DSR is now in various stages of installation and testing at FAA en route centers around the nation, but Seattle is the first to use it to control air traffic. The host computer processes flight and radar data and sends that information to controllers at the center and other air traffic facilities. Over the next several years, the agency will make major improvements to the display systems in FAA Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities and airport towers. An improved infrastructure that helps FAA professionals provide better service and reliability for our customers. The Aeronautical Data Link Product Team hosted a data link industry day on Jan. 6 at FAA Headquarters.
Data link is a system in which written information is transmitted to pilots in the cockpit.
This will help cut down on the amount of vocal transmissions between controllers and pilots, which can be congested at times, and reduce the chance of pilots misunderstanding verbal instructions. FAA Administrator Jane Garvey welcomed the audience in a packed auditorium and thanked industry for helping bring the data link program to where it is today. Robert Baker, executive vice president of operations for American Airlines, likened the development of data link to many other revolutionary changes in the aviation community that he has witnessed over the past 30 years. Baker emphasized that data link is needed to overcome the increasing congestion of airspace and the radio spectrum, or the aviation system will soon face a major obstacle to safe operation. Shelly Myers, director of communications, navigation and surveillance, said the FAA has funding, community consensus and the RTCA's blessing for the program, as well as a plan to integrate data link into the en route environment.