An examination of selected datacom options for the near-term implementation of trajectory based operations

Examination of selected Datacom options for the near-term implementation of trajectory based operations is performed and following conclusions have been withdrawn: (1) For controllers- (a) ACARS Conformance as good as FANS or Voice (b) ACARS Workload as good as FANS or Voice (c) ACARS ratings as good as FANS or Voice (2) For Pilots-(a) Datacom ratings suffer due to controller responsiveness (b) ACARS ratings suffer due to text input. Data suggest ways to improve procedures (1) Better conformance- (a) Automating updates of trajectory in HOST after a maneuver (b) Standardized procedure with controller always uplinking trajectory (2) Better pilot acceptance- (1) Use voice for initial request then uplink trajectory (gets more timely replies and avoids input workload).