08 Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS)

Question 1

What does ACARS stand for?

Answer 1

Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System

Question 2

What does ACARS provide?

Answer 2

• Provides a datalink between the AC and ATC/Operating Company
• Text based messages can be transmitted to and from the AC

Question 3

What does CPDLC stand for?

Answer 3

Controller Pilot Data Link Communications

Question 4

What does CPDLC provide?

Answer 4

• Provides a datalink between the AC and the ground
• Permits an automatic exchange of information between the AC avionics systems and the ground
• Allows text-based messages to be exchanged between AC and ATC

Question 5

What different networks does ACARS use?

Answer 5

• HF
• VHF
• SATCOM

Question 6

What are the key components on the AC for ACARS?

Answer 6

• Communications Management Unit (CMU)
• Flight Management System (FMS)
• Control and Display Unit (CDU)
• Printer
• Maintenance Computer

Question 7

With regards to ACARS, what do the following refer to:

• Downlink
• Uplink

Answer 7

• Downlink: A data link message sent from the AC

- Uplink: A data link message sent to the AC

Question 8

With regards to the Flight Event Reporter, how are events recorded and what events are recorded?

Answer 8

• Event times are recorded using sensors on the AC
• Out the gate
• Off the ground
• On the ground
• In the gate
• (OOOI system)

Question 9

Regarding FANS, what systems can be connected to the Communication Management Unit (CMU)?

Answer 9

• FMS
• HF Communication Unit
• Multipurpose control and Display Unit (MCDU)
• VHF Communication Unit
• SATCOM

Question 10

What performs the ground routing of the ATC datalink communications?

Answer 10

Service providers such as SITA and ARINC

Question 11

What is the principle of operation of the ADS (Automatic Dependant Surveillance) system?

Answer 11

• A method of surveillance which relies on downlink reports from the AC avionics
• What is sent is dependant on the type of ‘contract’ which is setup with the AC

Question 12

What are the three basic types of contract which can be established with an ADS system?

Answer 12

Periodic Contract:

• Data downlinks are setup to send every set period of time
• Once in place it remains until it is cancelled or replaced

Event Contract:

• Data downlinks are triggered whenever a specific event occurs
• Events include; Vertical rate change, Lateral deviation, Altitude range change, Waypoint change

Demand Contract:

• AKA a ‘one shot’ report
• One-off request for information

Question 13

With regards to the ADS system, what occurs when a MAYDAY datalink message is transferred to ATC?

Answer 13

The ADS contract is switched to a high periodic reporting rate

Question 14

FANS routes require what?

Answer 14

RNP (Required Navigation Performance)