An affordable solution for controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) over the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) in Eurocontrol airspace has been developed for the Embraer Legacy 600/650 by Ruag MRO International, the Switzerland-based company announced today.
“Our ATN-assisted modification package is purpose-designed to be straightforward and economical, requiring downtime of five days for implementation,” said Ruag head of sales for business jets Christian Karl. “We believe this is a significant step towards making CPDLC technology accessible to a broad scope of Embraer Legacy operators, also in the Eurocontrol area.”
The solution is available as a kit and includes approved data and required equipment. But the kit does require Embraer’s Service Bulletin for future air navigation system (FANS) CPDLC. CPDLC reduces the requirement for voice messaging while improving the accuracy of communications, as well as offers optimum aircraft routing and other cumulative advantages for flight operations above FL285. “Installing this mod is similar to having a second SIM card on your mobile phone for receiving text messages in Europe,” Karl added. “Even if it is not mandated, it ensures you are best served, especially on busy routes or airports.”
Ruag’s business aircraft engineering and MRO unit at Munich-Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, performs the kit install.