Data Link System Development at the FAA Technical Center

In 1988, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center began a program of research aimed at the development of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services for transmission by Data Link technology. This paper offers an overview of the design approach that has been developed and applied by the FAA Technical Center during the past 4 years to produce functional design specifications for a group of initial Data Link services that are individually tailored to domestic en route and terminal ATC environments. Key features of this approach that are described in the paper include the development and implementation of an adaptable, high fidelity manned simulation facility, continuous involvement of system users in the Data Link service development process, and an iterative testing methodology for the evolution of ATC service designs and user interfaces.