Commercial Fixed Wing
Communication Breakdown; Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft
ACARS on every one of my flights in [my rotation] has been NO COMM when descending into congested airspace. Doesn't matter where or aircraft type. During critical phases; a primary Safety tool is out of service. Spotty WiFi makes retrieving landing data nearly impossible. A divert would be an unnecessary challenge to legally pull off.
The reporter stated that the ACARS 'NO COMM' occurs very often in congested airspace. The reporter stated that it's due to the lack of bandwidth. The reporter stated that normally when the frequency is congested; ACARS will find another frequency to acquire the data; not so since the latest updates. The reporter also stated that if the ACARS is a 'NO COMM' you have to get the data using WIFI (and that signal is iffy at best) or calling dispatch for the information (which is very slow and not very efficient). The reporter stated that there used to be a work around by going into the diagnostic pages and coming in the 'back door' to get a usable frequency to acquire the data. The reporter also stated that if you get a late runway change it takes more than 20 minutes to get set up with the proper procedures for the SID or a STAR arrival due to ACARS 'NO COMM.' The reporter stated that in the past they used a laptop that they carried with them for this type of information; but it was discouraged.
Air Carrier Pilot reported that ACARS displayed 'NO COMM' when descending into congested airspace.