• Any exceptional data link-related events regarding NAS performance to the Air Traffic Procedures Division
(e) Data Link Manufacturer Reports. Data link avionics manufacturers report problems found with specific data link systems in accordance with established service difficulty report (SDR) procedures. Generic problems, such as those that may relate to the definition of ARINC 622 or 745 characteristics or of documents listed in paragraph 4(c) should be reported to the Aircraft Engineering Division, AIR-200 (Production/Airworthiness).
13. FOREIGN AIR CARRIERS.
a. General. Foreign air carriers may use data link communications when operating in U.S.
airspace. Foreign air carriers are not required to install and use data link communications for any aircraft or operations even though separation services may be provided by a U.S. ATC facility
(e.g., in oceanic airspace), unless separation standards or a desired flight plan classification are based on its use.
b. Data Link Communications Approval for Foreign Air Carriers. FAA does not approve data link communications installations, training programs, MELs, or maintenance programs for foreign operators operating non-U.S. registered aircraft. Such authorizations are addressed as specified by the state of the operator. However, since compatibility of data link communications within U.S. airspace is essential, part 129 operations guidelines for data link communications are issued by this AC. Compliance with these data link communications provisions ensures both data link communication system and procedural compatibility. 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.
Standard provisions for foreign air carriers for data link communications are shown in Appendix 3.
c. Application and Approval. Foreign air carriers should contact their FAA POI to obtain application information for part 129 data link communications OpSpecs in U.S. airspace. When a foreign air carrier submits the necessary information to the respective PI, showing that its aircraft comply, the PI approves those OpSpecs or an amendment. Standard OpSpec provisions regarding data link communications for foreign air carriers are shown in Appendix 3. Although not mandatory, foreign operators should comply with the provisions of this AC, or equivalent provisions specified by the state of the operator or specified by ICAO.
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Appendix 1 APPENDIX 1.
SAMPLE DATA LINK EVENT REPORTING INFORMATION
Date____________________ Time__________________
Operator/Flight #_________ Origination_____________ Destination_____________
Submitted to: ATC Inquiry___________ Other_________________
Phase of Flight___________ Position__________________ Altitude_____________
(Optional for Aircrew:)
Name_____________ Phone (W)_______________ Phone (H)_____________
Describe Event:
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Appendix 2 APPENDIX 2.
DATA LINK COMMUNICATIONS MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST (MEL)
AND MASTER MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST (MMEL) PROVISIONS
1. EXAMPLE OF A MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST (MEL). Each operator intending to have authority to dispatch an aircraft with a data link communication system or component temporarily inoperative must do so in accordance with provisions of an MEL. MEL’s are approved for each operator and type aircraft, within provisions of the FAA MMEL for that type.
When proposed, MEL provisions are consistent with the FAA MMEL; POI’s may approve the MEL. If less restrictive MEL or different MEL provisions are requested, a proposal for consideration of an FAA MMEL change must be forwarded to the AEG assigned for that aircraft type. Enhanced features (those above and beyond the basic data link communication system) may be inoperative, provided that the inoperative features do not degrade the system; for example, data link printers.
Equipment Condition Data Link system C-0 *(M) May be inoperative provided the system is deactivated and secured.
Dual data link or data link controls or displays C-21 *(0) May be inoperative on the flying pilot side provided that:
(a) Appropriate data link elements and functions are operative on the non-flying pilot side, and
(b) Display data link indications are visible to the flying pilot.
(0) May be in-operative on the non-flying pilot side, provided that:
(a) The required minimum voice communications are operative and that voice procedures are approved for the route or procedures to be flown, and
(b) The required minimum voice command communications audio functions are operative, and voice procedures may be used for the route or procedures to be flown.
Data Link Printer C-0 (0) May be inoperative provided all other data link display and control functions are operative. All elements of each data link transmission can be retrieved, displayed and reviewed by the flightcrew or may be inoperative if relevant operations or functions are not predicated on data link use (e.g., Print Control function not authorized if the printer is inoperative).
Appendix 2
2. EXAMPLE OF A DATA LINK MASTER MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST (MMEL) PROVISION.
Boeing 747-400
23 COMMUNICATIONS | | | | | | | | | | -XX-1 Digital Data Link |D | - | - | Any in excess of those required by | Communications Systems | | | | Regulation may be inoperative. | | | | | | -XX-2 Analog Data Link |D | - | - | Any in excess of those required by | Communications Systems Regulation may be inoperative. |
NOTE: The provisos and repair category intervals are intended to grant the operator sufficient relief during the initial stages of the data link implementation. This is intended to promote the installation process, as well as support the use of a partial system. Both equipment reliability and operational experience will dictate, if any, revision to this MMEL relief should be considered after the installation phase is completed.
Appendix 3 APPENDIX 3.
PART 129 PROVISIONS FOR USE OF DATA LINK IN U.S. AIRSPACE
1. 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.
2. An appropriate data link must be installed and operated on suitable frequencies specified by ATC during flight in U.S. airspace if procedures are predicated on its use. A unique and specific address, the 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.
3. A data link capable of coordinating with air traffic facilities using RTCA DO-219 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 MEL provisions acceptable to the State of the operator.
4. Training and procedures for use of data link as specified by ICAO, this AC, or other equivalent criteria acceptable to the FAA, should be used when operating in U.S. airspace.
5. 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 within 10 days of the time that such a hazard is identified.
Page 1 (and 2)
Appendix 4 APPENDIX 4.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AAR Office of Aviation Research AC Advisory Circular ACARS Aircraft Reporting and Communications System ACO Aircraft Certification Office ADS Automatic Dependent Surveillance AEG Aircraft Evaluation Group AFM Airplane Flight Manual AFS Flight Standards Service (FAA) AGL Above Ground Level AIR Aircraft Certification Service (FAA) AMSS Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Service (sometimes (AMS(R)S specifically for safety services) AOC Aeronautical Operational Control ASRS Aviation Safety Reporting System ATC Air Traffic Control ATCRBS ATC Radar Beacon System ATIS Automated Terminal Information Service ATP Air Traffic Procedures Division (FAA) ATS Air Traffic Service ATM Air Traffic Management ATN Aeronautical Telecommunication Network CAA Civil Aviation Authority CBI Com puter-Based Instruction CHDO Certificate-Holding District Office CNS Com munications/Navigation/Surveillance CFR Codified Federal Regulations CPDLC Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication D-ATIS Digital Automated Terminal Information System DC Data Link communications DCPC Direct Controller-Pilot Communication (voice or data) DL Data Link EICAS Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System EFIS Electronic Flight Instrument System FAA Federal Aviation Administration FANS Future Air Navigation System FMS Flight Management System FOEB Flight Operation Evaluation Board FSB Flight Standards Board FSDO Flight Standards District Office HF High Frequency (radio) ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization LOA Letter of Authorization Page 1
Appendix 4 LOFT Line-Oriented Flight Training MASPS Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards MEL Minimum Equipment List MMEL Master Minimum Equipment List MRB Maintenance Review Board NAS National Airspace System NAT North Atlantic NMAC Near Mid-Air Collision NSET National Simulator Evaluation Team NTSB National Transportation Safety Board OE Operating Experience PAI Principal Avionics Inspector PC Proficiency Check PDC Pre-Departure Clearance PI Principal Inspector PMI Principal Maintenance Inspector POI Principal Operations Inspector PT Proficiency Training RCTP Required Communication Technical Performance SATCOM Satellite Communications STC Supplemental Type Certificate TC Type Certificate TSO Technical Standard Order VDL VHF Data Link VHF Very High Frequency (radio)