EQPS - CPDLC AND ACARS

Question 1

What is an FMS? (2)

Answer 1

FMS - Flight Management System

Computerised avionics component which assist pilots in navigation, flight planning, and aircraft control functions

Question 2

What are the components of an FMS? (4)

Answer 2

1. FMC - Flight Management Computer
2. AFS - Auto Flight System
3. IRS - Inertial Reference System
4. GPS - Global Positioning System

Question 3

What is the primary function of FMS? (2)

Answer 3

1. Compute real-time navigation information
2. Calculate Performance Data

Question 4

What is CPDLC? (3)

Answer 4

CPDLC - Controller Pilot Data Link

• Data link application that allows for the direct exchange of text- messages between controller and pilot
• Improves communication capabilities in oceanic areas, especially in situations where controllers and pilots have previously had to rely on Third Party HF communications

Question 5

What are the benefits of CPDLC? (3)

Answer 5

1. Allow flight crew to print messages, to give better understanding to foreign pilots.
2. Allowing auto load of specific uplink messages into the FMS reducing crew-input errors.
3. Allowing crew to downlink complex route clearances and requests, which ATCO’s can re-send when approved without having to type a long string of coordinates

Question 6

Who can initiate or cancel an emergency reporting mode? (1)

Answer 6

ONLY the flight crew

Question 7

A clearance delivered by CPDLC requires no specific readback by the crew. The only “readback” required is… (1)

Answer 7

”WILCO”

Question 8

What is ACARS? (2)

Answer 8

ACARS - Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System

A digital data link system for the transmission of messages between aircraft and ground stations

Question 9

What are the three types of ACARS message? (3)

Answer 9

1. Air Traffic Control (ATC)
2. Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC)
3. Airline Administrative Control (AAC)

Question 10

What are the 3 types of ACARS messages for ATC?

Answer 10

1. Pre-Departure
2. Datalink ATIS
3. En-route Oceanic Clearances

Question 11

What are the 3 types of ACARS messages for AOC / AAC? (7)

Answer 11

1. Upload to the aircraft of final load and trim sheets
2. Upload of weather or NOTAM information
3. Download from the aircraft of status, position, eta, and any diversion
4. Download of spot weather observations from aircraft sensors
5. Download of technical performance data
6. ‘Housekeeping’ Information Catering uplift requirements, special passenger advice, ETA)
7. Free Text messaging is also possible