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This answer has a rather interesting (and quite lengthy) discussion, on a concept of using text-based rather than voice-based communication between ATC and the cockpit. As it turns out, the FAA has some plans for that already as mentioned by @reirab. Being a simmer rather than a pilot, I've always found text-based ATC quite convenient (it provides a direct reference to your own instructions as well as instructions to others on your frequency), but the discussion in the linked answer showed some pilots opposed to such a system. My question is twofold:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?
• What is the current state of affairs of this concept? Are there specific methods of implementation across various instances - e.g., FAA, EASA, ICAO or other regulatory bodies - and do aircraft (systems) manufacturers anticipate such systems, or would perhaps a software update suffice on modern aircraft?

Edit: Perhaps it's better to concentrate mainly on IFR traffic, since their procedures are more formal (spacing, landing sequence etc. are decided by ATC) and things like voice call-outs (e.g., the nice voice that calls you a retard in an Airbus also calls for a go-around) are available at no extra cost.

This answer has a rather interesting (and quite lengthy) discussion, on a concept of using text-based rather than voice-based communication between ATC and the cockpit. As it turns out, the FAA has some plans for that already as mentioned by @reirab. Being a simmer rather than a pilot, I've always found text-based ATC quite convenient (it provides a direct reference to your own instructions as well as instructions to others on your frequency), but the discussion in the linked answer showed some pilots opposed to such a system. My question is twofold:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?
• What is the current state of affairs of this concept? Are there specific methods of implementation across various instances - e.g., FAA, EASA, ICAO or other regulatory bodies - and do aircraft (systems) manufacturers anticipate such systems, or would perhaps a software update suffice on modern aircraft?

Edit: Perhaps it's better to concentrate mainly on IFR traffic, since their procedures are more formal (spacing, landing sequence etc. are decided by ATC) and things like voice call-outs (e.g., the nice voice that calls you a retard in an Airbus also calls for a go-around) are available at no extra cost.

This answer has a rather interesting (and quite lengthy) discussion, on a concept of using text-based rather than voice-based communication between ATC and the cockpit. As it turns out, the FAA has some plans for that already as mentioned by @reirab. Being a simmer rather than a pilot, I've always found text-based ATC quite convenient (it provides a direct reference to your own instructions as well as instructions to others on your frequency), but the discussion in the linked answer showed some pilots opposed to such a system. My question is twofold:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?
• What is the current state of affairs of this concept? Are there specific methods of implementation across various instances - e.g., FAA, EASA, ICAO or other regulatory bodies - and do aircraft (systems) manufacturers anticipate such systems, or would perhaps a software update suffice on modern aircraft?

Edit: Perhaps it's better to concentrate mainly on IFR traffic, since their procedures are more formal and things like voice call-outs (e.g., the nice voice that calls you a retard in an Airbus also calls for a go-around) are available at no extra cost.

This answer has a rather interesting (and quite lengthy) discussion, on a concept of using text-based rather than voice-based communication between ATC and the cockpit. As it turns out, the FAA has some plans for that already as mentioned by @reirab. Being a simmer rather than a pilot, I've always found text-based ATC quite convenient (it provides a direct reference to your own instructions as well as instructions to others on your frequency), but the discussion in the linked answer showed some pilots opposed to such a system. My question is twofold:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?
• What is the current state of affairs of this concept? Are there specific methods of implementation across various instances - e.g., FAA, EASA, ICAO or other regulatory bodies - and do aircraft (systems) manufacturers anticipate such systems, or would perhaps a software update suffice on modern aircraft?

Edit: Perhaps it's better to concentrate mainly on IFR traffic, since their procedures are more formal (spacing, landing sequence etc. are decided by ATC) and things like voice call-outs (e.g., the nice voice that calls you a retard in an Airbus also calls for a go-around) are available at no extra cost.

This answer has a rather interesting (and quite lengthy) discussion, on a concept of using text-based rather than voice-based communication between ATC and the cockpit. As it turns out, the FAA has some plans for that already as mentioned by @reirab. Being a simmer rather than a pilot, I've always found text-based ATC quite convenient (it provides a direct reference to your own instructions as well as instructions to others on your frequency), but the discussion in the linked answer showed some pilots opposed to such a system. My question is twofold:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?
• What is the current state of affairs of this concept? Are there specific methods of implementation across various instances - e.g., FAA, EASA, ICAO or other regulatory bodies - and do aircraft (systems) manufacturers anticipate such systems, or would perhaps a software update suffice on modern aircraft?

This answer has a rather interesting (and quite lengthy) discussion, on a concept of using text-based rather than voice-based communication between ATC and the cockpit. As it turns out, the FAA has some plans for that already as mentioned by @reirab. Being a simmer rather than a pilot, I've always found text-based ATC quite convenient (it provides a direct reference to your own instructions as well as instructions to others on your frequency), but the discussion in the linked answer showed some pilots opposed to such a system. My question is twofold:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?
• What is the current state of affairs of this concept? Are there specific methods of implementation across various instances - e.g., FAA, EASA, ICAO or other regulatory bodies - and do aircraft (systems) manufacturers anticipate such systems, or would perhaps a software update suffice on modern aircraft?

Edit: Perhaps it's better to concentrate mainly on IFR traffic, since their procedures are more formal and things like voice call-outs (e.g., the nice voice that calls you a retard in an Airbus also calls for a go-around) are available at no extra cost.