Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Aircraft
I have noticed a change in the program of the ACARS; to the point that shortly after takeoff it seems to be running a communication schedule that makes it communicate many times after departure. Each time it sends or receives data it emits a loud squeal that can be heard in our headsets. The noise is similar to the noise that the old dial-up modems used to make while connecting. On multiple flights; this noise has been heard; it is not specific to any one tail number. I have not flown a 200 model CRJ recently but I have heard it on both the 700 and 900 models. This noise became of particular concern today when it blocked the communication of instructions from ATC during a very busy departure. It required us to ask ATC to repeat instructions twice. It even blocked discussions with myself and my First Officer. The interruption did not lead to any mistakes however it is very distracting. This is a new noise that I have not noticed prior to the changes to the ACARS that incorporated the new far 117 sign-in/verification procedures. There at least 6 different occasions per flight where this noise can be heard each burst lasts around 1-2 seconds; all occurring below 10;000 FT. I have considered turning off the data function of the ACARS until reached 10;000. I have not done this yet.
CRJ900 Captain reports ACARS interference with with VHF ATC communication right after takeoff on numerous occasions with different aircraft. The problem is new to the fleet and may have begin with ACARS software changes required by FAR 117.