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.

1234

Q1:To be done 15 to 45 min prior to CTA boundary.

Q2: HF SELCAL watch is still required. Shanwick will still give you HF freq in case of logon problem. In case of logon problem, you have to return to voice.
You may use SATCOM (if equipped) in case of COMM FAILURE.

Q3: UK departure are to request clearance as soon as possible after departure (UK AIP ENR 2.2). If using ACARS, you MAY request the clearance via datalink, for entry points on the Shanwick eastern boundary (from ATSIX to PASAS) without the requirement to contact Shanwick on RTF.
This system should not be used by aircraft within 30 min of the Shanwick boundary; VHF or HF should be used.
You can find those information on the Jeppesen (if used) Atlantic Orientation charts AT(H/L) 1 and 2.

Q4: Refer to your SOPs

What VinRouge gave you is an excellent reference website. The FAA has one also for the Pacific.

Happy crossing.

Greetings,
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Scott IPC Online Training - Datalink Overview

Question:

If you claim to be crossing the Atlantic, why have you not been trained ?