1. International Civil Aviation Organization
INFORMATION PAPER
ACP-WGM12/IP-01
13 May 2008
AERONAUTICAL COMMUNICATIONS PANEL (ACP)
12th MEETING OF WORKING GROUP M
Montreal, Canada 16 – 20 June 2008
Agenda Item: xx
Data Communications Program
Overview
(Presented by: Peter Muraca)
SUMMARY
This information paper is intended to provide an overview of the FAA’s current Data Communications Program.

2. Topics Definition of Program Concept of Operation (high level graphic)
Data Comm Timeline
System Scope
Program Assumptions (general)
Segments Functionality (services)
Data Comm Capabilities Roadmap
Coordination & Harmonization Venues
WG-M Envisioned Activities in support of Data Comm

3. Definition of Program Mission Data Communications provides:
Improve ATO efficiency Enhancing productivity of controllers
Increase NAS capacity BY Enabling advanced operations to reduce resource needs
Enhance air traffic safety Reducing communications errors related to voice
Data Communications provides:
Two-way data between controllers, automation and flight crews
Safety-of-flight air traffic control clearances, instructions, traffic flow management, flight crew requests and reports
Automation enhancements for ATC message generation and exchange
Communications link carrying data between aircraft and air traffic managers
NextGen requires Data Communications
Necessary to transition Agency from voice based ATC comm system to data centric NextGen

4. Data Comm is a Key Enabler for NextGen
Supports all OEP Solution Sets
- Networked/addressed msgs
7. Transform Facilities
- Tailored arrivals, reduced OE’s
6. Safety, Security, Environment
- Aircraft specific TFM-based re-routes
5. Reduce Weather Impact
- User interaction, demand mgmt
4. Collaborative ATM
- Surface/taxi automation msgs
3. Flexible Terminal & Airports
- Automated RNAV arr/dep clearances
2. High Density Arrival-Departure
- Exchange of 4-d trajectories
- Conformance management data
- Delivery of automated conflict resolutions
- Data delivery of clearances
1. Trajectory Based Operations
Data Communications provides:
OEP Solution Set

5. Data Comm CONOPS ARTCCs TOWER ATCSCC TRACONs
Trajectory Based Operations
High Performance Airspace
ARTCCS
TRACONS
TOWERS
Clearances
WX Reroutes
Time Based Metering
Pilot Downlink
Fix
Tailored Arrivals / CDA’s
ARTCCs
VDL-2
Network
User Flight
Operations
Control
VDL-2
TOWER
ATCSCC
TRACONs
Taxi Instructions
Digital ATIS
Departure Clearance
Global Harmonization, Enhanced Safety, Increased Capacity

6. Data Comm Timeline 2008 10 12 14 17 19 22 2027 Key Sites: Investment
Analysis
Readiness
Decision
Initial
Investment
Decision En
Route
Equipage/
Airspace
Requirements
Tower
TRACON
Final
Investment
Decision
Final
Investment
Decision
Final
Investment
Decision
Deployment
Complete
Major
Milestones
2008 10 12 14 17 19 22
2027
Near Term
Activities
- Complete Service Level Agreements
- Develop interface requirements
- Complete Safety Assessments
- Finalize Requirements Documents
- Develop Equipage Strategy
- Develop Screening Information Requests (SIR)
- Complete JRC 2A, Initial Investment Decision
Release SIR - Receive and evaluate proposals - Mid-term human factors and standards - Finalize Business Case Analyses - Complete JRC 2B, Final Investment Decision
Contract awards

7. System Scope Program Scope FAA System Scope User System Scope
1.0 Ground
2.0 Ground
3.0 Ground
4.0 Air-
5.0
6.0
7.0
User
Data
Message
Ground
Airborne
Airborne
Airborne
Interface
Processing
Delivery
Message
Message
Data
User
(GUI)
(GDP)
(GMD)
Delivery
Delivery
Processing
Interface
Controller
(AGMD)
(AMD)
(ADP)
(AUI)
Flight Crew
FAA System Scope
Program funds enhancements required to perform data communications in:
Ground User Interface (e.g. ERAM/DSR display software)
Ground Data Processing (e.g. application software to create clearances)
Ground Data Delivery (e.g. wide area networking between ground facilities)
Ground components of A/G Message Delivery (e.g. radio, ground antenna)
User System Scope
Users fund enhancements required to perform data communications in:
Airborne components of A/G Message Delivery (e.g. aircraft radio, antenna)
Airborne Message Delivery (e.g. aircraft networking)
Airborne Data Processing (e.g. app s/w in comm & flight management units)
Airborne User Interface (e.g. cockpit displays & s/w)

8. Program Assumptions - General
Data comm is required to transition Agency to NextGen Concept of Operations
Transition to NextGen required by 2025
Large scope requires partition into phases
Functions/services originated from Communications Operating Concept and Requirements for the Future Radio System, (COCR) due to international coordination and buy-in
Not all COCR services implemented
VDL Mode 2 is the subnetwork

9. Segment 1 Functionality (2012 – 2017)
Segment 1 Services will include:
Data link logon (DLL) service to provide a unique digital identification of every aircraft
Air Traffic Control clearances (ACL), instructions, and notifications provided in a textual format (data messaging) between controllers and pilots
Departure Clearances (DCL) including revisions transmitted to the aircraft on the ground
Initial use of 4-D Trajectory clearances for continuous descent approaches
Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service (D-ATIS) up-links of airport weather, hazards, and restrictions to the aircraft
Automatic ATC “hand-off” (ACM) data transmitted to aircraft identifying the radio frequency in use by the next air traffic control sector

10. Segment 2 Functionality (2017 +)
Segment 2 Services will include:
Segment 1 services in TRACONS
Segment 1 services in En Route, plus:
4-D Trajectory Agreements in Performance Based Airspace, providing conflict-free flight with stable aircraft routing
Conformance Management to ensure aircraft comply with 4-D agreements
Tailored Arrivals/Continuous Descent Approaches and Time-based metering
Arrival Taxi Instructions (ACL, D-TAXI) prior to landing, giving the aircraft detailed guidance from touchdown to gate.
NAS Airport status, delays & constraints, hazardous wx uplinked to the aircrew
Taxi-in / Taxi-out service provides taxi routes for aircraft to follow from the gate to the runway

11. Data Comm Capabilities
Today
Operational Capabilities Enabled by Data Communications
DC In Tower
DC In En Route
DC In TRACON
Airspace Rule
Red = Terminal Function
Black = En Route Function
Purple = Cross Domain Function
Original + Revised Departure Clearances, D-ATIS
TRACON Data Comm Including Routine Clearances, Comm Mgmt, 4-D TAP/CDA & Time Based Metering
Clearances
Complex Clearances & Expanded 4-D
Widespread 4-D Agreements
Comm Mgmt
TFM Reroutes
Time Based Metering
Conformance Management
Airport Status, Taxi-In, Taxi-Out
NAS Status / Delays / Constraints / Sequencing & Hazardous WX
Initial 4-D = Tailored Arrival Procedures (TAP) / Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA) to OEP Airports
Widespread Delegated Separation =
Merging & Spacing (M&S), Crossing and Passing (C&P), In-Trail Procedures (ITP), Paired Approaches ( PAIRAPP)
NextGen Automation Capabilities Integrated with Data Communications
Today
Conflict Probe Integration
Time Based Metering Function
ERAM ICAO Flight Plan Update
En Route Descent Advisor
Extended Conflict Probe
Departure Spacing/Sequencing Function
Conformance Management Monitor
Conflict Resolution Developer
Delegated Separation Automation & Monitor
Trajectory Builder
Closely Spaced Parallel Approach Tool
TRACON Time Based Metering Function
Extended Conflict Probe
Aircraft in Need Determiner
Enhanced Conformance Monitor
Enhanced Conflict Resolution Developer
Enhanced Trajectory Builder

12. Coordination & Harmonization Venues
PARC
Performance-Based Operations
Aviation Rulemaking Committee
RTCA/EUROCAE
AEEC
FAA/Industry Synchronization (ATMAC R&PWG or equivalent)
Services Validation
Timing & Interrelationship of FAA and Stakeholder Investments
Standards Development
(SC-214 / WG-78)
Safety & Performance
Interoperability
Avionics & Services Coordination (DLUF)
Avionics Characteristics Development (e.g., DLK SC, SAI)
Performance-Based Criteria and Rulemaking Development (Communications Working Group)
Required Communication Performance
Airspace and Aircraft Rulemaking recommendations
GEIA
Gov’t Electronics and Information
Technology Association
ICAO
International Civil Aviation
Organization
LINK 2K+
SESAR
Industry Coordination on Infrastructure Acquisition
Inter. Coordination / Harmonization
Aeronautical Communications Panel (ACP)
Data Link Steering Group (DLSG)
Coordination /
Harmonization

13. WG-M Envisioned Activities in support of Data Comm
1. Data Comm – Application level list of anticipated standards modifications/additions
Application standards (i.e., CM, CPDLC, ADS-C) may require changes in support of those services specified within RTCA SC-214 Safety and Performance Requirements, and Interoperability requirements for Data Comm services.
PM-CPDLC message changes (as developed within RTCA SC-214, like D-TAXI, etc.) – Target Seg 1, and Seg 2.
PM-FIS and PM-ADS-C (like the changes in DOC 9880 for PM-CPDLC) – Target Seg 2 (note, the changes for PM-FIS may be required for Seg 1)
It may also be necessary to introduce security requirements within the Air / Ground infrastructure in support of the Data Comm program. Such modifications / additions to the international standards would be accomplished within ICAO ACP WG-M (DOC 9880), and/or RTCA SC-214 SG-XX. – Target Seg 2.
2. Data Comm – Subnetwork level list of anticipated standards modifications/additions
Due to changes to the implementation characteristics of VDL Mode 2 within AEEC 631, it will be necessary to bring such changes forward to ICAO ACP WG-M for incorporation and acceptance in the ICAO VDL Mode 2 Technical Manual and VDL Mode 2 SARPS. This harmonization of changes support programs such as Link 2k and Data Comm. – Target Seg 1, and Seg 2
VDL Mode 2 Autotune requirements/characteristics updates - Target Seg 1, and Seg 2.
VDL Mode 2 Frequency Support List-based handoffs - Target Seg 1, and Seg 2.
VDL Mode 2 Frequency Management for multiple frequencies - Target Seg 1, and Seg 2.
VDL Mode 2 protocol cleanup related to above changes - Target Seg 1, and Seg 2.
Overall harmonization of AEEC 631 implementation characteristics with ICAO VDL Mode 2 Technical Manual - Target Seg 1, and Seg 2. 13

14. BACK-UP 14

15. Day In The Life of Data Comm – Segment 1
Pre-Departure
Logon
ATIS
Departure Clearance & Revisions
Departure Taxi & Take-Off
Departure Taxi
Take-Off via Voice
Departure in TRACON
Voice
En Route
Data for Routine Clearances
TFM Aircraft Specific Re-Routes
Initial 4-D Tailored Arrival Procedures (TAP) Continuous Descent Approach (CDA)
Communications Management
Arrival In TRACON
Voice
Arrival Airport
Arrival Taxi

16. Day In The Life of Data Comm – Segment 2
Pre-Departure
Logon
ATIS
Departure Clearances & Revisions
CDM Agreements, Slot Times or Sequence, NAS Status Updates
Departure Taxi & Take-Off
Departure Taxi & Revisions(?)
Take-Off via Voice
Departure in TRACON
Voice
Data for Routine Clearances
Communications Management
Conformance Monitoring
En Route
Voice - Non-Routine & Tactical
4-D TAP / CDA
Data as Required Means
En Route (Con’t)
4-D Trajectory Based Ops Begin
Conformance Monitoring
Hazardous In-Flight Weather Information
Arrival In TRACON
Voice
Data for Routine Clearances
Communications Management
Initial 4-D TAP / CDA
Arrival Taxi Instructions(?)
Arrival Airport
Arrival Taxi Instructions Confirmation via Voice(?)
Arrival Taxi
Arrival Taxi Instruction Updates(?)

17. COCR Services vs. Data Comm Services
ATS Services
Voice or Data
ACM, ACL, ARMAND, DCL, D-ATIS, D-FLUP, D-OTIS, D-ORIS, D-RVR, DSC, D-SIGMET, D-TAXI, PPD, SAP
Data Only
AIRSEP, AMC, A-EXEC, COTRAC, DLL (DLIC), DYNAV, D-ALERT, D-SIG, FLIPCY, FLIPINT, PAIRAPP, URCO, WAKE
Surveillance
ADS-B, ADS-C, & TIS-B which support: ATC Surveillance, Airborne Situational Awareness, Enhanced Visual Acquisition, M&S, ITP, C&P
AOC Services
AOCL, OOOI, Free Text, WX Request, NOTAM’s, Position Report, Flight Status, Fuel Status, Gate & Connecting Flight Info, Engine Performance Report, Maintenance Troubleshooting, Flight Plan Request/Response, Load Sheet Request, Flight Log Transfer, Real Time Maintenance, Graphical WX, Real Time WX Report, On-Line Technical Troubleshooting, Technical Logbook Update, Electronic Library Update, Software Loading, Cabin Logbook Transfer

18. Data Comm required for OEP Capabilities
Activity
OEP Mid-Term Capability
Trajectory Based Operations
Automation Support for Variable Separation
Integrated Arrival and Departure Management (en route automation support)
Point-In-Space Metering
Trajectory Based Airspace
Flexible Airspace Management
Initial Conflict Resolution Via Voice (using Data Comm with the equipped – transition element)
Expanded Conflict Resolution Via Data Comm
Increase Arrivals/ Departures at High Density Airports
Initial Surface Traffic Management
Integrated Arrival/Departure Management
Delegated Responsibility for Horizontal Separation
Increase Flexibility in the Terminal Environment
Use CDA to Support User Efficiency and Noise Reduction
Enhanced Tower Data Link System
Provide Surface Situation Awareness to Pilots
Improve Collaborative ATM
Execution of Flow Strategies
On-Demand NAS Information
Assignment of Airspace for Special Use in High Altitudes
Provide Full Flight Plan Constraint Evaluation with Feedback
Trajectory Flight Data Management
Transform Facilities
Integrated Arrival/Departure Airspace

19. Acquisition: FAA Life Cycle Management Process

20. Modular Architecture (A2)
Controller
Aircrew
Ground
Message
Delivery
STARS/C-ARTS
Air-Ground
Message
Delivery
Aircraft
Message
Delivery
TRACON
DCS
Apps
User
Interface
Local Message
Processing
National
Communication
Center
Local Message
Processing
Peer
Apps
ERAM
FDP Wx
SDP
DCS
Apps
ARTCC
User
Int. CP
M&C
Log On
Local Message
Processing
Tower 623
Message
Processing
User
Interface
FIS
TDLS/TFDM
Allocates the data communications functionality in separate hardware (DCS server) co-located with the ERAM automation platform
Terminal environment will have DCS servers at their own facilities
TOWER
User
Interface
Local Message
Processing 20 20