CPDLC Communications Course
Online course of 300 hours in CPDLC communications. 6 modules covering controller-pilot data link communications, FANS and ATN architectures, communication subnetworks, message sets and procedures, airborne equipment and certification and a final project, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand controller-pilot data link services and their regulatory framework.
Distinguish between the FANS 1/A and ATN B1 architectures and their applications.
Analyse the VDL2, satcom and HFDL subnetworks and their performance.
Apply the procedures and message set of the GOLD manual.
Assess RCP performance requirements and their monitoring.
Understand the certification requirements for airborne equipment.
Design a data link service for a specific airspace.
Who it's for
- Aeronautical communications engineers.
- CNS systems specialists.
- Communications avionics engineers.
- Data link performance analysts.
- Air traffic controllers with a technical profile.
- Air navigation consultants.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join air navigation service providers.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EC) No 29/2009 (data link services for the single European sky)
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/310 (amendment to the data link services regulation)
- ICAO Doc 10037 (Global Operational Data Link manual, GOLD)
- ICAO Annex 10, Volume III (communication systems)
- RTCA DO-280B / EUROCAE ED-110B (ATN B1 interoperability)
- RTCA DO-258A / EUROCAE ED-100A (FANS 1/A interoperability)
- ICAO Doc 9869 (Performance-Based Communication and Surveillance manual)
- ICAO Doc 4444 (PANS-ATM)
- Wireshark
- MATLAB
- EUROCONTROL ESCAPE simulator
- Python with Scapy
6 modules
1.1Limitations of voice communication1.2ATS data link services1.3Clearance, request and response messages1.4History: FANS 1/A and ATN B11.5Implementation in European airspace1.6Use in oceanic and remote airspace1.7Human factors in the text interface1.8Integration into the controller working position1.9Capacity and safety benefits1.10Case study: analysis of a transatlantic flight using data link
2.1FANS 1/A stack over ACARS2.2The ATN OSI network and its applications2.3Logon and the context management service2.4The CPDLC application and its state machine2.5ADS-C and position contracts2.6Transfer of authority between centres2.7DLIC, ACM, ACL and AMC services2.8ATN over IPS and the next generation2.9Interoperability differences between standards2.10Workshop: logon sequence and connection transfer
3.1VDL Mode 2 and its physical layer3.2Inmarsat and Iridium satellite communications3.3HF Data Link in polar regions3.4SITA and Collins network service providers3.5Media selection and routing3.6RCP 240 and RCP 400 performance3.7Availability, continuity and integrity3.8VDL2 congestion and corrective measures3.9The future with LDACS and broadband satcom3.10Lab: performance analysis of a VDL2 link
4.1Uplink message elements4.2Downlink message elements4.3Free-text and preformatted messages4.4GOLD manual procedures4.5Error handling and rejected messages4.6Response times and timers4.7Use for routes, levels and speeds4.8Emergency messages and how they are handled4.9Complementary voice phraseology4.10Practical exercise: drafting a complete clearance dialogue
5.1Communications management unit5.2Integration with the FMS and cockpit interface5.3Equipment airworthiness requirements5.4Interoperability and conformance testing5.5Performance monitoring and reporting5.6Operational requirements and approvals5.7European mandate and exemptions5.8Reported operational problems5.9Interface with the ground system5.10Case study: report on an undelivered message incident
6.1Selected airspace scenario6.2Performance requirements analysis6.3Proposed air-ground architecture6.4Message sequence design6.5Service risk assessment6.6Performance monitoring plan6.7Procedures for crew and controller6.8Expected capacity indicators6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Wireshark, MATLAB, the EUROCONTROL ESCAPE simulator and Python with Scapy, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied on real procedures for analysing logon and connection transfer sequences, evaluating VDL2 link performance and drafting data link clearance dialogues. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: Regulation (EC) No 29/2009, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/310, ICAO Doc 10037 (GOLD), ICAO Annex 10, Volume III, RTCA DO-280B / EUROCAE ED-110B, RTCA DO-258A / EUROCAE ED-100A, ICAO Doc 9869 (PBCS), ICAO Doc 4444 (PANS-ATM).
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Wireshark, MATLAB, the EUROCONTROL ESCAPE simulator and Python with Scapy, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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