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 which can be employed to enhance flight safety.

Aircrafts 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.

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.

What is Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA)?

Even though Aviation is probably the safest form of mass transport, there remains an inherent obligation to reduce exposure and thereby drive down accident rates.

Operational Flight Data Monitoring, known more recently as Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA), is probably the most important safety tool available to aviation.

Essentially 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 which can be employed to enhance flight safety.

SofemaOnline www.sofemaonline.com takes a looks 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 sources for monitoring the operational safety level.)

Introduction

The Key to a successful delivery of “CAMO” Continuing Airworthiness is without doubt “Core Competency” across the key business elements of Continuing Airworthiness Manager (CAM), Maintenance Planning (MP), Engineering (Eng), Reliability (REL) and Tech Records (T/L).

Remember that the goal of EASA compliance is a step on the journey and not the destination – the focus of any effective Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) should be to maximize the availability, reliability and safety of the fleet as well as focusing on a reduction in maintenance costs.

EASA Focus is shifting to a Performance Based Approach to Regulation

A “Performance Based Approach” brings to the fore two challenges:

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the challenges of Public Speaking and how we can benefit from a knowledge of non verbal techniques

Realities of Non Verbal Communication

Lets Consider a few of the realities we face related to Non Verbal Communication Techniques.

Our words only count for small percentage of the actual success of our message, in fact the major part of our message is transmitted by our Body Language, Facial Expression as well as the tone of our voice.

Our audience is generally looking for a positive experience – they are not expecting to be subjected to negative feelings and emotions.

SofemaOnline (www.sofemaonline.com) looks at effective use of PowerPoint to support Presentations

PowerPoint slides are an excellent tool and aid to learning particularly if used effectively and can emphasise a point as well as provide humour and at the same time become an anchor for a message.

Consider some PowerPoint (PPT) challenges which we face as trainers:

a) It is possible to “hide” behind a PPT presentation

b) It can overload with information

c) The content may not be strong

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the role of icebreakers in Public Speaking

What is an Ice Breaker?

Ice breakers serve a multiple purpose by helping to relax the participants as well as building an open relationship and fostering a team relationship.

Ice breakers which appear spontaneous travel better and can be more effective than those which appear to mechanical in delivery. Always be non-judgmental with your communication to the delegates.

An Aviation Leadership and Management Skills Development Blog

Introduction

Let’s consider why are we making the presentation or speech, as well as to consider the reason the audience is in front of us?

Our first goal should be to get the message across to our audience that our objectives are in alignment - means that “their goals” are “our goals”. If we achieve this we should find the audience receptive.

Win over your audience by sharing that you respect their time and you do not intend waste it. That you are prepared and looking forward to sharing the information within your presentation.

Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com looks at the challenges to ensure we deliver the strongest possible presentation

Presentation is the Key to Success

The challenge is to maximum the effectiveness of the time we can commit to developing the presentation. Typically, you will be time constrained with many obligations. Nevertheless, it is essential we complete all the elements to prepare a presentation which:

a) We can be proud off

b) More importantly it is well received by the audience or delegates

Coming to Terms with Public Speaking

Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com looks at the challenges faced (and overcome) by successful public speakers.

As in all skill-based activities, practice makes if not perfect, for sure a better performance. We should therefore strive to connect with the audience in a personal way. If we can consider the audience as a collection of individuals rather than a group, we should generally feel more relaxed about speaking in public.

Connecting with the audience in such a way as you can demonstrate empathy and to address their specific needs, concerns and objections.

We usually overestimate our ability to communicate and this can even be magnified when the communication is with people who we know well. Often because we believe we have a deeper level of understanding than is actually the case.

We should try to speak to people as individuals even when they are in groups. Do not allow yourself to be distracted and focus on delivering your message in a genuine way with both enthusiasm and energy.

Knowing the Subject Matter is Essential

You really do need to know the subject, this is a fundamental part of establishing rapport and respect with you audience (both of which are essential for effective communication).

Pay particular attention to your audience and strive to build the connection, adjust your message so that it resonates with the audience, focus on getting your message across without overdoing, seek questions as a way of ensuring the message is received.

SofemaOnline – www.sofemaonline.com  considers the role of Dynamic Communication

Communication is actually a very dynamic process going far beyond the words we say. Whilst Communication essentially encompasses both language and speech it includes also the ability to share our thoughts and experiences in a meaningful way using other ways and means, for example body language.

Another way to look at Communication is to accept that it is a broadband process which is essentially made up of many single band processes. Consider that the actual speech used as well as each different type of non-verbal aspect can be considered as single elements that together make up the broadband process of communication.

We are able even without realizing that it is taking place to process multiple modes of communication is an automatic, part of our problem is that we do not even need to hear all of what is being said before we have begun to formulate our response!

Compliance Auditing brings with it the daily challenge of ensuring that the organisation remains at all times fully compliant with both internal and external obligations.

The Audit Management, Control and Oversight system should ensure that the established safety and quality procedures are fully complied with.

In addition :

a)     To plan and deliver audits

b)     To review findings

c)     To perform root cause analysis and develop additional actions where necessary (under the specific control or guidance of the business area owner of post holder)

In an effective Quality Management System QMS monitoring is a continuous process. It is essential to ensure robust and continuous oversight of all internal processes, and procedures.

Within our Aviation system both Quality and Safety Management systems have shared common values. To be effective they both have to be planned and managed and provided with appropriate resources. In addition both aim to involve every relevant functional element within the organization and indeed, both processes strive for continuous improvement. 

Root Cause is Root Cause you may correctly say! So how can there be a difference between Quality Management Systems (QMS) Root Cause and Safety Management Systems (SMS) Root Cause.

Lets first consider the Different roles of Quality & Safety.

Quality is looking at Compliance (It has happened!).

Quality systems tend not to consider the role of risk whereas of course this is a fundamental tenant of the SMS system.

The Quality Management System (QMS) remains however the primary means of ensuring that the organization is meeting requirements (Ensuring Regulatory Compliance) and continuously improving its processes.

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Management Evaluation is a comprehensive, systematic, documented review by the management of the quality system, operational policies and procedures, and the results of quality inspections, audits and any other indicators. It measures the overall effectiveness of the management organisation in achieving stated objectives.

Management Evaluation is also an essential element of a fully working EASA Compliance Monitoring system marked with the introduction of the management system concept by Regulation 965/2012. It is related to the importance of ensuring full awareness of any non-conformities together with an effective process for follow up and closure.

Presented by www.sofemaonline.com - Raising Awareness Through Training

Rising to the challenge of mentoring a growing workforce, becomes a more difficult challenge if the management lacks the specific skill set to deliver the Competency Management processes?

What do we mean by Competence?

Essentially we are talking about the ability of the individual to perform a task or series of task with the correct attitude awareness knowledge and understanding.

All EASA approved organisations are required to demonstrate the management of competence. 
Sometimes in sufficient attention is given by the organisation to the role of managing competence within the organisation employees who lack knowledge and experience may in fact increase the likelihood of an error or mistake (the worst outcome).

Background

EWIS was initially introduced as AMC material by EASA through AMC 20-21, AMC 20-22 and AMC 20-23.
Unlike Fuel Tank Safety (FTS) this was not driven by primary legislation (It should have been essentially there is little difference in the need for both FTS and EWIS). Тhis was a shortfall introduced by EASA which was later corrected in November 2011 with the enhanced requirement to include EWIS as part of the competence (but note this only applies to 145 - still not “fixed” for CAMO staff in many organisations who have not received EWIS training).

Every year there are literally hundreds of electrical events, incidents & accidents caused by Electrical wiring on commercial aircraft.

We are very pleased to announce the availability of our latest training which provides for an opportunity to update regarding both the status and effectiveness of your organisational SMS.

Building on the successful release of several Aircraft Maintenance Planning and Production Planning Courses we are pleased to offer this opportunity to provide for a review and update of SMS best practice processes to be developed within your organisation.

Developed to be completed in one day Safety Management System Overview and Recurrent provides for a comprehensive review of the overall effectiveness of your SMS.

We have watched Safety Management Systems grow following an understanding that the reality today is that the major cause of accidents is related to human error which in some way is able to impact the overall process increasing the level of risk and exposure.