Normally between ____ to ____ miles, the pilot will receive via data link a landing check discrete signal to indicate positive data-link communications between aircraft and ship.

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The idea being tested is how data-link checks are timed during carrier operations. The landing check discrete signal is a confirmation that positive data-link communications are established between the aircraft and the ship. This relies on a reliable line-of-sight link, which is most dependable when the aircraft is within a specific distance window as it approaches.

Four to eight miles is the standard window because it balances reliability and timing. Within this range, the data-link signal is typically robust enough for the pilot to receive the indicator and for the ship to confirm the link status without being so close that the check has already moved into the final approach phase. If the aircraft is farther than eight miles, the signal can become unstable or unreliable; if it’s closer than four miles, the aircraft would already be maneuvering for landing and the discrete check would not be the appropriate trigger for that phase.

So, the correct range reflects when both sides can clearly exchange and confirm the landing data-link status during the approach.