Definition
Weather information transmitted to an aircraft in flight through a digital data connection, typically via satellite or ground-based radio broadcast, and displayed in the cockpit on a multifunction display, electronic flight bag, or compatible tablet. Common products include radar mosaics, METARs, TAFs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, winds aloft, PIREPs, and lightning data.
Plain English
Weather updates sent to the cockpit electronically while you're flying, so you can see things like radar, storms, and forecasts on a screen instead of only hearing them over the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight planning and in flight on cockpit displays, moving maps, or portable aviation devices that show weather along the route.
Derivation
‘Datalink’ comes from ‘data’ (information) and ‘link’ (a connection). Together it means a connection that carries digital information — in this case, weather data sent to the aircraft instead of voice reports over the radio.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots real-time weather awareness that supports safer routing decisions and avoidance of hazardous conditions.
Grounding Statement
Think of datalink weather as a helpful weather update delivered to the aircraft, not as a live window looking outside.
Intuition Check
Do not assume datalink weather is live radar. It is received information that can be delayed, so it is best for planning and wide-area awareness, not last-second maneuvering around weather.
Example Sentence 1
Before crossing the mountains, the pilot checked datalink weather and saw a line of thunderstorms building 50 miles ahead.
Example Sentence 2
In flight, updated datalink weather showed a line of storms developing to the north.