Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication

Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) is a text-based air-to-ground data link system. An aircraft equipped with CPDLC provides the flight crew and the controller the ability to communicate directly without using general broadcast. As a result, this system greatly reduces the number of communication errors between both parties, while simultaneously increasing overall flight safety.

As of February 05, 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandates that most aircraft above FL285 operating within European airspace are required to be equipped with CPDLC. However, EASA has deemed some aircraft permanently exempt; as well as, offering certain aircraft types extensions until February 05, 2022.