Data link messaging standards for NextGen data communications

Data Communications is a critical component in the FAAs NextGen Implementation Plan. Increasing controller-pilot efficiencies and enabling complex trajectory based operations are a key part of NextGen. While the benefits of the final NextGen data communications concept are often touted, the mid-term operational improvements can often be overlooked. The creation of advanced services data link messaging standards is important to the overall success of NextGen. Furthermore the development of accommodation and interoperability standards for the advanced services data link messages is a necessary step in realizing mid-term operational improvements. The use of data link standards available today can help stimulate the development and equipage of future data link standards. As more mid-term benefits are realized and the future standards are validated, the importance of the next generation data link standards will increase. This paper will outline the current data link messaging environment and identify the mid-term benefits associated with accommodating todays proven standards. These benefits include encouraging user equipage, promoting global harmonization, validation of NextGen concepts, and ensuring a smooth transition from voice only operations to NextGen data communications.