As a part of the NextGen initiative, the text messaging capabilities of aircraft data link – CPLDC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications) – are being hailed as the way forward in the bid to eradicate the use of voice communications for the transmission of critical aircraft communications such as weather data, position reporting and other ATC operational messages.
Under the new initiative, pilots will be able to ‘accept’ messaging over text, without the need to make a verbal or data-based response.
The NextGen initiative is designed to improve aircraft communications with the simplification of messaging, avoiding misinterpretation, and standardising messaging protocols on the flight deck.
Gulfstream has announced that the first of their three flight-test G500 aircraft has completed flutter testing, logging more than 320 hours over 50 flights. The longest flight reached five hours, achieved an altitude of 53,000 feet and reached a maximum speed of Mach .999.
It has been announced that Panasonic Avionics achieved a major milestone in December last year with the connection of broadband services equipment to its 1000th aircraft – a Boeing 777-300.
The Republic of Maldives, a popular tourist destination, has announced the installation of an upgraded border control system to improve passenger processing standards.
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