Definition
The exchange of information between aircraft and air traffic control, or between aircraft and other ground systems, using data messages transmitted over a digital data link rather than spoken voice over a radio. In the NextGen environment, digital communications include services such as Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), where clearances, instructions, and requests are sent and received as text messages displayed in the cockpit.
Plain English
Talking to ATC by sending and receiving text messages on a screen instead of speaking over the radio.
Context Anchor
Seen in NextGen discussions, especially where aircraft and air traffic control systems exchange clearances, route changes, and other operational messages electronically.
Derivation
Digital' comes from the Latin digitus (finger, then digit/number), referring to information encoded as numbers (1s and 0s) rather than as a continuous voice signal. The contrast is with analog voice radio, where the controller's voice is transmitted as a continuous wave.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces voice frequency congestion and allows controllers to send precise clearances that appear directly in the cockpit.
Intuition Check
Digital communications does not mean pilots stop talking on the radio. It means some aviation messages can be sent as electronic data when the aircraft and system are equipped for it.
Example Sentence 1
Before crossing into oceanic airspace, the crew logged on to the data link service so they could use digital communications with the controlling agency.
Example Sentence 2
Digital communications allow the pilot to receive a clearance without tying up the voice frequency.