B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 198; Flight Crew Type 8175
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft
While at FL390 I noticed ACARS 'NO COMM' message. We were starting to prepare for an arrival into DEN with significant weather on the field; low visibilities and snow. We were unable to get performance weight and balance; current ATIS or gate info via ACARS. It remained that way until we parked at the gate. We were able to complete our flight using the Optimum Performance Capable (OPC) and broadcast ATIS then call in range as we did before ACARs.What concerns me is that earlier in the month I transited DEN and noticed the same loss of ACARS COMM capability when approaching from the east. Going into LAX I lost ACARS COMM for a while during descent. And at DAL; at Top of Descent; ACARS was unavailable until we landed. Dispatch had been trying to relay turbulence reports to us and none made it to us. As we transition to the ACARS based performance weight and balance it is appearing that ACARS is becoming more unreliable. Also we are losing our primary means of COMM with Dispatch. When I notice the non COMM message I usually pull up the local ARINC frequency to monitor as secondary COMM capability with Dispatch. While swapping aircraft in DEN; our inbound Captain commented on his ACARS no COMM experience. So it was not just our aircraft either.
B737NG Captain reported that recurring ACARS communications issues result in a loss of the primary means of communication with Dispatch and the ability to receive vital performance data.