EU-Mandated Switch to Pilot Texting Brings Risks

A European effort to streamline communications between pilots and air-traffic controllers is creating confusion and safety threats, according to the European Aviation Safety Agency, the region's aviation regulator.

Nagging problems with the $1.3-billion initiative -- intended to replace voice communication with text messaging -- have broad international implications. The same type of electronic data-link systems also are essential components of future air-traffic control upgrades planned for the US and other regions.