Use of CPDLC & ACARS (A330)
Hi folks,
This Atlantic stuff has been baffling me. I have a few quick qs:
1) When does one log in to, say, Shanwick on CPDLC? Some have said 15 minutes before entering the OCA boundary, others say overhead the first NAT waypoint, others have said 45 minutes before. I don't know what to believe.
2) After logging on to CPDLC, does one need to keep a listen out on the voice frequency too?
3) If departing MAN to go to the States, is it possible to get ACARS Oceanic clearance on the ground? If not, when would you do it? Straight after departure? After FL100?
4) If on voice with Shanwick getting the clearance, do both pilots need to listen in to the frequency? Surely that's a distraction from the domestic channel.
5) Finally, when does one switch from VHF to HF? Are you told? Are there any procedures associated?
Sorry for my simplistic questions, I'm a simplistic lad.
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