No SELCAL for DAL overseas flights

[b7spectra]

I had the opportunity to meet a 767 Captain for Delta. He mentioned that he was headed from ATL to Barcelona, Spain later this week. I said "I'll listen for your SELCAL", to which he said "Once we check in with Gander, we switch over to satellite until we land". Anyone ever work that? I always used to listen to HF on the aeronautic band for the SELCAL's, but now they may be going away?

 

[PHL_Approach]

Sounds like he was referring to CPDLC. I still didn't think anyone was using it other than American who was IIRC the first company to put the system in use.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controller_Pilot_Data_Link_Communications

Here is a photo of CPDLC in use on an AAL T7

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyforfun/16331361/in/set-395721/

 

[b7spectra]

So, is it monitorable?

 

[Chris-KH2PM]

So, is it monitorable?

You cannot monitor ADS or CPDLC 'satcom'.

More on CPDLC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controller_Pilot_Data_Link_Communications

More on ADS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_dependent_surveillance-broadcast


You can monitor HF Datalink though, with an HF receiver and a good antenna.

More here: http://www.scancapecod.us/messageboard/archive/index.php/t-4756.html

Most of the major airlines regularly flying across the NAT Tracks use ADS/CPDLC. Still need to get
an HF "SELCAL check" though, since HF is the backup.

 

[b7spectra]

Yeah, the pilot told me they "check in" with Gander and then hit the satellite. Sounds like they are going the way of HF marine band.