Definition
A digital communication system that transmits weather, flight, and operational information between ground stations and aircraft over a radio or satellite link, allowing data to be displayed in the cockpit rather than relayed by voice.
Plain English
A wireless link that sends weather and flight information to the cockpit as digital data, so the pilot can see it on a screen instead of asking someone over the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather discussions, especially where aircraft observations are used to help build a picture of winds and temperatures above the surface.
Derivation
‘Data’ comes from the Latin for ‘things given’ — meaning information. ‘Link’ is an old English word for a connection in a chain. Together: a connection that delivers information. In aviation it means the digital pipe that carries weather and flight data to the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
It gives pilots timely access to current weather and observation data that improves route planning and safety decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read DataLink system as the weather instrument itself. It is the communication system that carries the information.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the pilot checked the DataLink system display for the latest radar image and METARs along the route.
Example Sentence 2
During the flight the DataLink system automatically sent temperature and wind reports back to the weather office.