Policy Governing CPDLC Recording Updated

The FAA issued a policy statement updating how the agency determines when datalink communications must be recorded on the CVR. In March 2008 the FAA amended the requirements for CVRs to improve their capability, including requiring that datalink communications be recorded, for aircraft so equipped. Since 2010, implementation of the controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) recording requirement has become more complex, costly and confusing.

At issue are more than 2,100 Part 121 and 135 aircraft that were manufactured before the effective date of the rule (Dec. 6, 2010) that require widely varying levels of additional equipment or software for the CPDLC to be fully functional. The resulting uncertainty has delayed the installation of datalink communications equipment.

Under the new policy, the CVR recording requirements are specifically delineated and differentiated between aircraft built before Dec. 6, 2010, and those built after this date. FAA InFO 10016, dated Aug. 16, 2010, is cancelled and a revised InFO is under development. Although this policy took effect yesterday, comments can be submitted until June 1.