EASA SIB 2020-03: Data Link Exemptions and Flight Plans

What to do

Operators flying wholly or partly in Single European Sky airspace with exempted aircraft should include 'Z' in item 10 and 'DAT/CPDLCX' in item 18 of their flight plans to indicate exemption status. Member States are recommended to update their Aeronautical Information Publications to require this flight plan notation. Operators voluntarily equipped with CPDLC do not need to indicate exemption status. No specific compliance deadlines are stated.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2020-03 is a regulatory document addressing data link exemptions and flight plan filing requirements for aircraft operating under Commission Regulation (EC) 29/2009. It applies to Member States, aircraft operators, and Air Traffic Service providers affected by these regulations. The bulletin clarifies exemption conditions for Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) ATN VDL Mode 2 equipage and provides guidance on how exemption status should be indicated in flight plans.

What changed

EASA SIB 2020-03 introduces recommendations for reflecting CPDLC exemption status in flight plans by using the letter 'Z' in item 10 and the indicator 'DAT/CPDLCX' in item 18. It consolidates existing regulatory references and ICAO guidance to standardize the reporting of data link capabilities and exemptions across Member States. This bulletin does not impose mandatory requirements but encourages consistent implementation.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because it ensures that Air Traffic Service providers receive accurate and standardized information about aircraft data link capabilities and exemptions. Proper flight plan coding helps maintain safe and efficient air traffic management, especially in Single European Sky airspace where CPDLC is required. Operators and compliance teams benefit from clear guidance on how to document exemptions, reducing the risk of miscommunication and operational disruptions.