The DCL – Datalink Clearance tool will be used to generate the clearances. When a clearance is issued, it also automatically populates the corresponding fields on the Label.

The runway field will show the runway set up in the ATIS info. If it doesn’t show up automatically, or is the wrong runway, either the ATIS wasn’t completed correctly, or the flight plan isn’t submitted properly.

The SID designator is populated according to the first waypoint on the flightplan route. If the airplane equipment has the RNAV (“R”) designator inserted, it will retrieve a RNAV SID, otherwise, it will retrieve a Conventional SID. If no SID’s are available, the DCL can not be used.

At the present version of the software, you need to manually insert a Squawk code. In the future, this will also be automatically generated.

The next frequency / sector, should be the lower airborne sector the traffic will fly into. So, the order of selection is _APP, _CTR, _TWR, _GND, _DEL. This is because the ground sectors shouldn’t assume any labels, and since all traffics must contact Approach when airborne, there is no need for the tower to assume the traffic.

Finally, if clearance is being given by voice, give the clearance to the pilot and select the “Voice” Button. If clearance is being given via CPDLC (text), click the “Send DCL” button and the pilot will receive the CLD message on IvAp.

Whichever action is chosen, the Label will be automatically filled with the CLD instruction, mainly the SID and CFL that is defined on the FIRDEF.