FANS 1/A+ Operation and PM-CPDLC Upgrade – Citation X

West Star Aviation along with Honeywell Aerospace are providing an STC solution for installation of FANS 1/A+, PM-CPDLC on a Citation X. 

Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), in conjunction with Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract (ADS-C), currently enables the use of Future Air Navigation System 1/A+ (FANS 1/A+) over oceanic airspace. FANS 1/A+ includes the Air traffic Facilities Notification (AFN) that allows the aircraft to logon and connect with a specific ground center for Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications. The ADS-C function provides aircraft position reports based on requests from one or more ground centers. The CPDLC function allows for uplink clearances, downlink reporting and clearance requests between the aircraft and the controlling ATC center. The solution provided in this offering, using Honeywell’s MKII+ CMU, will support Performance Based Communication and Surveillance (PBCS) operations as defined in FAA Advisory Circular 90-117 (e.g. North Atlantic requirements).

This offering supports VDLM2-MF per ARINC 631-6 used in US and Oceanic airspace. VDLM2-MF is required for FAA FANS En Route services and ATN PM-CPDLC services in Europe.

Installation parameters:
Honeywell Mark II+ CMU, TR-866B Comm, CD-830 CDU’s, 6.2.1 FMS Software, and CVR

West Star Aviation will supply and install a new Honeywell Mark II+ CMU, TR-866B Comm, CD-830 CDU’s, 6.2.1 FMS software, and a cockpit voice recorder. The Honeywell Mark II+ CMU data link system (FANS/1A & PM CPDLC) will display on and interface with the existing updated (6.2.1) Honeywell NZ 2000 FMS’s and new CD-830 CDUs. The CVR will be interfaced to the proposed data link system to record FANS/PM CPDLC data. The Mark II+ CMU will be interfaced to the new Latitude SDU for FANS interface over Iridium. Installation will include the following:

A. A single Honeywell Mark II+ CMU.
B. Dual Honeywell CD-830 CDU’s.
C. A single Honeywell TR-866B Comm and mini cabinet (VDL Mode 2-MF).
D. Upgrade existing Honeywell NZ 2000 FMS software for FANS.
E. A single VHF Comm antenna.
F. A single Universal Avionics cockpit voice recorder.
G. A single Iridium Datalink Unit (SDU)(FOI).
H. A single Iridium antenna.

Program Description
Compliance to FANS 1/A+ is currently required on the North Atlantic Track Minimum Navigation Performance Specification (NAT MNPS). 

Additionally, the FAA FANS 1/A+ (direct data link between pilot and controller) using VHF Data Link Mode 2 Multi-Frequency avionics for En Route services began in 2018. These services will expand to full operational capability for air route traffic control centers in the continental United States in 2022. 

Data Comm delivers digital tower pre-departure clearance services, including route revisions, as well as En Route services, thereby enabling controllers to provide flight crews with frequency handoffs, altitude changes and inflight reroutes using digital communication rather than voice. Flight crews can also send digital messages to controllers. The result is quicker flight times, reduced voice read-back errors and increased heads-up time for pilots. 

The European Commission mandated the installation of Protected Mode Controller Pilot Data Communication (PM-CPDLC) on some in service aircraft beginning February 5, 2020. This mandate is the first of a number of expected compulsory upgrades to the datalink systems on aircraft that will support modernization of the European Air Traffic Management system. The Single European Sky Data Link Service mandate is expected to be followed by additional datalink requirements. Although some aircraft may be exempted from this mandate, PM-CPDLC equipage still offers improvements when operating in the European airspace including the “Best Equipped, Best Served” concept.