Communications facilities—domestic and flag operations

Airlines operating domestic and flag routes must maintain two-way communication systems covering their entire route network. These systems must provide reliable contact between aircraft and both their dispatch office and air traffic control, using either direct links or approved communication networks.

For domestic and flag operations, the aircraft-to-dispatch communication system must be independent of any U.S. government-operated system, except during emergencies.

Flag carriers flying ETOPS routes face additional requirements:

• Voice communication must be available where facilities exist, considering potential diversion routes and altitudes to ETOPS alternates
• For ETOPS beyond 180 minutes, a second communication system is required (since February 2008), capable of immediate satellite-based voice communications with telephone-quality clarity for reaching both ATC and the airline
• Two-engine aircraft with 207-minute ETOPS approval in the North Pacific needed this dual system by February 2007

When required communication quality isn't available, operators must substitute alternative systems.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*