The missing (data) link in pilot navigation

Abstract

It is noted that some aircraft accidents, have occurred for lack of vital information which was somewhere in the National Airspace System but not available to the pilots and the air traffic controllers in time and in the right form. It is suggested that the mode S radar has the potential of closing the system loop to allow all parties to have the information needed at the time needed. Most of the required elements are already becoming a part of the system design. The missing link to the system design lies within the data link cockpit interface. It is shown that a smart data link can be achieved, based on the MOPS for the airborne system, by adding data storage and an interface to the aircraft's own systems to it.<>