AC 90-117

U .S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Data Link Communications Date: 10/3/17 AC No: 90-117 Initiated by: AFS-400 Change:

This advisory circular (AC) applies to all pilots, certificate holders, operators, and/or program managers conducting data link communication operations and to those providing data communication services on behalf of operators to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.

The AC provides an overview of data link communication operations for U.S. domestic operations and in oceanic and remote continental airspace. It includes operational use guidance, minimum performance and services of communication service provider (CSP), performance monitoring, training requirements, and discrepancy reporting.

Michael Zenkovich Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service

CONTENTS Paragraph Page

Chapter 1. General1-1

1.1 Purpose of this Advisory Circular (AC)1-1

1.2 Applicability1-1

1.3 Where You Can Find This AC1-1

1.4 What This AC Cancels1-1

1.5 Scope1-2

1.6 AC Format1-2

1.7 Version References1-2

1.8 FAA Document References1-2

1.9 References (current editions)1-2

1.10 Airworthiness1-5

1.11 Regulatory Basis for Data Link Communication1-5

1.12 AC Feedback Form1-5

Chapter 2. Data Link Communication Overview2-1

2.1 Introduction2-1

2.2 What Are Data Link Communications?2-1

2.3 FANS2-2

2.4 CPDLC and ADS-C2-2

2.5 ATN2-4

2.6 B22-4

2.7 FANS 1/A(+) and ATN2-5

2.8 ACARS ATS2-5

2.9 Tower Data Link System (TDLS)2-5

2.10 CPDLC-DCL2-5

2.11 PDC2-7

2.12 Data Authority2-9

2.13 ATSUs and Aircraft Interoperability2-10

2.14 Performance-Based Communication and Surveillance (PBCS) Concept2-17

2.15 RCP and RSP Specifications Supporting ATM Operations2-18

2.16 Required Surveillance Performance (RSP)2-23

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2.17 High Frequency Data Link (HFDL)2-28

2.18 Future U.S. Domestic Airspace Data Link Communication Services2-29

2.19 Data Communication Services Strategy2-30

Chapter 3. Aircraft Eligibility3-1

3.1 Introduction3-1

3.2 Aircraft Eligibility3-1

3.3 Statement of Compliance (SOC)3-1

3.4 Configuration Control3-3

3.5 Maintenance3-4

Chapter 4. Communication Service Providers (CSP)4-1

4.1 CSP for Oceanic and Remote Continental Operations4-1

4.2 RCP 240 CSP Allocations4-2

4.3 RCP 400 CSP Allocations4-3

4.4 RSP Allocation Requirements4-4

4.5 Alternate Means of Compliance4-5

4.6 CSP for U.S. Operations4-5

4.7 CSP Monitoring4-8

Chapter 5. Operational Use Of Data Link Communications5-1

5.1 Operational Use5-1

5.2 Data Link Operational Guidance5-2

5.3 Logon/Notification5-2

5.4 En Route5-4

5.5 Voice Monitoring5-5

5.6 Free Text Messages5-6

5.7 Data Link Communication Failures5-6

5.8 ADS-C5-6

5.9 Exiting CPDLC and ADS-C Areas5-7

5.10 Logoff/Disconnect5-7

Chapter 6. Performance Monitoring6-1

6.1 Performance Monitoring6-1

6.2 Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace6-1

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6.3 Performance Website6-2

6.4 Substandard Performance6-2

6.5 Corrective Aircraft Action6-2

6.6 Data Link Performance Eligibility6-2

6.7 Procedures to Report Problems6-2

6.8 Performance Monitoring in U.S. Domestic Airspace6-2

Chapter 7. Training7-1

7.1 Training Documentation7-1

7.2 Objectives7-1

7.3 Ground and Flight Training7-1

7.4 Pilot Knowledge Subject Areas7-2

7.5 Pilot Procedural Training Items7-3

7.6 Dispatcher Training7-4

7.7 Maintenance Training7-5

Chapter 8. Reports8-1

8.1 Introduction8-1

8.2 Common Reasons to Report8-1

8.3 Oceanic and Remote Continental Problem Reporting8-1

8.4 U.S. Domestic Airspace Problem Reporting8-1

8.5 Problem Reporting Process8-1

Appendix A. Foreign OperatorsA-1

A.1 GeneralA-1

A.2 Title 14 CFR Part 129A-1

A.3 Application ProcessA-1

A.4 Unique AddressA-1

A.5 U.S. Interoperability RequirementsA-1

A.6 TrainingA-2

A.7 Unsafe Performance or ConditionsA-2

A.8 U.S. Domestic AirspaceA-2

Appendix B. Data Link Communications Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and

Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) ProvisionsB-1

B.1 Inoperative EquipmentB-1

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Appendix C. Summary of Airspace RequirementsC-1

C.1 Summary of Airspace RequirementsC-1

Appendix D. Flight PlanningD-1

D.1 Filing Required Communication Performance (RCP)/Required Surveillance

Performance (RSP) CapabilitiesD-1

D.2 Regulatory BasisD-1

D.3 ExampleD-2

D.4 Item 10a DescriptorsD-2

D.5 Item 10b DescriptorsD-3

D.6 Item 18 RSP SpecificationD-3

D.7 Field 18/DAT for CPDLC or Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC)D-4

Appendix E. Voice PhraseologyE-1

Appendix F. Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) Uplink and

Downlink TablesF-1

Appendix G. Terminology and AcronymsG-1

G.1 TerminologyG-1

G.2 AcronymsG-5

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List of Figures

Figure 2-1. Overview Data Link System2-1

Figure 2-2. ADS-C Event Sequence2-3

Figure 2-3. Data Link Communication Services on Departure Procedure2-6

Figure 2-4. Next Data Authority Notification2-10

Figure 2-5. Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU) and Aircraft Interoperability

Designators2-11

Figure 2-6. Performance-Based CNS/ATM Model2-17

Figure 2-7. Actual Communications Performance (ACP)2-19

Figure 2-8. RCP 240 Illustration2-20

Figure 2-9. RCP 400 Illustration2-22

Figure 2-10. RSP 180 Illustration2-25

Figure 2-11. RSP 400 Performance2-27

Figure 2-12. Data Communication Services Strategy2-29

List of Tables

Table 2-1. PDC vs. CPDLC-DCL2-9

Table 2-2. Interoperability Designators and Descriptions2-12

Table 2-3. Types of Data Link Systems and Operations2-16

Table 2-4. RCP 240 Transaction Time and Continuity Allocations—CPDLC2-21

Table 2-5. RCP 240 Availability Criteria (Aircraft System)2-21

Table 2-6. RCP 240 Integrity Criteria (Aircraft System)2-21

Table 2-7. RCP 400 Transaction Time and Continuity Allocations—CPDLC2-23

Table 2-8. RCP 400 Availability Criteria (Aircraft System)2-23

Table 2-9. RCP 400 Integrity Criteria (Aircraft System)2-23

Table 2-10. RSP 180 Surveillance Data Delivery and Continuity Allocations—ADS-C2-26

Table 2-11. RSP 180 Availability Criteria (Aircraft System)2-26

Table 2-12. RSP 180 Integrity Criteria (Aircraft System)2-26

Table 2-13. RSP 400 Surveillance Data Delivery and Continuity Allocations—ADS-C2-28

Table 2-14. RSP 400 Availability Criteria (Aircraft System)2-28

Table 2-15. RSP 400 Integrity Criteria (Aircraft System)2-28

Table 4-1. RCP 240 Transaction Time and Continuity Allocations to CSP4-2

Table 4-2. RCP 240 CSP Availability and Outages Parameters4-2

Table 4-3. RCP 400 Transaction Time and Continuity to CSP Allocation4-3

Table 4-4. RCP 400 Availability and Outages Parameters4-3

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Table 4-5. RSP 180 Data Delivery Time and Continuity Criteria4-4

Table 4-6. RSP 180 Availability and Outages Parameters4-4

Table 4-7. RSP 400 Data Delivery Time and Continuity Criteria4-5

Table 4-8. RSP 400 Availability and Outages Parameters4-5

Table 4-9. Data Communications Network Services (DCNS) Performance Baseline4-7

Table 5-1. CPDLC Connection Failure Responses5-5

Table B-1. Minimum Equipment List ExampleB-1

Table B-2. Example of a Data Link Communication MMEL ProvisionB-2

Table C-1. Summary of Airspace RequirementsC-1

Table C-2. Subnetwork DesignatorsC-3

Table C-3. Preferred Original Equipment Manufacturer AnnotationC-3

Table D-1. Item 10a Flight Plan COM DescriptorsD-3

Table D-2. Item 10b Flight Plan Descriptors for Surveillance EquipmentD-3

Table D-3. PDC and Departure Clearance (DCL)D-4

Table D-4. PDC and En Route Data Link ClearancesD-5

Table D-5. PDC Only and En Route Data LinkD-6

Table D-6. En Route Data Link Clearances OnlyD-6

Table E-1. Voice Phraseology Related to Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication

(CPDLC) From PilotE-1

Table E-2. Voice Phraseology Related to CPDLC From the ATSUE-2

Table F-1. Color KeyF-1

Table F-2. Response Attribute of CPDLC Message Element for Uplink MessagesF-1

Table F-3. Response Attribute of CPDLC Message Element for Downlink MessagesF-2

Table F-4. Route Uplink Message Elements (RTEU)F-3

Table F-5. Route Downlink Me ssage Elements (RTED)F-7

Table F-6. Lateral Uplink Message Elements (LATU)F-8

Table F-7. Lateral Downlink Message Elements (LATD)F-11

Table F-8. Level Uplink Message Elements (LVLU)F-13

Table F-9. Level Downlink Message Elements (LVLD)F-20

Table F-10. Crossing Constraint Uplink Messages (CST U)F-24

Table F-11. Speed Uplink Messages (SPDU)F-28

Table F-12. Speed Downlink Messages (SPDD)F-31

Table F-13. Air Traffic Advisory Uplink Messages (ADVU)F-32

Table F-14. Air Traffic Advisory Downlink Messages (ADVD)F-36

Table F-15. Voice Communication Uplink Messages (COMU)F-37

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Table F-16. Voice Communication Downlink Messages (COMD)F-39

Table F-17. Spacing Uplink Messages (SPCU)F-40

Table F-18. Spacing Downlink Messages (SPCD)F-42

Table F-19. Emergency/Urgency Uplink Messages (EMGU)F-44

Table F-20. Emergency/Urgency Downlink Messages (EMGD)F-45

Table F-21. Standard Response Uplink Messages (RSPU)F-46

Table F-22. Standard Response Downlink Messages (RSPD)F-47

Table F-23. Supplemental Uplink Messages (SUPU)F-48

Table F-24. Supplemental Downlink Messages (SUPD)F-49

Table F-25. Free Text Uplink Messages (TXTU)F-49

Table F-26. Free Text Downlink Messages (TXTD)F-50

Table F-27. System Management Uplink Messages (SYSU)F-51

Table F-28. System Management Downlink Messages (SYSD)F-53

Table F-29. FANS 1/A Uplink Messages Not Recommended for UseF-54

Table F-30. FANS 1/A Downlink Messages Not Recommended for UseF-57

Table F-31. ATN B1 Uplink Messages Not Recommended for UseF-58

Table F-32. ATN B1 Downlink Messages Not Recommended for UseF-58

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CHAPTER 1. GENERAL

1.1 Purpose of this Advisory Circular (AC). This AC provides guidance for aircraft eligibility and operational use of data link communications in the United States and in oceanic and remote continental airspace. This document also provides explanations of data link systems to inform those who may be new to using digital aircraft communication and surveillance systems. This AC provides new guidance associated with updated and/or new operational authorization. The regulatory source basis for this AC is Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, § 91.123. For more information, see paragraph 1.11.

1.1.1 AC Terms. The term “must” is used in this AC to indicate a mandatory requirement driven by regulation or required for a system to operate properly. The term “should” is used to indicate a recommendation. The term “operator” refers to the certificate holder, program manager, and operator/company. Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A(+) is used to denote both FANS 1/A and/or FANS 1/A+.

1.1.2 Alternative Method of Compliance. In lieu of following the guidance in this AC without deviation, operators may elect to follow an alternative method, provided the alternative method is found to be acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This AC does not change, add, or delete regulatory requirements or authorize deviations from regulatory requirements.

1.2 Applicability. This AC applies to operators under 14 CFR parts 91, 91 subpart K (part 91K), 121, 125, 129, and 135 conducting data link communications operations in the United States or in oceanic and remote continental airspace. This AC also applies where the foreign authority has adopted International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) data link communication standards.

Note: Part 91 operators do not require operational authorization for the use of data link in the United States. For data link operations in oceanic and remote continental airspace and/or foreign countries requiring specific data link approval, part 91 operators may apply to their responsible Flight Standards office for a letter of authorization (LOA). Pilots using “J” codes for U.S. domestic data link en route require a data link authorization prior to entering oceanic and remote continental airspace. Part 91 operators filing J codes for U.S. domestic data link services must have a data link authorization to file J5–J7 in oceanic and remote continental airspace (see Appendix D, Flight Planning).

1.3 Where You Can Find This AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.

1.4 What This AC Cancels. AC 120-70C, Operational Authorization Process for Use of Data Link Communication System, dated August 3, 2015, is cancelled.

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1.5 Scope. The scope of this AC is limited to the interoperability designators listed in Table 2-2, Interoperability Designators and Descriptions. Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) and Meteorological Information (METI) Services are excluded from the scope of this AC.

1.6 AC Format. Chapter 2, Data Link Communication Overview, is intended to inform those not familiar with data link communications. Chapters 3-8 provide aircraft eligibility and operational guidance with the following topics:

• Chapter 3, Aircraft Eligibility,

• Chapter 4, Communication Service Providers (CSP),

• Chapter 5, Operational Use of Data Link Communications,

• Chapter 6, Performance Monitoring,

• Chapter 7, Training, and

• Chapter 8, Reports.

1.7 Version References. The most current version of a document is designated by parentheses “( )” placed at the end of the number designation. Specific versions are indicated by a letter. If no letter appears after the document designation, then all versions of the document are applicable. As a convenience, most references are hyperlinked to a website containing the most current document. The most current ACs or Technical Standard Orders (TSO) are available by clicking the following links:

1. ACs.

2. TSOs.

1.8 FAA Document References. This AC, along with AC 20-140( ), provides all the information necessary for data link communication compliance in the United States and in oceanic and remote continental airspace and should be considered the “source documents” for the operational use of data link by U.S. operators and pilots. ICAO documents are referenced in this document as a convenience to the operator.

1.9 References (current editions).

1. Title 14 CFR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 43, 91, 91K, 121, 125, 129, and 135.

2. ACs:

• AC 20-140, Guidelines for Design Approval of Aircraft Data Link Communication Systems Supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS).

• AC 20-160, Onboard Recording of Controller Pilot Data Link Communication in Crash Survivable Memory.

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3. TSOs:

• TSO-C160a, Very High Frequency (VHF) Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2 Communications Equipment.

• TSO-C177( ), Data Link Recorder Equipment.

4. ICAO Documents:

• Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft, Part I, International Commercial Air Transport.

• Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft, Part II, International General Aviation.

• Annex 10, Aeronautical Telecommunications, Volume II, Communication Procedures including those with PANS status.

• Annex 10, Aeronautical Telecommunications, Volume III, Communication Systems, Part 1, Digital Data Communications Systems.

• Annex 11, Air Traffic Services.

• Annex 15, Aeronautical Information Services.

• Annex 19, Safety Management.

• Document 4444, Procedures for Air Navigation Services - Air Traffic Management.

• Document 7030, Regional Supplementary Procedures.

• Document 8400, Procedures for Air Navigation Services, ICAO Abbreviations and Codes.

• Document 8585, Designators for Aircraft Operating Agencies, Aeronautical Authorities and Services.

• Document 9694, Manual of Air Traffic Services Data Link Applications.

• Document 9869, Performance-Based Communication and Surveillance (PBCS) Manual.

• Document 10037, Global Operational Data Link (GOLD) Manual, ICAO Global Guidelines for Data Link Operations.

• Document 10063, Manual on Monitoring the Application of Performance-Based Horizontal Separation Minima.

• North Atlantic Document 007, North Atlantic Operations and Airspace Manual.

This document is published on behalf of the North Atlantic Systems Planning Group by the European and North Atlantic Office of ICAO and includes data link material.

• North Atlantic Oceanic Errors Safety Bulletin (OESB).

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5. RTCA and European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE) Documents:

• DO-219, Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) for ATC Two-Way Data Link Communications, dated August 27, 1993.

• DO-258A/ED-100A, Interoperability Requirements for ATS Applications Using ARINC 622 Data Communications, dated April 7, 2005.

• DO-264/ED-78A, Guidelines for Approval of the Provision and Use of Air Traffic Services Supported by Data Communications, dated December 14, 2000.

• DO-280B Change 1/ED-110B Change 1, Volumes 1 and 2, Interoperability Requirements Standard for Aeronautical Telecommunication Network Baseline 1 (ATN B1 Interop Standards), dated March 18, 2014.

• DO-290 Changes 1 and 2/ED-120 Changes 1 and 2, Safety and Performance Requirements Standard for Air Traffic Data Link Services in Continental Airspace (Continental SPR Standard), dated April 29, 2004.

• DO-305A/ED-154A, Future Air Navigation System 1/A - Aeronautical Telecommunication Network Interoperability Standard (FANS 1/A - ATN B1 Interop Standard), dated March 21, 2012.

• DO-306 Change 1/ED-122 Change 1, Safety and Performance Standard for Air Traffic Data Link Services in Oceanic and Remote Airspace (Oceanic SPR Standard), dated March 2011.

• DO-350A, Safety and Performance Requirements Standard for Baseline 2 ATS Data Communications (Baseline 2 SPR Standard), Volumes 1 and 2.

• ED-85A, DLASD for the Departure Clearance Data-Link Service.

• ED-89A, DLASD for the ATIS Data-link Service.

• ED-93, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standard for CNS/ATM Message Recording Systems-Amendment 1, dated November 23, 1998.

• ED-106A, DLASD for the Oceanic Clearance Data-link Service.

6. Data Communications Network Service (DCNS) Alternative Media Description. The DCNS Alternative Media Description defines the qualification requirements for any media proposed to be used for domestic en route air traffic control (ATC) operations.

7. NAS Data Communications Guide. This document introduces operators to data link communications operations within the United States National Airspace. It discusses Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication–Departure Clearance (CPDLC-DCL) and outlines the roles of the Airline Operations Center, clearance delivery controllers, and pilots. The document describes the general procedures for logging on/notifying, loading the flight plan, receiving the CPDLC-DCL, responding to the CPDLC-DCL message, and disconnecting/logging off. Examples of different types of revised CPDLC-DCLs are provided with guidance for reviewing, processing, 1-4