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How to use CPDLC with BeyondATC

This guide shows you how to use CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications) with BeyondATC.
Currently, only Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC) is supported and available on the experimental branch.

Info

Important: CPDLC is in early development and only available in the experimental branch of BeyondATC. Only PDC (Pre-Departure Clearance) is functional in this version. Station login and pilot requests are not yet supported.

What is CPDLC?

Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) is a system that allows pilots and controllers to communicate via text messages instead of voice. This helps reduce frequency congestion and avoids miscommunication. CPDLC is already widely used in real-world aviation, especially for:

  • Clearances: Routing, altitude, speed instructions
  • Requests: Altitude changes, directs, etc.
  • Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC): IFR clearance before departure without using voice comms

How CPDLC Works in BeyondATC

BeyondATC will implement CPDLC in three stages:

Version Features
V1 ✅ PDC (Pre-Departure Clearance) only (available now)
V2 🔜 Station login + instructions via CPDLC
V3 🔜 Pilot requests (altitude, directs, etc.) via CPDLC

This guide focuses on V1 – PDC.

✅ Using PDC with BeyondATC

PDC allows you to get your IFR clearance via data link before pushback, instead of over the radio. With BeyondATC, this process works at any airport, regardless of real-world coverage at the moment.

✈️ Step-by-Step Setup

1. Make sure you’re using the experimental branch

  • Open BeyondATC
  • Look at the bottom-left corner. If it says EA, go to your account tab and enable Experimental Branch.

2. Create your flight plan

  • Generate your flight as usual via Simbrief.

3. Connect to BeyondATC

  • Launch BeyondATC and connect as you normally would.

4. Enable BeyondATC CPDLC in your aircraft

In your aircraft’s ACARS settings, choose BeyondATC as the CPDLC/ACARS provider.

Supported aircraft (as of now):

  • Fenix Simulations A319 / A320 / A321

5. Set up your aircraft’s FMC/MCDU

Before sending the PDC request:

  • Your flight plan should be loaded into the FMS/MCDU
  • Make sure your callsign and route match your Simbrief flight

6. Submit the PDC Request

In your aircraft’s CPDLC interface:

  • Go to the PDC Request page
  • Fill in:
    • Gate number
    • ATIS ID (e.g., "D", from ATIS info Delta)
    • Station (ICAO code of departure airport, e.g., KJFK)
  • Send the request

Then:

  • Wait for the ATC response (it may take a few seconds)
  • Once you receive your clearance, read it carefully
  • Send back WILCO to acknowledge
  • ATC will confirm you're IFR cleared – you're now ready to push and start!

Specific tutorials by aircraft

Fenix Simulation

Video made by our Community Mentor jason_91

🔧 Developer Integration

Aircraft developers who want to support BeyondATC’s CPDLC system can contact us at:
📧 support@beyondatc.net

We aim to keep integration simple and offer direct support to developers.

🐞 Feedback & Bugs

CPDLC is still in active development. Expect occasional bugs or limitations.
To report issues or give feedback, visit our community thread:
🔗 CPDLC Feedback on Discord