Definition
Digital text-based communications exchanged between an air traffic controller and a flight crew using a datalink system such as Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), used to issue and acknowledge clearances, instructions, and information in place of, or alongside, voice radio.
Plain English
Short typed messages sent back and forth between the controller and the pilots through the aircraft's datalink, instead of talking over the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in NextGen and data communications discussions, especially where clearances and instructions may be sent electronically instead of spoken only by radio.
Why Pilots Care
They reduce voice frequency congestion, lower the chance of misunderstood instructions, and support more efficient routing in busy airspace.
Intuition Check
Do not treat “messages” here as casual notes. In this context, controller-pilot messages can be official instructions or clearances that affect how the aircraft is flown.
Example Sentence 1
After crossing into oceanic airspace, the crew received their next altitude clearance through controller-pilot messages rather than HF voice.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots reviewed and accepted the revised departure clearance contained in the controller-pilot messages before takeoff.