Definition
An air traffic control system function that receives, stores, processes, and prints flight plan data (flight data entry and printout, or FDEP) and distributes that flight data to the controller positions and facilities that need it. FDAT covers both the entry/printout mechanics and the broader service of moving flight information through the ATC system.
Plain English
It is the part of the ATC system that handles flight plans — taking them in, keeping track of them, printing the strips controllers use, and passing the information to the right people at the right time.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym lists, NOTAM contractions, and facility or service status information rather than as a normal cockpit control or maneuver.
Why Pilots Care
When a pilot files a flight plan, FDAT is the behind-the-scenes machinery that turns it into the printed strips and screen data controllers use to manage the flight. If FDAT is degraded, expect delays in flight plan processing and clearance delivery.
Intuition Check
FDAT is not the same thing as an aircraft flight data recorder. Here it refers to FAA flight data entry, printout, and service functions, not a recorder installed in the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
After the flight plan was filed, FDAT processed the route and printed the flight strip at the controller's position.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots can access FDAT functions at the FSS to check current flight data entries.