EE6900 Flight Management Systems

Aircraft Communications and Reporting System

Dr. Maarten Uijt de Haag

Ohio University
 References
Ed Flynn, Understanding ACARS, Third Edition.
Introduction to ACARS
ARINC 702-6, Flight Management Computer System,
June 10, 1994.
ARINC 619, ACARS Protocols for Avionic End
Systems.
SITA, AIRCOM Services, Ekaterinburg, October 2009.
Hugo Teso, Aircraft Hacking, April 2013.

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 Data Communication - ACARS
Aircraft Communications and Reporting System (ACARS)
For transmission of data not voice.
Character-oriented
Send 7-bit characters
Maximum message of 220 characters
Modulation on VHF band:
2400 bps (bits-per-second) over AM (amplitude modulation) using
MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) in the 25kHz channels.
Many messages are generated automatically based on discrete
events:
i.e. Doors closed and parking brake released;
i.e. Weight-on-wheels sensor transition from no weight to weight.
ACARS Management Unit (MU) and a Control Display Unit (CDU)

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ACARS VHF Frequencies

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 Data Communication - ACARS
Originally, for private (= not directly related to Air Traffic
Control) communications between aircraft and the
Airline Operational Centers (AOC) (ground stations) for
organizational matters:
OOOI (Out of the gate, Off the ground, On the ground,
and Into the gate messages): Pushback from gate,
wheels off, wheels on, arrival time at the gate, number
of passengers, wheel chairs required, etc.
Last decades it has been extended to include Air Traffic
Control (ATC) data:
For example, for in-flight weather updates (METAR)

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 ARINC Standards
ARINC 618:
Defines the air / ground protocols for
communicating between the ACARS / CMU
and VHF ground systems.
Defines the format of the ACARS messages
sent by the ACARS / CMU as well as received
by the ACARS CMU.
ARINC 620:
Defines ground-to-ground communication
protocols.
Defines the message format of messages
routed between a service provider and an
airline or other ground system.
And various other ARINC standards do apply.

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ACARS Message Structure

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ACARS Message Structure

From: ARINC 618

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ACARS Message Structure

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 ACARS Message Types

All message types (or labels) are defined in ARINC 620 10

ACARS Message Types

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OOOI Automatically Generated Report Example

This report is transmitted by an aircraft

that leaves the gate, but for some
reason must return back to the gate

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ACARS Other Report Example

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ACARS FMC Connection

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ACARS Communication Networks
Very High Frequency (VHF):
Using a network of VHF ground radio stations;
Uses audio frequency shift keying, FSK (MSK);
Domestic flights.
Data service providers: ARINC (GLOBALink) and SITA
SATCOM:
Using INMARSAT (and IRIDIUM) communication satellites;
Provides worldwide coverage, with the exception of operation at the
high latitudes;
Problem when you fly over the poles.
High Frequency (HF):
Using a network of HF ground radio stations;
Works for polar routes;
ARINC is the only service provider here.

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 ACARS Services Example - SITA

SITA VHF Coverage 2009

From: www.sita.aero/file/3744

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ACARS Messages Phases of Flight

From: www.sita.aero/file/3744

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Controller Pilot Datalink Communication
Controller pilot data link communication (CPDLC) is a means of communication
between controller and pilot, using data link for ATC communication.

The FANS-1/A System that was originally developed by Boeing, and later adopted by
Airbus, is primarily used in oceanic routes by wide-bodied long haul aircraft. FANS-1/A is
an ACARS based service and, given its oceanic use, mainly uses satellite communications
provided by the Inmarsat Data-2 (Classic Aero) service.
The ICAO Doc9705 compliant ATN/CPDLC system, which is operational at Eurocontrol's
Maastricht Upper Airspace Control Centre (above FL245) and has now been extended by
Eurocontrol's LINK2000+ Programme to many other European Flight Information Regions
(FIRs). The VDL Mode 2 networks operated by ARINC and SITA are used to support the
European ATN/CPDLC service.

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