May 2019
Pilots Use Text Messages for flight
FAA partnership supports innovation
As the unrivaled leader in private aviation, NetJets seeks innovative solutions to provide Owners with seamless experiences. One of our most recent infrastructure enhancements reduces travel time and comes by way of robust technology that appears as simple as a text message.
Data link, one of the primary components of a Federal Aviation Administration Initiative, improves communication between air traffic control and pilots via text-based alerts. NetJets began collaborating with the FAA more than two years ago to train pilots, install equipment, and test data link capabilities.
Text alerts add enhancements to cockpit
In the U.S, the first phase of data link implementation is clearance protocol. While the majority of communication from air traffic control to pilots is conducted by voice through radio transmission, data link offers an additional layer of two-way communication between the tower and aircraft.
Pilots log in to the FAA’s secured data link system about 30 minutes prior to takeoff and wait for clearance. Instead of a verbal conversation, a text alert is sent to the cockpit when the aircraft is approved for flight. The captain accepts the message and loads the instructions into the flight panel with the push of a few buttons.
FAA officials anticipate the technology will:
Pilots log in to the FAA’s secured data link system about 30 minutes prior to takeoff and wait for clearance. Instead of a verbal conversation, a text alert is sent to the cockpit when the aircraft is approved for flight. The captain accepts the message and loads the instructions into the flight panel with the push of a few buttons.
FAA officials anticipate the technology will:
- Reduce travel times by 10 to 30 minutes
- Conserve fuel
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Increase on-time arrivals and departures
Richard Buergel, Director of Flight Technical ProgramsWe are set to deploy within the coming months on select NetJets aircraft.
NetJets and innovations of NextGen
NextGen is an FAA program designed to progress the country’s National Airspace System by increasing the safety, efficiency, capacity, and predictability of flight.NetJets has partnered with the FAA through its transformative Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program for more than a decade..
We are eager to share more about other NextGen enhancements in the next issue of the NetJets Update.
We are eager to share more about other NextGen enhancements in the next issue of the NetJets Update.
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