Toby C over on the Horizon Simulations discord server confirms that Hoppie ACARS/CPDLC functionality is coming to the freeware developer’s 787-9.
For those unaware, Hoppie ACARS is a system that is used on the VATSIM network to facilitate CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications) between air traffic controllers and pilots. The system can be run from a web browser connected to your VATSIM account, although a number of add-ons for various simulators including the Fenix and FlyByWire A320s both make use of the system in the cockpit itself, allowing simmers to communicate with ATC without the need to add congestion to busy frequencies.
The teaser screenshots released by Toby show the CPDLC system working on the 787’s MFD, with options for “ATC”, “Flight Information”, “Company”, “Review” and “Manager”. In the ATC section, we can see a number of options such as altitude requests, conditional clearances, speed requests, free text, position reports (for oceanic flights), and “when can we expect” requests.
We also see messages received from ATC by the aircraft in the screenshots, including one message clearing the aircraft direct to an en-route waypoint, one giving pre-departure clearance, as well as “communications established” confirmations. We also see a logon status page, where the user can request a handshake with ATC to log onto their sector.
Also included is the ability to request a text ATIS and specific routings.
Toby says in their post that these systems have been engineered by the talented developer Elias, who is resident on the Horizon team.
No information is shared as to when we can expect the Hoppie integration to make its way over into the publicly available versions of the 787-9, although FSElite will keep you up to date when such details are announced.
