{"id":29746,"date":"2026-02-25T16:44:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T21:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ops.group\/blog\/?p=29746"},"modified":"2026-02-25T17:01:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T22:01:22","slug":"nat-cpdlc-route-uplinks-crew-confusion-and-errors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ops.group\/blog\/nat-cpdlc-route-uplinks-crew-confusion-and-errors\/","title":{"rendered":"NAT CPDLC Route Uplinks: Crew Confusion and Errors"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Jan 27, the FAA published an Information Note for Operators (InFO)<\/a> warning that crews have been responding to CPDLC route uplinks late or incorrectly<\/strong> when entering or while inside Gander\u2019s oceanic airspace.<\/p>\n

Aside from confusion, this has led to increased frequency congestion, controller workload, and interventions to prevent route deviations.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The InFO isn\u2019t regulatory, but it highlights a persistent NAT issue that the FAA wants operators and training departments to address.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n

The Backstory<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s no surprise there\u2019s confusion. Over the past few years, NAT oceanic procedures have changed significantly.<\/p>\n

In 2023, the NAT began transitioning toward Oceanic Clearance Removal (OCR).<\/strong> Gander implemented this change, meaning crews submit a Request for Clearance (RCL) prior to the Oceanic Entry Point. If no change is required, they are considered cleared as filed. If a change is required, ATC issues a specific amended route or level.<\/p>\n

In December 2024, Gander began issuing amended oceanic routes and levels via CPDLC<\/strong> following the RCL process. The goal was to standardise amendments via datalink rather than voice, and reduce readback\/hearback error opportunities.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t go smoothly. Reports of confusion followed – especially around how amended routes were being issued and how they were being integrated into the FMS.<\/p>\n

In May 2025, NAV CANADA temporarily reverted<\/a> to issuing pre-oceanic entry amendments by VHF instead.<\/strong> However, Gander has indicated it intends to resume CPDLC route uplinks, potentially before summer 2026.<\/p>\n

So this issue isn\u2019t historical. It\u2019s current \u2013 and likely to become more relevant again soon.<\/p>\n

Crew Error<\/h4>\n

Gander has reported a significant number of uplinks that are not promptly or correctly actioned.<\/p>\n

The typical sequence looks like this:<\/strong><\/p>\n

CPDLC route uplink sent \u2192 crew responds \u201cWILCO\u201d \u2192 about 5 minutes later ATC sends \u201cCONFIRM ASSIGNED ROUTE\u201d \u2192 crew replies with the route string (e.g. N47A RESNO 47N050W 48N040W 49N030W 49N020W MALOT GISTI).<\/em><\/p>\n

ATC is verifying three things:<\/strong><\/p>\n