Gander to Issue All Route Amendments by VHF Voice Only

June 10, 2025

Nav Canada recently announced that Gander domestic controllers will be issuing oceanic route amendments via VHF voice communications in lieu of controller pilot data link communications (CPDLC) uplink route amendment clearance messages.

This change is the result of pilot confusion and increased ATC workload regarding oceanic route clearance changes issued through CPDLC. Pilots should expect VHF voice only for eastbound pre-oceanic route amendments from Gander until Dec. 31, 2025, even if the aircraft is logged on and able to receive CPDLC route amendments.

All other oceanic clearance removal procedures, including oceanic flight planning, route clearance submission requirements and timing and CPDLC route conformance monitoring, will continue unchanged. Once past oceanic entry point, route changes issued to aircraft will continue to be issued by CPDLC or HF communications.

Pilots should review active NOTAMs to verify current procedures, as the intended transition date back to CPDLC could change.

“That date might change and firm up a bit at some point, especially after Shanwick Oceanic Control finally removes oceanic clearances too, which is likely to happen after the summer,” said David Mumford of the OPSGROUP.

Pilots can make the airspace safer by staying informed and implementing a few best practices.

“Send your RCL at the right time, don’t ask ATC for an oceanic clearance and most importantly – don’t climb without ATC approval,” Mumford advised. The OPSGROUP provides additional guidance on its website, including a Gander RCL Crew Brief and Checklist.

Read AIP Canada Supplement 046/2025 for additional details.