SofemaOnline www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at a typical FDM configuration

Primary Objective

According to Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012, “Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) means the proactive and non-punitive use of digital flight data from routine operations to improve aviation safety”.

European regulations expect the National Aviation Authority – NAA (competent authority) to have oversight of the Management Systems of their aircraft operators.

An EASA Flight Data Monitoring System (FDM) provides a set of tools for the operator to monitor operational safety. (FDM becomes the main data source for monitoring the operational safety level.)

When considered alongside a reporting system, FDM can become a vital and integral part of an effective and integrated Operators Management System.

The Role of Providing Feedback

FDM offers the possibility of feeding back FDM-derived information to their training departments and flight crews.

A formalised and recognised approach to linking FDM with training may become part of an Alternative Training and Qualification Programme (ATQP).

An important element of this oversight is how the FDM data is used and analysed by the aircraft operator to define adequate measures for safety improvement and assurance.

Integration Within a Safety Management System (SMS)

In addition, FDM data can feed into its State Safety Programme (SSP) by providing information concerning the general level of implementation of the FDM programmes by aircraft operators.

With the advent of the concept of the (Safety) Management System, FDM is a natural data source for the Management System. According to Regulation (EC) 2018/1178 Annex IV, 8.a.4, ‘the operator must implement and maintain a management system to ensure compliance with these essential requirements for operations and aim for continuous improvement of this system’.

EASA uses the term ‘Management System’ which is considered to encompass the ICAO concept of ‘safety management system’.

The principle of the Management System concept is that organisations can integrate the new safety risk management elements into their existing system of management. It offers more flexibility since organisations may still refer to their SMS, QMS, or SQMS, etc., as long as they can demonstrate that the provisions of Part ORO are met.

This is also considered in line with systems thinking: in reality, the organisation should have only one management system, which entails specific features to control the processes and requires feedback channels.

Management Systems of an aircraft operator are described in ORO.GEN.200. They include, among others: “(a)(3) the identification of aviation safety hazards entailed by the activities of the operator, their evaluation and the management of associated risks, including taking actions to mitigate the risk and verify their effectiveness;”