Plain English Meaning
A way for aircraft and ground stations to exchange information as digital messages over VHF radio, instead of by voice.
Full Definition
A digital communications system that transmits data between aircraft and ground stations using VHF radio frequencies. VDL allows aircraft to send and receive flight information, clearances, and surveillance data as digital messages rather than voice transmissions, and is used as part of equipment suffix coding on flight plans to indicate the aircraft's data link capability.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight plan equipment codes, especially where an aircraft’s communication and data- equipment must be identified before a flight.