EASA Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) Data Analysis Methodology

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.

Aircraft are analysed to identify any exceedances (a specialist task typically performed using software tools).

Gathering FDM Data

Traditionally, data needs to be downloaded to a removable disk regularly before the data is lost. But latest technologies allow wireless data transmission from recorders to the ground station, which is more accessible for research and monitoring purposes.

Ground Data Replay and Analysis System (GDRAS) and other analysis tools can assist analysts to replay and animate the flight data.

Advanced data replay tools can provide different views of the flight. Relative high automation has been achieved by some of the analysis software, which greatly simplifies the data presentation method.

Flight Data Monitoring Data Assessment

Routine Operational Measurement (ROM). A “snapshot” look 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 of time or condition. Since ROMs are collected on every flight, they provide valuable trending insight into normal operations.

Routine operational measurements are also useful in establishing a baseline for normal aircraft operation across a fleet.

Analysis of the Data usually Takes Three Forms:

To provide for the Continuous comparison of flight profile, engine and systems operation within a set of defined parameters – the purpose being to detect exceedances.

To enable the Compilation of data to support oversight on a continuous basis of the operation as well as the condition of engines and systems.

To be available when required to support Diagnostics, research and incident investigation.

Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) Validation

Once an event has been identified, it should be confirmed as a valid “event” after which the flight safety officer is able to investigate the circumstances which sit behind the event.

Flight Data Monitoring Further Guidance

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