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The Smart Aviator · Sep 18, 2025 · 18 min

Texting ATC: Expanding Data Comm

The FAA's CPDLC Data Communication program delivers air-to-ground textual data that eases radio congestion and can reduce both controller and pilot workload. It's not exactly new technology and for airlines and corporate jet ops the system has been in play for a while. But Garmin recently released an upgrade for the GTN 750Xi navigator, along with the GDR 66 data comm transceiver, which is expanding the technology to more airplanes. But it's still limited to high flyers. In this episode of the Smart Aviator podcast, airline captain and Smart Aviator contributor Sy Pinkert talks through the technology with Larry Anglisano.

0:00-18:53

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show notes

The FAA's CPDLC Data Communication program delivers air-to-ground textual data that eases radio congestion and can reduce both controller and pilot workload. It's not exactly new technology and for airlines and corporate jet ops the system has been in play for a while. But Garmin recently released an upgrade for the GTN 750Xi navigator, along with the GDR 66 data comm transceiver, which is expanding the technology to more airplanes. But it's still limited to high flyers. In this episode of the Smart Aviator podcast, airline captain and Smart Aviator contributor Sy Pinkert talks through the technology with Larry Anglisano.