Abstract: Embodiments for seamless air traffic control (ATC) data link transfers are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a method includes receiving a new air traffic control center designation from an original air traffic control center through an active connection. The active connection is based on a first data link standard. The method further includes initiating control transfer by at least one of an aircraft logon to a new air traffic control center or a contact between the original and new traffic control centers. The method additional includes establishing an inactive connection between the new air traffic control center and the aircraft based on a second link standard. The method also includes confirming the establishment of an inactive connection from the aircraft to the new air traffic control center. Additionally, the method includes terminating the active connection between the original air traffic control center and the aircraft.

Abstract: Embodiments for seamless air traffic control (ATC) data link transfers are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a method includes receiving a new air traffic control center designation from an original air traffic control center through an active connection. The active connection is based on a first data link standard. The method further includes initiating control transfer by at least one of an aircraft logon to a new air traffic control center or a contact between the original and new traffic control centers. The method additional includes establishing an inactive connection between the new air traffic control center and the aircraft based on a second link standard. The method also includes confirming the establishment of an inactive connection from the aircraft to the new air traffic control center. Additionally, the method includes terminating the active connection between the original air traffic control center and the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically transferring control from one air traffic control (ATC) center that uses one ATC data link standard to another ATC center that uses a different ATC data link standard are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a receiver component configured to receive at least a new air traffic control center designation message from an original air traffic control center through an active connection, an identifier component configured to determine a data link standard of a new air traffic control center from the message, a logon component to log the aircraft into the new center. The system further includes a connection component to establish an inactive connection with the new air traffic control center, a confirmation component to confirm the inactive connection, and a switch component to terminate the active connection and activate the inactive connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communication using a plurality of data link standards through a common operator interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes components configured to select and establish communication with an air traffic control center using one of a plurality of data link standards. The system further includes components configured to format at least one downlink page to only allow appropriate data inputs based on one or more functionalities of the data link standard, and encode one or more entered data inputs based on the selected data link standard and transmit the inputs to the air traffic control center. In a particular embodiment, the system further includes a components configured to receive and display each of the decoded uplink data transmission in a text message on a corresponding uplink display page according to one or more message text conventions of the selected data link standard.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for preparing to transmit data over a network. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to send message in a first communication protocol, the request to send message having a destination address; causing an initial write request to be transmitted to the destination address using a second communication protocol; and causing a subsequent write request to be transmitted to the destination address using the second communication protocol in response to an indication that an error message was received.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling incoming aircraft operation instructions are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes receiving from a source off-board an aircraft an instruction for changing a characteristic of the aircraft, and automatically displaying at least a portion of the instruction at a first display location. In response to receiving a first input signal directed by an operator onboard the aircraft, the method can further include displaying at least a target portion of the instruction at a second display location, without the instruction being manually regenerated, and without the instruction becoming part of a flight plan list. In response to receiving a second input signal directed by an operator, the method can further include displaying at least a target portion of the instruction at a third display location, again without the instruction being manually regenerated.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented methods for handling incoming aircraft operation instructions are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes receiving from a source off-board an aircraft an instruction for a change in a characteristic of the aircraft during operation (e.g., a change in heading, altitude or air speed of the aircraft). The method can further include automatically determining whether or not at least a portion of the instruction is to be implemented once a condition is met. If at least a portion of the instruction is to be implemented once a condition is met, the method can further include automatically carrying out a first course of action. If implementation of at least a portion of the instruction is not predicated upon fulfilling a condition is met, the method can further include automatically carrying out a second course of action different than the first course of action.