Datalink

Starting with version 5 released in December 2023, our docking devices support the exchange of Airport Collaborative Decision Making information over a datalink with VATSIM.

This means that at major airports, you can see data related to your flight directly on docking devices, and VATSIM controllers can send updates if there are delays or other changes.

To try it out yourself, you need to install VDGS module and a compatible airport. Visit Supported airports for a list of airports that support the datalink.

Then start a flight, file a flight plan on VATSIM, and you may see your flight information displayed on the docking device in front of you.

At the moment, ENGM Oslo Gardermoen and ESSA Stockholm Arlanda have an automatic process that generates startup information for you. At other airports, startup information is set by controllers and depends on their availability.

Airport Collaborative Decision Making

Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) is an initiative that brings together airport operators, ground handling companies, airlines, and air traffic control services for the real-time exchange of information.

A-CDM procedures establish clear milestones, such as ground handlers reporting when they expect an airplane to be ready for pushback or traffic controllers issuing expected engine startup and take-off times.

These milestones are identified by their four-letter abbreviations. At airports that have implemented A-CDM procedures, Target Off-Block Time (TOBT) and Target Startup Approval Time (TSAT) are the two most common values displayed on docking devices. TOBT indicates the time when boarding is completed, jetways and stairs have been removed, and ground handlers are ready for pushback. TSAT indicates the time when you can expect approval to start your engines.

Docking devices may also display your take-off time slot, expected runway for take-off, and the planned Standard Instrument Departure (SID) procedure. For more information about these procedures, refer to the textual part of airport charts and Eurocontrol’s manuals.

A-CDM in VATSIM

Bringing A-CDM to VATSIM is an on-going effort. We have developed a simulation of A-CDM procedures that runs autonomously even when no controllers are on duty. When controllers are available, they can access a panel that shows flights much like a real-life A-CDM software, and they are able to make manual adjustments.

On top of that, we have published an open specification at fs.nool.ee that allows anyone to publish data from their own software for our docking devices to display.

This has been implemented in:

• vACDM tool developed by the vACDM team from VATSIM Germany - used to publish data for German airports.

• Euroscope CDM plugin developed by Roger Puig - used to publish data for Spain.

You an see an interactive map of covered locations by visiting Supported airports.