What’s new with CPDLC and ADS-B in 2023?

CPDLC Mandates (Brazil and 3 big ones), and a brief update on ADS-B changes in 2023

CPDLC is mandated in a fair few places worldwide, often alongside ADS-C (to as a component of a Datalink system). The requirement is for both aircraft systems capability and also crew training. ADS-B mandates are also increasing.

BRAZIL: Brazil updated their AIC in March 2023 and amended some of the information on CPDLC

The AIC discusses ‘USE OF CONTROLLER-PILOT DATA LINK COMMUNICATIONS (CPDLC) IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTINENTAL AIRSPACE’

CPDLC is not mandatory in continental airspace. ADS-C is also not required.

CPDLC has been used in the Atlântico FIR (SBAO logon) since 2009. Recife (SBRE) and Amazônica (SBAZ) FIRs saw implementation from September 2021. CPDLC will become operational in the Brasília FIR (SBBS) in June/July 2023, and in Curitiba FIR (SBCW) by the end of 2024. The timings for when it will be used are available in the AIC.

Click below to access AIC A08/23

EUROPE: CPDLC/Datalink is mandated for all aircraft operating above FL285.

Europe’s DLS IR mandate required ATNVDL Mode 2. Most aircraft (and other places in the world) use FANS-1/A. The London, Scottish and Shannon FIRs use FANS-1/A (as does the NAT HLA).

If your aircraft’s first C of A was prior to Jan 1 2018 and you have FANS-1/A then you are exempt from needing ATN, as are aircraft with 19 seats or less, a MTOW of 10,000lbs or less (45359kg) and an Airworthiness issued before Feb 5th 2020.

It is not a regulatory requirement to be included on the ‘white list’ (log-on list) but if you want to use CPDLC in Switzerland, Germany, Maastricht UAC etc then you need to be on the list.

To view the Eurocontol Status Map or Implementation Table, or EASA pages on regulations click below

NORTH ATLANTIC: The NAT HLA has a Datalink mandate, requiring CPDLC and ADS-C

This applies to aircraft operating within the NAT HLA region (FL290 to FL410) with the exceptions of:

• North of 80° North
• New York Oceanic East FIR
• T9 and T290
• ATS Surveillance airspace where surveillance service by radar and/or ADS-B coupled with VHF is available.
• Northerly Blue Spruce Routes (the DLM does apply to the southerly Blue Spruce routes over Greenland and Canda, via OZN and Iceland)

Access NAT DOC 007 via the ICAO site for current information

USA: CPDLC is not currently mandated, but has been on trial

The USA uses CPDLC in two ways – for clearances (DLCs, NAT entry) and for en-route. Throughout 2022 they expanded the en-route services to be available east-west across the USA. Only registered aircraft (with approved equipment) were able to participate in the trial, and most bizav aircraft were not approved.

The FAA issued an update on May 29th 2023 advising they plan to allow GA/BA aircraft to begin participating in en-route CPDLC from August 31st, Currently, only those registered (as per KFDC Notam A0171/22) can. From Aug 31st a list will be maintained, categorising aircraft into yellow (known CPDLC avionics issues but allowed to participate pending upgrades), green (no issues) and red (still excluded).

To access the FAA or L3Harris sites on CPDLC click below

ADS-B Updates

Universal Weather maintain a list of current and upcoming ADS-B mandates and updates.

• EUROPE: The transitional phase end June 7th 2023. Following this date compliance with EU 1207/2011 via retrofit may be required.
• FIJI (NFFF FIR): Effective July 13th 2023, all flights in FIJI domestic (Nandi NFFF FIR)
• CANADA: From August 10th 2023 all flights in Canadian Class A airspace (basically at or above FL180) will required ADS-B. The mandate will expand on May 16th 2024 to include Class B airspace as well.
• SAUDI ARABIA: ADS-B mandate came into force Jan 1st 2023. in all class A, E and B/C/D airspace (around major airports.
• CURACAO: Mandated since Jan 1st 2023
• NAT HLA: ADS-B is currently mandated for T9 and T290 within specified boundaries
• USA: ADS-B is mandatory in Class A, B and C airspace within US domestic and over all land mass.