RTCA DO-219-1993 PDF

Full title and description

Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for ATC Two‑Way Data Link Communications — RTCA DO‑219 (original issue). Defines functional, performance, interface and test requirements for airborne equipment that supports ATC two‑way data link (TWDL) services and the ATC communications (ATCCOMM) function between aircraft and ground ATC systems.

Abstract

DO‑219 (1993) provides minimum operational performance standards for airborne equipment used to exchange ATC messages via two‑way data link. It specifies the airborne message set, data structures, encoding guidance, performance and installed‑equipment requirements, and test procedures needed to ensure interoperable, safe, and reliable exchange of predeparture clearances, clearances, reports and requests between aircraft and ATC ground systems over Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) media.

General information

• Status: Published / original issue (in service for TWDL MOPS).
• Publication date: 27 August 1993.
• Publisher: RTCA, Inc. (developed by RTCA Special Committee SC‑169).
• ICS / categories: 49 (Aircraft and space vehicle engineering) — specifically avionics/on‑board communications (typical classification: 49.060 / 49.090).
• Edition / version: DO‑219 — original RTCA MOPS issue (1993).
• Number of pages: Approximately 340 pages (complete MOPS with appendices and sample message material).

Scope

Specifies the operational and technical requirements for airborne ATC two‑way data link communications equipment necessary to support TWDL services. Scope includes message definitions and syntax, data structures and encoding rules, performance and installation requirements, functional characteristics, interoperability considerations with ATC ground systems and the ATN, and acceptance and verification test procedures. The document addresses airborne equipment and the end‑to‑end behaviour required to support operational ATC message exchanges.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the ATC two‑way data link (TWDL) service model and operational concepts (predeparture clearance, clearances, reports, requests).
• Airborne message set and message structure (detailed message definitions and examples).
• Data structures glossary and mapping to encoding rules (includes guidance on Packed Encoding Rules / PER usage).
• Functional and performance requirements for airborne equipment (timing, reliability, message integrity, availability).
• Installed equipment performance, environmental and interface requirements.
• Test procedures, verification and validation methods for conformance to MOPS.
• Appendices with encoding guidance, sample messages, and state tables for implementation and testing.

Typical use and users

Used by avionics manufacturers, systems integrators, airline engineering and operations groups, certification authorities (e.g., FAA), ground system developers, and test laboratories when designing, implementing, certifying or procuring airborne ATC two‑way data link equipment and related software. Also referenced by program managers and standards bodies working on ATN/CPDLC interoperability and operational procedures.

Related standards

Closely related RTCA and EUROCAE documents and aviation guidance, commonly referenced alongside DO‑219, include other RTCA DO/ED series on data link and avionics (examples: DO‑212 / ADS, DO‑232 operations concepts for data link, DO‑178 for software considerations), ICAO data link/ATN material, and subsequent CPDLC/MOPS or MASPS documents that build on TWDL concepts.

Keywords

DO‑219, RTCA, MOPS, ATC two‑way data link, TWDL, ATCCOMM, message set, PER (Packed Encoding Rules), ATN, CPDLC, airborne communications, avionics, test procedures.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: RTCA DO‑219 is a Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) published in 1993 that specifies requirements for airborne ATC two‑way data link communications equipment and the message set used for ATC exchanges.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers operational definitions, the detailed ATC two‑way message set and data structures, encoding guidance, functional and installed equipment performance requirements, environmental/interface considerations, and verification/test procedures required for compliant airborne equipment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Avionics manufacturers, airlines and operators, certification authorities, ground system developers, systems integrators and test laboratories use DO‑219 when designing, certifying, procuring or testing airborne TWDL equipment and related software.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: DO‑219 is the original RTCA MOPS for ATC two‑way data link issued on 27 August 1993. Implementers should verify whether later RTCA or EUROCAE documents, FAA/ICAO provisions, or industry CPDLC/ATN standards have updated or superseded specific requirements for their application; program‑level certification authorities determine which edition is applicable for a given project.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. DO‑219 is part of the RTCA DO series of avionics and aviation systems standards. It is commonly considered alongside other DO documents addressing data link, ADS, software (DO‑178), system performance (MASPS), and operational concept documents that together form the normative baseline for airborne communications and ATN interoperability.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ATC two‑way data link, TWDL, MOPS, message set, ATCCOMM, PER, ATN, CPDLC, avionics, RTCA DO‑219.