Which statement best describes Data Communications (D-ATC)?

• A. It is text-based digital communication to reduce voice workload and increase reliability.
• B. It is a video-based chat between pilots.
• C. It is a weather data feed.
• D. It automatically files flight plans.

Answer: (A)

Data Communications uses a text-based digital channel to send and acknowledge messages between pilots and air traffic control, replacing or supplementing voice radio transmissions. This approach reduces voice workload and increases reliability because messages are standardized, can be logged, and are less prone to mishearing or misinterpretation than spoken phrases. That’s why describing D-ATC as a text-based digital communication to reduce voice workload and improve reliability is the best fit. It isn’t a video chat, nor a weather data feed, and it isn’t solely about automatically filing flight plans—those functions are separate aspects of aviation data systems.