1 APPENDIX G. ACRONYMS Acronym Meaning 14 CFR Title 14 of The Code of Federal Regulations AC Advisory Circular ACARS Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting Systems ACO Aircraft Certification Office ACP Actual Communications Performance AD Airworthiness Directive ADS Automatic Dependent Surveillance ADS-C Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract AEG Aircraft Evaluation Group AFM Airplane Flight Manual AFS Flight Standards Service AIM Aeronautical Information Manual AIP Aeronautical Information Publication ANSP Air Navigation Service Providers AOC Aeronautical/Airline Operational Control ASRS Aviation Safety Reporting System ATC Air Traffic Control ATIS Automated Terminal Information Service ATM Air Traffic Management ATN Aeronautical Telecommunication Network ATN B1 Aeronautical Telecommunication Network Baseline 1 ATP Air Traffic Rules and Procedures Service ATS Air Traffic Service CAA Civil Aviation Authority CBI Computer-Based Instruction CFR Code of Federal Regulations CHDO Certificate-Holding District Office CMO Certificate Management Office CNS Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance CPDLC Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication CPDLC-DCL CPDLC-Departure Clearance CRM Crew Resource Management CSP Communication Service Provider D-ATIS Digital Automated Terminal Information System DCPC Direct Controller Pilot Communication DDG Dispatch Deviation Guide DDTC Digital Delivery of Expected Taxi Clearance DFDR Digital Flight Data Recorder DL Data Link ECAM Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring EFIS Electronic Flight Information System EICAS Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System
Appendix G G-2 Acronym Meaning EUROCAE European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment FAA Federal Aviation Administration FANS Future Air Navigation System FIR Flight Information Region FMC Flight Management Computer FMS Flight Management System FOEB Flight Operation Evaluation Board FOM FANS Operations Manual FSB Flight Standardization Board FSDO Flight Standards District Office G/TWIS Graphics/Text Weather Server GOLD Global Operational Data Link Document GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System HF High Frequency (radio) HFDL High Frequency Data Link HMI Human Machine Interaction ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization IFO International Field Office INTEROP Interoperability Requirements Standards LOA Letter of Authorization LOFT Line-Oriented Flight Training MASPS Minimum Aviation System Performance Standard MEL Minimum Equipment List MMEL Master Minimum Equipment List MNPS Minimum Navigation Performance Specification MOPS Minimum Operational Performance Standard MRB Maintenance Review Board MSpecs Management Specifications NAS National Airspace System NAT North Atlantic Tracks NM Nautical Mile NMAC Near Midair Collision NOTAM Notices to Airmen NSP National Simulator Program OCD Oceanic Clearance Delivery OE Operating Experience OpSpecs Operations Specifications PAI Principal Avionics Inspector PANS Procedures for Air Navigation Service Part 91K Part 91 Subpart K PC Proficiency Check PDC Pre-Departure Clearance PI Principal Inspector PMI Principal Maintenance Inspector
Appendix G G-3 Acronym Meaning POI Principal Operations Inspector PT Proficiency Training R/AFM Rotorcraft/Airplane Flight Manual RCP Required Communication Performance RF Radio Frequency RNP Required Navigation Performance RSP Required Surveillance Performance RTCA Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics SARP Standards and Recommended Practices SATCOM Satellite Communication SDR Service Difficulty Report STC Supplemental Type Certificate TC Type Certificate TCAS Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System TCPM Training Center Program Manager TSO Technical Standard Order TWIP Terminal Weather Information for Pilots VDL Very High Frequency Data Link VHF Very High Frequency (radio)