FDM Data Analysis Introduction

Introduction

EASA Compliant Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) is the exploitation of flight data to support an understanding of the various exposures, the knowledge of which, may successfully lead to the development of mitigations that can be employed to enhance flight safety.

Aircraft are analysed to identify any exceedances (a specialist task typically performed using software tools). Analysts can analyse data from normal ops to identify trends before there is a significant event or incident.

Data Trending

Data gathered can be trended over multiple flights to determine the number of exceedances occurring per flight segment.

In addition, the data can also be trended to determine which phase of flight, airport, or runway, if appropriate, depending on the event type.

Levels of exceedance can be programmed for particular events based on the operator’s risk assessment to assist in focusing resources on implementing corrective action on the highest perceived operational risk area.

Event Data

Whilst each event needs to be investigated and appropriate management decisions made by the airline. Event data may also be managed so that wider and longer-term trends can be identified and corrective action taken.

The amount of Digital Data available in modern aircraft facilitates FDM providing the opportunity for effective analysis which is essential to provide for the best decisions regarding both the performance of flight crew as well as the aircraft systems and processes.

Flight Data Monitoring Data Assessment

Routine Operational Measurement (ROM). A “snapshot” looks at a selected parameter value at predefined points in time or space during every flight being analyzed by the Ground Data Replay and Analysis System (GDRAS).

ROMs provide standard statistics (e.g., minimum, maximum, average) for the specified parameter for a particular period or condition. Since ROMs are collected on every flight, they provide valuable trending insight into normal operations.

Considering Urgent Actions Following Data Analysis

Identification of Urgent Actions - There are several circumstances where FDM data will indicate that immediate safety action is required and a fast procedure to ensure safety-critical remedial action should be defined.

Note - In general, urgent actions are associated with Continued Airworthiness checks, rather than operational situations.

Data Verification

Initial Verification of Data - The first step in the investigation process is to ensure the information is realistic and presents a consistent picture. VALIDATION IS CRITICAL. Before any action is instigated the basic FDR information must be thoroughly checked. Well-written FDM software should automate as much of this process as practical.

Flight Data Monitoring Further Guidance