scope:

This standard provides the operational, safety, and performance requirements (SPR) for the implementation of data communication services that support air traffic services (ATS). It provides with provision of data communications in all operational environments e.g., continental, oceanic, and surface. It is intended to support the communication element of the implementation of communication, navigation, and surveillance / air traffic management (CNS/ATM) systems in worldwide application. Data link communications are expected to be used for routine or frequent types of transactions, as well as for communication functions in which the use of voice communication is considered inefficient or unnecessary, thereby reducing voice-channel use and, where resulting controller workload reduction allows increases in sector size, reduction in the number of required voice channels. This SPR standard is intended for use with interoperability requirements (INTEROP) standards, and the guidelines described in RTCA DO-264/EUROCAE ED-78A.