¶ Data-link clearance
Data-link clearance, also known as DCL or PDC (in the USA), is a means of transmitting IFR clearances via data-link to aircraft without the need of verbal clearances or readbacks. The pilots will receive DCLs in text format reducing significantly potential mistakes by the pilots and reducing workload for the controller.
DCL is available only in LIMC and LIRF
¶ Requirement
To be able to send Data-link clearances the controller will need to have a Hoppie Code, obtainable at this link
The Hoppie Code will then need to be copied and pasted in the TopSkyCPDLCHoppieCode.txt file located in AppData\Roaming\EuroScope\LIXX\Plugins\Topsky replacing the existing text.
¶ Usage
- When connecting on a
LIMC/LIRFposition (up to TWR), theCDPCL Current MessagesandCPDLC Settingwindows will be automatically opened.
You will be presented with the following window:
Ensure the logon code is correct (only use LIMC and LIRF as logon codes) and click Connect
- Now that you are connected, when someone requests clearance via data-link you will hear a ding-dong sound and a
RCDflag will appear under the V column of the departure list
- To send the clearance, click on
RCDand the following window should appear:
Verify that the clearance is correct and hit Send MSG to send the clearance via data-link
By default the startup approved message will also be sent, to edit this, click on YES next to START before sending the clearance
If you need to reject the DCL request for any reason, the R/T button will send the “Revert to voice procedures” message
Once the pilot receives and acknowledges the clearance the clearance received flag will be ticked on its own
¶ Startup on another frequency
In case you are not approving a startup via DCL (as explained above), you have two options:
Instruct the aircraft to call on your frequency when ready for startup
In case you want all aircraft to which startup is not approved via DCL to call on your frequency when they are ready, just leave the NFREQ field in the CPDLC Setting window empty (it will show “Default”).
Instruct the aircraft to call on another frequency when ready for startup
In case you want all aircraft to which startup is not approved via DCL to call on another frequency of your choice (upon coordination with the concerned vATCO) when they are ready, insert the desired frequency in theNFREQ field of the CPDLC Setting window.