Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a ground station for air-ground communications are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a communications device operable to maintain bi-directional communications between an aircraft and a selected ground station, and a communications processor coupled to the device that is configured to select the ground station by executing a logical rule that is based upon a signal strength value of the ground station and at least one of an aircraft altitude and an occupancy value of the frequency channel.

Abstract: System and method for the adaptive control of VHF communications in aircraft. In one embodiment, the invention includes an adaptive communications system for an aircraft having a communications processor that accesses a communications switching model to select a preferred ground communications station. In another embodiment, a method of communication between an aircraft and a ground station includes receiving a communications switching model and determining a flight parameter for the aircraft as the aircraft navigates along a flight route and selecting a ground station based upon the determined flight parameter. The aircraft then communicates with the selected ground station. In still another embodiment, a method for compiling a communications switching model includes receiving signals from a ground station and measuring a signal strength. A preferred ground station is selected based upon the measured signal strength value.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing changes to Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) defined messages without initiating regulatory requirements. The system receives a message formatted according to ASN.1 compatible encoding rules, such as Basic Encoding Rules (BER) or Packed Encoding Rules (PER) and decodes the received message based on a previously stored configuration information file (CIF). In addition, the system encodes ASN.1 defined messages, which are to be sent, using ASN.1 compatible encoding rules based on the information stored in the CIF. The messages are transmitted and received according to a datalink protocol, such as the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) protocol or the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) protocol. In addition, the CIF also defines processing (beyond encoding/decoding) associated with the message.