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CPDLC Plugin

1. General

Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) allows pilots and controllers to communicate between each other via data link. It has not been set up to replace voice to voice communication but as an implementation of the voice to voice in order to reduce the frequency usage and workload.

2. Setup and Connection

Create a Hoppie acars account via this link here:

For the first step you will need to get your login code via there website, register using your name, email and your code will be sent to you.

Keep in mind that if the code has not been used for more than 120 days it will be deleted however you can always create a new one.

  • Login to the network as usual (you can mention on your info lines that you have CPDLC online to let pilots know).

  • In the Menu of Topsky click on Setup -> CPDLC settings.
  • Verify that your login is correct (The minimum flight level for CPDLC is FL125).
  • Click Connect.
  • (Optional) Open the CPDLC window using the menu tools -> CPDLC -> Current messages. All in and out going messages are displayed here which allows better situational awarness.

3. Transmitting PDC Clearance

In the departure list the column "E" will display an "R"(Request) if a pilot is requesting clearance via DCL. There are two types of "R": yellow stands for the standart PDC request, red is with a freetext. 

Verify that the correct SID, RWY, and ASSR are set in the departure list, then press on the "R" indicator, verify  the clearance in the popup and if correct then press send. When the PDC will be responded by the pilot his square/tick box will automaticly become white and no voice reedback will be required by the pilot.

4. Enroute CPDLC Messages

Once a pilot is online on your CPDLC logon, all clearance will be transmited to the pilot via CPLDC. A blue indication means that the clearance was transmitted however no reedback was provided by the pilots yet. Once the reedback will be received the blue indication will become white.

Pilots still have to contact controllers using voice durring initial contact to ensure that the two-way communication is eastablished. Pilots are expected to always be monitering to listen to the frequency.

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