Benefits of commercial data link security

Beginning in the late 70's, the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) has evolved from a basic pilot time tracing system to a two-way communications system for Airline Operational Control (AOC), tracking aircraft movement, and providing critical performance information, such as engine health. In the 90's Air Traffic Services (ATS) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) two-way communications were added. Typical ATC Infrastructure has thoroughly addressed the security of the ground to ground data communications network. However, another area of Data Communications Information Assurance that should be investigated is the ground to cockpit link. This paper proposes a plan to investigate that link.