What are the dates by which aircraft must be data link equipped?
The date for forward fit is 1st January 2011; as stated in IR Article 3(2). All aircraft with an individual CoA first issued on or after this date must have the capability to operate the defined data link services when flying in the specified airspace. (This is the “Forward Fit” date). In IR Article 15 the “Entry into force” date of 7th February 2013 refers to the date of availability of the end to end Service, which includes the ground capability. This date does not change the applicability of the aircraft forward fit date of 1st January 2011. The date for retro fit is 5th February 2015; as stated in IR Article 3(3). All aircraft with an individual CoA first issued before 1st January 2011 must have been retro-fitted with the capability to operate the defined data link services when flying in the specified airspace by 5th February 2015. (This is the “Retrofit” date).
