Flight Data Monitoring – FDM is a pro-active process of collecting and analyzing aircraft flight data to identify potential safety hazards and operational risks. FDM data is collected from flight recorders, which are devices that record a wide range of flight parameters, such as altitude, speed, heading, and aircraft attitude. FDM programs typically use specialized software to analyze the data and identify trends and patterns that may indicate potential problems.

Flight Data Monitoring – FDM is a valuable tool for airlines and other aircraft operators to improve safety and efficiency.

It can be used to:

• Identify and correct unsafe operating practices
• Develop and improve training programs
• Improve aircraft maintenance schedules
• Reduce fuel consumption and emissions
• Improve on-time performance

FDM programs are typically designed and implemented by a team of aviation safety experts, including pilots, engineers, and data analysts. The program should be tailored to the specific needs of the operator and should be integrated into the overall safety management system.

Benefits of FDM

FDM offers a number of benefits to airlines and other aircraft operators, including:

• Improved safety: FDM can help to identify and correct unsafe operating practices before they lead to accidents or incidents. For example, FDM data can be used to identify pilots who are frequently exceeding altitude limits or making excessive control inputs. This information can then be used to develop targeted training programs or to provide feedback to individual pilots.
• Reduced costs: FDM can help to reduce costs by improving aircraft maintenance schedules and reducing fuel consumption. For example, FDM data can be used to identify aircraft that are experiencing excessive wear and tear on certain components. This information can then be used to schedule maintenance tasks more effectively and to avoid costly unscheduled maintenance.
• Improved efficiency: FDM can help to improve operational efficiency by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks and inefficiencies. For example, FDM data can be used to identify routes that are experiencing high levels of delays. This information can then be used to adjust flight schedules or to implement other measures to improve efficiency.

Flight Data Monitoring – FDM graphs

How FDM works

FDM programs typically work by following these steps:

1. Data collection: Flight data is collected from flight recorders, which are devices that record a wide range of flight parameters. Flight data recorders are required on all commercial aircraft and on many other types of aircraft, such as business jets and helicopters.
2. Data analysis: FDM programs use specialized software to analyze the flight data and identify trends and patterns that may indicate potential problems. The software may also compare the data to predetermined thresholds or benchmarks.
3. Reporting: FDM programs generate reports that highlight potential safety hazards and operational risks. These reports are typically reviewed by a team of aviation safety experts, who determine what follow-up action is needed.

Follow-up action

The follow-up action taken in response to an FDM report will vary depending on the nature of the finding. For example, if an FDM report identifies a pilot who is frequently exceeding altitude limits, the operator may provide the pilot with additional training or may take disciplinary action. If an FDM report identifies an aircraft that is experiencing excessive wear and tear on a certain component, the operator may schedule maintenance tasks more frequently or may replace the component.

FDM best practices

There are a number of best practices that should be followed when implementing and operating an FDM program. These include:

• Involve all stakeholders: The FDM program should be developed and implemented in consultation with all stakeholders, including pilots, engineers, maintenance personnel, and flight safety experts.

• Protect privacy: FDM data is confidential and should be protected from unauthorized access. Airlines should have a clear policy in place for handling and protecting FDM data.

• Use data to improve safety and efficiency: FDM data should be used to identify and correct unsafe operating practices, improve training programs, and improve operational efficiency. FDM data should not be used for punitive purposes.

Conclusion

FDM is a valuable tool for airlines and other aircraft operators to improve safety and efficiency. FDM programs can help to identify and correct unsafe operating practices, develop and improve training programs, improve aircraft maintenance schedules, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and improve on-time performance.
Also accident investigations like Transasia Airways flight GE222 crash heavily rely on FDM data.

Additional thoughts

FDM is a relatively new technology, but it has quickly become an essential part of aviation safety. As FDM technology continues to develop, it is likely to become even more valuable to airlines and other aircraft operators.

One of the most promising areas of FDM development is the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI can be used to develop more sophisticated algorithms for analyzing FDM data. This could lead to the identification of new safety hazards and operational risks that would be difficult or impossible to identify using traditional methods.

Another promising area of FDM development is the use of big data. Big data allows FDM programs to analyze data from a large number of aircraft over a long period