Input and Output Devices in Aviation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Input and Output Devices in Aviation
Technology is an ever evolving, ever changing beast that impacts the lives of every living being. As the technology evolves, so does society's imagination and humankind's will to test all perceived barriers. Such technological advances have allowed mankind to make metal tubes with wings that soar through the sky at speeds greater than the sound barrier. The same technological advances have allowed humans to instantly send and receive written messages through thin air using handheld computers. The same handheld computers can track each other's whereabouts. The next semi-logical step would be to combine these advances which would save precious time and allow accurate tracking needed in today's fast-paced, information-savvy world. The combination of all above mentioned advances produces Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communications (CPDLC), "an air/ground data-link application which enables the exchange of text messages between controllers and pilots" (Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communications, n.d.). With this technology, the use of voice-to-voice, radio communication will be obsolete; however, there are pros and cons associated with CPDLC (Jensen, 2003). The advantages of having CPDLC are cost-efficiency, time-management, elimination of miscommunication and real-time tracking of flights. CPDLC uses "high frequency (HF) radio signals, rather than VHF radio or satellite communications. [HF] is an inexpensive air traffic control communications global alternative to satellite-based global communications" (Keller, 2012, para. 2). Not only will it save money, it will save immense amounts of time, as well. A study by the Mitre Center for Advanced Aviation System Development showed that the text integrated system showed "an estimated 700 minutes of voice channel time was saved by 4,217 data link transactions performed form October 2002 to March 2003" (Jensen, 2003, para. 8). Some of
Input and Output Devices in Aviation
Technology is an ever evolving, ever changing beast that impacts the lives of every living being. As the technology evolves, so does society's imagination and humankind's will to test all perceived barriers. Such technological advances have allowed mankind to make metal tubes with wings that soar through the sky at speeds greater than the sound barrier. The same technological advances have allowed humans to instantly send and receive written messages through thin air using handheld computers. The same handheld computers can track each other's whereabouts. The next semi-logical step would be to combine these advances which would save precious time and allow accurate tracking needed in today's fast-paced, information-savvy world. The combination of all above mentioned advances produces Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communications (CPDLC), "an air/ground data-link application which enables the exchange of text messages between controllers and pilots" (Controller-Pilot Data-Link Communications, n.d.). With this technology, the use of voice-to-voice, radio communication will be obsolete; however, there are pros and cons associated with CPDLC (Jensen, 2003). The advantages of having CPDLC are cost-efficiency, time-management, elimination of miscommunication and real-time tracking of flights. CPDLC uses "high frequency (HF) radio signals, rather than VHF radio or satellite communications. [HF] is an inexpensive air traffic control communications global alternative to satellite-based global communications" (Keller, 2012, para. 2). Not only will it save money, it will save immense amounts of time, as well. A study by the Mitre Center for Advanced Aviation System Development showed that the text integrated system showed "an estimated 700 minutes of voice channel time was saved by 4,217 data link transactions performed form October 2002 to March 2003" (Jensen, 2003, para. 8). Some of
References: Croft, J. (2012, January 24). IN FOCUS: Round two for controller-pilot data-link as FAA contract award looms. Retrieved March 7, 2014, from http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-round-two-for-controller-pilot-datalink-as-faa-contract-award-366940/. EUROCONTROLTV. (2010, December 10). The FUTURE. Today. Retrieved March 7, 2014 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sfSC2fIAi0. Jensen, D. (2003, July 1). Miami ARTCC: Ground Zero for CPDLC. Retrieved March 7,2014, from http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/air-traffic-control/Miami-ARTCC-Ground-Zero-for-CPDLC_962.html#.UxpChvldWYE. Keller, J. (2012, February 12). FAA approval paves the way for commercial aircraft to exchange data with ATC over HF radio. Retrieved March 7, 2014, from http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2012/02/faa_approval_pavesthewayforcommercialaircrafttoexchangedatawitha.html.